How tall does Astilbe get?
This article has been viewed 95,223 times. The Astilbe plant is a perennial with fern-like foliage and colourful, feathery blossoms. Astilbe vary in height, ranging anywhere from 6 inches to 5 feet (15 cm to 1.5 m), so it is important that you select a variety that suits the needs of your garden.
How tall does Astilbe grow?
Astilbes (Astilbe spp.), sometimes called false spireas, are shade-loving perennials with feathery foliage and pastel-colored plumes of tiny flowers. The size varies greatly, ranging from 6 inches tall to 4 feet tall, depending on the cultivar.
When should you Deadhead Astilbe?
Your astilbes will continue to provide attractive foliage until fall. After the first frost, the leaves may yellow; trim leaves if you wish and fresh growth will come next spring. Should I deadhead Astilbe? Deadheading astilbe won't encourage new flowers, so you should leave them in place through the fall.
Can Astilbe tolerate frost?
The plants are perennials and will come back year after year. Most are hardy and will tolerate freezing conditions and snow. The plants will cope with most soil types, including acid soils, as long as the soil is not dry. Light requirements. Most astilbes prefer semi-shade. They do not tolerate direct sun at the hottest part of the day.
How wide does astilbe get?
18 to 30 inchesAstilbegenus nameAstilbelightPart Sun Sunplant typePerennialheight1 to 3 feet 3 to 8 feetwidth18 to 30 inches7 more rows
How much does astilbe spread?
A flowering perennial that reaches heights ranging from one to six feet, astilbe spreads via underground rhizomes. It's a relatively slow-growing perennial that will fill in a space that you've chosen for it nicely, when given enough time.
Do Astilbes like sun or shade?
Sun and Shade Astilbe perform best in partial shade, but they will also grow in full shade. In cool, northern climates, most astilbe varieties will tolerate full day sun. Zone Astilbes can be grown in hardiness zones 3-8.
How quickly does astilbe grow?
Expect root growth to begin almost immediately after planting. In warm climates, top sprouts will form within a few weeks; in cool climates sprouts will emerge in the spring. Plant your roots in the fall 8 weeks before hard frosts typically occur in areas with winter temperatures that drop below freezing.
Are astilbes invasive?
Astilbe spreads via underground rhizomes and can eventually develop into a large patch, though it is not considered invasive. It dies to the ground completely in winter, but the roots are very cold hardy. In general, astilbe excels in cold, moist climates and is more challenging to grow in hot, dry places.
How much space do astilbe plants need?
Spacing: Space astilbe plants 18 to 24 inches apart. The clumps will spread quickly when grown in the best conditions and will need dividing every 3 to 4 years to keep them in bounds. Planting: Plant astilbe in spring or fall. Avoid summer planting due to astilbe's aversion to drying out.
Does astilbe multiply?
Astilbe are shade-tolerant plants with average moisture needs. They have fern-like foliage and colorful flowers ranging from pink to red or white. They grow up to 5 feet (1.5 m) tall and they can multiply quickly, so it is important to divide your astilbe regularly.
How tall and wide do astilbes grow?
The flower clusters vary in size from 6 inches to 2 feet, and the plant height ranges from 6 inches to 5 feet, depending one variety. Astilbe prefer shady and moist sites.
Are astilbes Evergreen?
Astilbe are a herbaceous perennial which means they die back to bare earth over winter and re grow each spring. Astilbes are grown for their lovely fluffy plume like panicles 18-35cms long which are either red, pink, purple or white.
What goes well with astilbe?
Ideas for Astilbe Companion PlantsFerns.Japanese and Siberian iris.Trilliums.Impatiens.Ligularia.Cimicifuga.
How do you keep astilbe blooming all summer?
The trick to extending astilbe plant bloom time is to install a variety of cultivars from each blooming period. Consider the varieties “Europa” (pale pink), “Avalanche” (white), or “Fanal” (deep red) if you want astilbe with late spring or early summer bloom time.
Should I deadhead astilbe?
Deadheading astilbe won't encourage new flowers, so you should leave them in place through the fall. Eventually, the flowers will dry on the stalks but should stay in place. When winterizing astilbe plants, you can cut all the foliage off, leaving just a 3-inch (7.5 cm) stem above the ground.
