Astilbe
Astilbe spp.
Astilbe Plant Features
Electrify shady spots in your garden with astilbe. This shade-garden classic is easy to grow and produces feathery plumes of small flowers in a host of colors including pink, red, white, peach, lavender, and purple. Some even sport bronze foliage that adds to the color show. Although there are dwarf forms of astilbe, most varieties grow 18 inches tall and bloom in mid-spring. Astilbe is resistant to deer and rabbits and are one of the few perennials that grows well under black walnut trees. You can also cut the flower stalks for indoor bouquets. Hardy from zones 3-8.
Astilbe Questions?
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Astilbe Growing Instructions
Astilbe is an excellent choice for shaded borders and woodland edges. They require rich, slightly moist soil that doesn't dry out completely. To keep them in top form, mulch with several inches of compost or shredded bark or leaves to maintain soil moisture. In a shady, moist spot, astilbe also makes a terrific ground cover. Use dwarf forms in pots and planters or to edge a garden path. Astilbe is not intended for human or animal consumption.
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Light
Outside: Part sun
Outside: Shade -
Colors
Pink, Purple, Red, White
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Water
Constantly moist soil
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Special Features
Attracts butterflies
Attracts hummingbirds
Deer/rabbit resistant
Groundcover
Complement your Astilbe with these varieties:
Like astilbe, ligularia thrives in shady locations with moist soil. They make a great pair planted together.
A classic partnership, hosta and astilbe will transform any shady garden into a color festival.
Brighten dark places in your landscape by pairing hellebore with astilbe. Both, like rich, slightly moist soil.
Varieties: Our Favorites

Astilbe 'Country and Western'
Bright green leaves and fluffy pink flower spikes make ‘Country and Western’ astilbe a winner in shady or partially shady locations. It grows 18 inches tall and wide. Zones 3-8

Astilbe 'Drum and Bass'
Drum and Bass astilbe bears rich pink plumes in late summer over finely divided, ferny foliage. It's an excellent accent for hosta, bleeding heart, and other shade perennials. Drum and Bass grows 20 inches tall and 24 inches wide. Zones 3-8

Astilbe arendsii 'Fanal'
Fanal astilbe is a classic variety loved for its rich, deep red blooms and bronzy-green foliage. It grows 18 inches tall and wide. Zones 3-8

Astilbe 'Peach Blossom'
Sprays of peachy-pink flowers appear in midsummer on ‘Peach Blossom’ astilbe. This gorgeous variety grows about 2 feet tall. Zones 4-9

Astilbe arendsii 'Rock and Roll'
Brighten shade gardens with the pretty, white plumes of ‘Rick and Roll’ astilbe. The plants grow 20 inches tall and flower from early to mid-summer. Zones 4-8

Astilbe chinensis 'Visions'
Use Visions astilbe along the edge of a shady garden path where its pretty foliage and frothy pink blooms can be appreciated up close. This dense plant grows only 14 inches tall. Zones 4-8