How to Grow False Spiraea (Astilbe)

Astilbe is a beautiful, early-summer flowering perennial (meaning it comes back year after year) that thrives in shade. It has ferny foliage and fuzzy, pointed clusters of tiny flowers on stems that reach 2 feet. The flowers come in white and shades of pink and red.

Difficulty:

Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Compost Makers
• False Spiraea Plants In Containers
• Fertilizers
• Gardening Gloves
• Soaker Hoses
• Transplant Spades

Choosing Astilbe

1. Shop for astilbe in spring and early summer. Plants are usually sold in 6-inch and gallon-sized containers at nurseries.

2. Choose healthy plants with many stems growing from the soil.

Planting Astilbe

1. Plant astilbe in a shady place in the garden.

2. Loosen a pot-bound plant by dragging a hand cultivator - a tool that looks like a claw - down the sides of the root ball.

3. Add a light application of organic fertilizer to the planting hole.

4. Set plants no deeper than they were growing in the container.

5. Place plants 2 feet apart.

6. Mulch by adding a 2- to 3-inch layer of compost around the plant.

7. Water well after planting - until the soil is completely wet.

Caring for Astilbe

1. Cut old stems to ground level in early spring. Use bypass pruners for this task.

2. Make sure the area does not dry out; lay a soaker or leaky hose around the plants.

3. Add a light application of organic fertilizer to the top of the soil in early spring; follow directions on the package.

4. Water deeply - until the soil is saturated - once a week in dry summers.

5. Mulch in spring with a 2- to 3-inch layer of compost around but not on top of the plant.