How to Plant Astilbes

Astilbes, also referred to as False Goat's Beard, are great plants for shade gardens. Their feathery plumes of flowers bloom late April through summer, adding an assorted palette of colors from pinks, reds, yellows to purples. Growing from 6 to 24 inches in height, the flowers form out of a mound of glossy, fernlike foliage that enjoys cool, moist summers. Astilbes are easy to plant and grow.

Things You'll Need

• Astilbe plants Humus-rich soil Compost Mulch All-purpose fertilizer

Instructions

1. Prepare your garden bed in either spring or fall. Till the soil down to about 12 inches. Mix in a 2-inch layer of compost to help keep the soil cool and moist.

2. Dig a hole as deep as the root ball of the plant and twice as wide. Space the plants about 1 to 3 feet apart, depending on their anticipated size at maturity.

3. Set the plant in the hole so the top of the root ball is level with the ground surface. Fill in with the dirt and firm over.

4. Water thoroughly. Keep watered daily so the ground stays moist and doesn't dry out.

5. Apply a thin layer of compost every spring. Spread a 2-inch layer of mulch over the compost. This keeps the soil moist and cool, and keeps the weeds under control.

6. Divide the plants every three to four years by digging up and separating the root ball; replant the divided plants. Astilbes grow very rapidly.

References

• Garden Shop
• Dutch Gardens