Does astilbe need to be divided?
Astilbes are reliable perennials, but they do benefit from being divided every few years. This will regenerate your plant and increase your stock. Divide astilbes in the autumn after flowering or in early spring. Pot up your divisions before planting out.
What goes well with astilbe?
Ideas for Astilbe Companion PlantsFerns.Japanese and Siberian iris.Trilliums.Impatiens.Ligularia.Cimicifuga.
Can astilbe plants be divided?
Astilbe can be successfully divided in fall or early spring. If divided in fall, you can directly replant the new divisions, or you can store them in pots in your garage for the winter to gift to your friends, or for planting in your garden the following spring.
How long do astilbe flowers last?
2 to 3 weeksAstilbes shine when many other shade loving perennials are waning. They bloom for 2 to 3 weeks. Depending on the variety, astilbes flower from early to late summer. Early blooming varieties begin to flower in late May or June while late bloomers begin in late July or early August.
Astilbe Plant Information
Twenty five species of Astilbe exist, with hundreds of hybrids available. Some are borne on arching stems, while others are erect. Astilbe flowers range in color, from whites to dark purples, though most are pastel.
How to Grow Astilbes
Astilbe plants grow in shade, but flowers are more productive in an area where gentle morning or dappled sun can reach them for about an hour or two.
Astilbe Plant Care
While maintenance of the plant is minimal, care for astilbe includes regular, even watering throughout its active growth, especially if planted in areas with more sun. Drying out can lead to leaf scorch, drying leaf margins and can even be the death of the astilbe plant.
How tall are astilbes?
Astilbes’ flower clusters vary in size from 6 inches to 2 feet and their height ranges from 6 inches to 5 feet, depending on the variety. If you have a shady area, try astilbes. They are a great way to add color and texture to a place where other flowers won’t thrive.
What type of soil do astilbes prefer?
Astilbes prefer soils that provide average to slightly below average moisture. Make sure your soil drains well and does not puddle or get water-logged in rain. Amend soil, especially clay types, with peat moss, perlite, and coarse sand to improve the drainage. You can plant astilbe seeds, but they are short–lived and difficult to germinate.
Do you water astilbes?
Remember to regularly check your astilbes to make sure they are moist. Water accordingly if rain does not occur. It’s best to water deeply when you water (not everyday sprinkling).
Can you remove astilbes after blooming?
Removing the flower heads will not promote continued flowering. After blooming has finished for the season, feel free to clip off any spent flower stems. Your astilbes will continue to provide attractive foliage until fall.
How tall do astilbes grow?
There are many different astilbes to choose from. Compact varieties grow just 10" high , while others can have 4-foot flower spikes. Smaller astilbes are ideal for tight spaces or the front of a flower border. They also grow well in containers.
What color are Astilbes?
Astilbes brighten shady gardens with their brilliant midsummer color. The plume-like flowers are held high above attractive, deep green foliage. Flower colors vary from white, pink and deep red, through soft lavender and violet, and all are attractive to butterflies and beneficial insects. Learn how to get the most from these carefree shade-loving ...
How to grow astilbe in a hole?
HOW TO PLANT ASTILBE. Loosen the soil 12” and mix in several handfuls of compost and about ¼ cup of all-purpose granular fertilizer (follow package directions). Put the astilbe in the hole so the crown of the plant (where the roots meet the stem) sits just below the soil line. Cover the roots with soil and water well.
How long do astilbe flowers last?
The blossoms have long, stiff stems that are easy to arrange, and they last for a week in a vase. When the plants are out of bloom, their fernlike foliage is an excellent filler for any summer arrangement.
When do astilbes bloom?
You may also leave the flowers in place. The faded plumes will usually last until early winter, continuing to adding height and visual interest to your garden. Astilbe are slow to emerge in spring, so you may not see them right away. Watch for the new shoots, which are typically dark red.
When should I plant astilbes?
ZONE: Astilbes are winter hardy in zones 3-8. WHEN TO PLANT Astilbes should be planted in spring, when the soil is cool and moist.
How often should I water my astilbe?
Astilbe should be watered at least once per week until the plants settle in and establish a strong root system.
