Astilbe, a perennial flowering plant, is a popular choice for shade gardens due to its delicate plumes of flowers and attractive foliage. It thrives in moist, well-drained soil and is available in a variety of colors, including pink, red, purple, white, and even yellow.
Characteristics of Astilbe
Flowers: Astilbe produces feathery plumes of tiny flowers that can be single or double. The color of the flowers varies depending on the cultivar.
Foliage: The foliage of Astilbe is typically divided into leaflets and can be green, bronze, or reddish-brown. Some cultivars have variegated foliage.
Height: Astilbe plants can grow to be anywhere from 12 inches to 4 feet tall, depending on the variety.
Bloom Time: Astilbe blooms in late spring to early summer.
Planting Astilbe
Soil: Astilbe prefers moist, well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter.
Sunlight: Astilbe is a shade-loving plant. It can tolerate partial sun, but it will thrive in full shade.
Spacing: Plant Astilbe at a distance of 12 to 18 inches apart.
Watering: Astilbe requires regular watering, especially during dry periods.
Care and Maintenance
Fertilizing: Astilbe can benefit from a light application of fertilizer in the spring.
Deadheading: Deadhead spent flowers to encourage continued blooming.
Division: Astilbe can be divided every 3 to 4 years to rejuvenate the plant.
Pests and Diseases: Astilbe is generally pest and disease resistant.
Popular Astilbe Cultivars
There are many different Astilbe cultivars available, each with its own unique characteristics. Some popular cultivars include:
Astilbe ‘Vision in Pink’: This cultivar produces large, pink plumes of flowers.
Astilbe ‘Bridal Veil’: This cultivar produces white, feathery plumes of flowers.
Astilbe ‘Red Sentinel’: This cultivar produces deep red plumes of flowers.
Astilbe ‘Rheinland’: This cultivar produces purple plumes of flowers.
Astilbe is a beautiful and versatile perennial that can add color and texture to any shade garden. With proper care and maintenance, Astilbe can thrive for many years to come.