There are over 20 species of Astilbe plants with striking plumages of small white, pink, or red flowers.
Astilbe are shade-loving plants that thrive under heavy shades, are winter-hardy and tend to withstand damp soil. They are perfect for adding colours and vibrancy to the neglected parts of the garden.
Common name: False goat’s beard, false spirea, florist’s spirea
Official name: Astilbe
Native to: North America and Asia
How to propagate Astilbe
Astilbe plants grow by root separation and propagation. These herbaceous perennials have rhizomes that remain active during winter and come to life in spring.
They'll grow happily where the soil and moist.
When do Astilbe Plants flower?
Astilbe plants are the most prolific shade flower you can grow in the garden or in pots and containers. Like ostrich plumes, the flowers are adorable and come in several colours.
Astilbe blooms depend on the cultivars but generally, they are late spring to late summer bloomers. The early blooming varieties emerge in spring, while late bloomers hold off until August.
You can mix and match to get these gorgeous flowers blooming all season.
Does Astilbe Spread?
Some astilbe plants such as Astilbe Chinensis taquetti can gorw to 150 - 200 cm. Dwarf Chinese Astilbe is a relatively small plant which grows to 30 - 60 cm.
They grow in clumps (clusters) and do not spread away from the parent plant. They are easy to control, low-maintenance and undemanding plants.
They tend to behave well and produce the most beautiful flowers.
Does Astilbe like sun or shade?
Astilbe are natural undercover plants that thrive in heavily forest canopies. They love the shade and a bit of indirect light to produce full blooms.
Direct light can harm the leaves.
Is astilbe a perennial?
Astilbe plants are herbaceous perennials that regenerate via underground roots. They will last the whole season, die down and put out new growth in spring.