What is an astilbe?
Astilbe is valued for bringing great long-lasting color to part shade borders, where tall colorful flowers are few. In addition, Astilbe provides a nice textural contrast to plants with large, broad leaves such as heuchera, hosta, and Ligularia. Astilbe can also be grown in containers.
When do astilbes bloom?
Different varieties will bloom anywhere from mid-spring to late summer. If you plant different types of astilbe, you can prolong the bloom almost all season. The plumes remain in flower for several weeks and continue to look good as they fade and dry on the plant. No deadheading is needed since they will not bloom again.
How often should I fertilize astilbe?
Astilbe plants need phosphorus to bloom, so choose a fertilizer with the makeup of 5-10-5 or 10-10-10. Rake the fertilizer into the soil two weeks before you plant, or sprinkle a few granules onto the soil after the astilbe has been planted. Once the plant is established, fertilize every spring when the soil is moist but the leaves are not.
How do I care for an Astilbe plant in the winter?
After the first hard frost, put down two inches of mulch around the stem to regulate the soil's temperature.
What is the easiest perennial to grow?
Astilbes are one of the easiest perennial flowers to grow. They have long-blooming, plume-like flowers in soft shades of white, pink, and red, and the flowers are held on tall, stiff stalks above the airy foliage. Virtually pest-free, they can light up the shade garden or soften a sunny spot, and they are very low maintenance .
Where does Astilbe come from?
The Astilbe genus contains at least 18 perennial species native to Asia and and North America, but the types most common in gardens are cultivars of Chinese astilbe ( Astilbe chinensis) or cultivars of a hybrid known as A. x arendsii , creating by crossing A. chinensis, A. thunbergii and A. astilboides. You can plant Astilbe in either spring ...
When should I cut back an astilbe plant?
The flowers can be cut whenever they start to look ragged, or left up for winter interest and cut back in the spring.
How tall is astilbe?
The larger types of astilbe provide real punch in the perennial shade garden. Some of the tallest cultivars available are nearly 5 feet (1.5 m.) tall at maturity. ‘Purple Blaze’ and ‘Purple Candles’ are two of these towering specimens, which are widely available and have deep purple to violet-pink blooms.
What is an astilbe?
Image by AzazelMM. There are many types of astilbe from which to choose. Noted for their finely dissected foliage and airy plumes, these shade lovers brighten any dark area of the garden and are notably easy to grow and cultivate. Among the many astilbe plant varieties are those with flowers of red, white, pink, or lavender, ...
How much space do astilbes need?
Remember that the plants need some horizontal space for the delicate foliage. Provide at least 16 inches (40.5 cm.) between rhizomes at planting. Most astilbe plants are hardy in United States Department of Agriculture zones 4 to 9, but a few are only hardy in zones 5 to 8.
What is a dwarf astilbe?
The dwarf family of astilbe, or chinensis, seem to have more drought tolerance than full sized forms. Some cultivars to try for smaller areas or low profile plants might be ‘Visions,’ ‘ Pumila,’ or ‘Hennie Graafland.’. ‘Pumila is on the smaller side at 12 inches (30.5 cm.) with lovely purple flower spikes.
How tall is White Glory?
If you want a slightly taller white bloomer, try ‘White Glory,’ a plant that may achieve 3 feet (1 m.) in height, or ‘Bridal Veil’ with its striking bronze leaves. Peach to salmon tones are found in ‘Bressingham Beauty,’ ‘Peach Blossom,’ ‘Anite Pfeifer,’ and ‘Grete Pungel.’. The classic pink tones show well with either green or bronze foliage ...
Where are Astilbes native to?
In fact, American gardeners are in the midst of a passionate love affair with Astilbes. Native to the far east, these beautiful plants and their hybrids have revolutionized the perennial possibilities of moist, shaded American gardens.
When did Arends introduce Astilbe?
In 1933 , Arends introduced 74 different Astilbe cultivars, and there have been hundreds since.<p> These plume-flowered plants have ultra-handsome fern-like foliage, (usually dark glossy green) and stiff stems that always hold the elegant plumes aloft without any staking.
Can astilbes grow in a vase?
