Overview: Astilbes are long-blooming plume-like flowers in shades of white, pink and red, held above airy foliage. Astilbes are one of the easiest perennial flowers to grow, but they give a high return. Virtually pest free, they can light up the shade garden.
Latin Name: Astilbe
Common Name(s): False Spiraea, Meadowsweet
USDA Zone: USDA Zones 4-8
Size: 1½' - 4'
Exposure: Full Sun / Partial Shade
Bloom Period/Days to Harvest: Late Spring/Summer
Description: Foliage is deeply lobed, almost fern-like and airy. Feathery plumes of flower clusters are born on tall stalks above the foliage. Flowers come in shades of white, pink, and red. Flowers stay in bloom several weeks and slowly fade in color as they dry.
Growing Notes: Prefer partial shade, but can handle full sun if given plenty of water. Responds well to a rich soil. For the most part, Astilbes are trouble free, bothered by few diseases or insects.
Maintenance: Easy maintenance. No staking or deadheading is necessary. Flower heads will dry on the plant and remain attractive for many months. Cut back in the spring or when the weather knocks the stalks over. Divide every 4-5 years.
Design Tips: Great long-lasting color for the shade border. Provides a nice textural contrast to Hostas. Also work well in containers.
Suggested Varieties:
A. arendsii ‘Bridal Veil’ - Mid to late season bloomer with full white plumes (3')
A. arendsii ‘Fanal’ - blooms early with blood red flowers on bronze foliage (1½' - 2½')
A. arendsii ‘Rheinland’ - Another early bloomer in a rich pink, very hardy (2- 2½')
A. chinensis taquetii ‘Purple Candles - Deep purple, chenille-like plumes ( 3'- 4')
A. arendsii ‘Bridal Veil’ - Mid to late season bloomer with full white plumes (3')
A. arendsii ‘Fanal’ - blooms early with blood red flowers on bronze foliage (1½' - 2½')
A. arendsii ‘Rheinland’ - Another early bloomer in a rich pink, very hardy (2- 2½')
A. chinensis taquetii ‘Purple Candles - Deep purple, chenille-like plumes ( 3'- 4')
