Things You'll Need:
- Shovel
- Decayed compost
- Astilbe plants
- Water
- Mulch
- General fertilizer
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Step 1
Select the Astilbe that grows best in your region. According to "The Complete Garden Flower Book," most astilbes are suitable through USDA Zone 7 (Reference 1). However, Dave's Garden mentions a variety of astilbes that are good through Zone 9 (Reference 2).
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Step 2
Prepare the site for the astilbe. According to "The Complete Garden Flower Book," astilbe is a versatile plant and can grow well in bright sun or dappled shade. They need rich soil that retains moisture. Dave's Garden states that "this makes them perfect pond plantings and excellent for those 'in between' sun and shade spots." Several weeks before planting, dig in generous amounts of decayed compost.
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Step 3
Plant potted astilbe in spring. Dig a hole that is larger than the flower's container. Fill the hole with water and before it drains, remove the plant from its container and place it in the hole. Have someone hold the plant in place and add soil until the hole is filled. Tamp gently to settle the soil around the plant. Cover the soil under the plant with a 2-inch layer of mulch. Space the astilbe according to the mature size, generally 8 to 24 inches apart.
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Step 4
Water astilbe regularly. New plantings need plenty of water in prolonged dry spells; do not allow the plants to dry out (Reference 3) and water at the first sign of wilting. (Reference 1) Apply a general fertilizer when the first signs of growth appears and repeat every 6 to 8 weeks. Astilbe have no specific problems with insects or disease.
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Step 5
Watch for the astilbe to bloom beginning in May and continuing through September. The flowers will have a longer bloom time in cooler summers. Astilbe are good for cut flowers. Leave the spent flowerheads on the plants; they will turn a rich brown and make an attractive display through the winter. Cut the spent flower stems to the ground the next spring.
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Step 6
Propagate astilbe every three to four years.(Reference 3). Dig up clumps in late fall and divide, ensuring that each clump has a crown and a good set of roots. Replant (Reference 1).