Flower arrangers find the flower plumes are just as handsome in a vase as in a garden. <p> From tiny dwarfs to big draping hybrids, Astilbes are all quite easy to grow, as long as their ground does not dry out for long. They must have plenty of moisture, so choose your locations carefully.
Is Astilbes a perennial?
About Astilbes: Easy to grow, tough and hardy, Astilbes are now a mainstay in all good perennial gardens. In fact, American gardeners are in the midst of a passionate love affair with Astilbes. Native to the far east, these beautiful plants and their hybrids have revolutionized the perennial possibilities of moist, shaded American gardens. They are companions of ferns and our favorite annuals, impatiens--one of the few flowers that make big color in full or partial shade.
When does an astilbe bloom?
Astilbe plant bloom time is usually a phase of time between late spring and late summer depending on the cultivar. Learn more about the blooming of astilbe in this article to ensure more of these flowering plants in your garden.
How often should I divide astilbe?
You don't need to transplant or divide astilbe plants every year, but every two to four years. For more information on dividing astilbe plants, click this article.
Is astilbe a trouble free plant?
That said, it doesn’t mean that they are completely trouble free.
Can I grow astilbe in pots?
Growing astilbe in pots is easy and container grown astilbe may be just the ticket if you have a semi-shady area that needs a splash of bright color. This delightful plant is available in compact, dwarf varieties. Click this article to learn about growing astilbe in containers.
Why is my astilbe not blooming?
Fertilizer – Astilbe plants are heavy feeders and may not bloom without adequate nutrition; this is a common reason for an astilbe not flowering. Provide a slow-release fertilizer with a ratio of 3-1-2 in spring, and then feed the plant a high-nitrogen fertilizer when the plant is setting buds in late summer or early autumn.
How often should I water my astilbe?
As a general rule, one deep watering per week is adequate. A layer of mulch helps keep the roots evenly moist. Replace the mulch as it decomposes or blows away. Sunlight – While astilbe usually tolerates moderate sunlight, most astilbe varieties perform best in shade.
Is Astilbe a perennial?
Astilbe. By: Mary H. Dyer, Credentialed Garden Writer. Printer Friendly Version. Image by Henrik_L. Astilbe is one of America’s most loved ornamental plants, and with good reason. This hardy perennial produces masses of blooms surrounded by lacy, fern-like foliage. Astilbe is generally a reliable bloomer, but if your astilbe won’t bloom, ...
Features
Description
- Twenty five species of Astilbe exist, with hundreds of hybrids available. Some are borne on arching stems, while others are erect. Astilbe flowers range in color, from whites to dark purples, though most are pastel.
Varieties
- In addition, different varieties bloom at different times and are available in varying heights. Astilbe flowers may be a few inches to a few feet in height, depending on the astilbe plant you choose. If you do your research, youll be rewarded with their spiky blossoms (in an array of heights) all summer long.
Advantages
- Having and using the right astilbe plant information can mean the difference between a large, fully developed bloom and one that is stunted or displays leaf browning and dieback. Astilbe plants flourish with the right soil, food and location. Lets learn how to grow astilbes in a way that promotes the most abundant growth.
Cultivation
- Astilbe plants grow in shade, but flowers are more productive in an area where gentle morning or dappled sun can reach them for about an hour or two. Spent plumes can be cut back in spring or left alone for winter interest. They can also be divided about every four years as needed. Proper care for astilbe plants and the right location can result in delicate, long-lasting blooms in the spri…
Environment
- Astilbe flowers also need correct soil and moisture to flourish. Astilbes prefer rich, organic type soil. Organic material such as compost enriches the soil and adds drainage. If your shady areas have poor, lean or rocky soil, work in some compost a few weeks before putting your plants in the ground. Amend the soil 8 to 12 inches deep so that the roots of astilbe flowers have plenty of ro…
Culture
- Place the astilbe plants into the soil, keeping the crown at the same level as the top of the soil. Water well when planting and keep the soil consistently moist.
Management
- While maintenance of the plant is minimal, care for astilbe includes regular, even watering throughout its active growth, especially if planted in areas with more sun. Drying out can lead to leaf scorch, drying leaf margins and can even be the death of the astilbe plant.