Growing Astilbe Plants – Learn About Astilbe Bulb Planting

INFORMATION ABOUT ASTILBE…

Image by jaja_1985 A very popular summer flowering perennial, the Astilbe is known for its colorful and feathery plumes. Also commonly called Spirea or the Feather Flower, Astilbe is considered by many to be one of the most attractive shade loving plants.

One of the great things about Astilbe is its diversity. You can find it in reds, yellows, pinks, whites, purples.. The list goes on and on. The leaves and stems of the Astilbe range from green and bronze to red with some varieties sporting shiny leaves and others with matte. Size varies from 8″-40″ tall!

Although somewhat tolerant of full sun, the Astilbe is truly a shade lover. It will thrive in partial to full shade. Perfect for a rock garden, herbaceous border, or in containers, the Astilbe

Astilbe is fairly easy to grow and is hardy in zones 4-9. They love moisture, so a good soaking every day or so is recommended. Astilbe grow best in fertile soil that is rich in organic matter. Depending on the variety, Astilbe bloom between June and August.

Plant Astilbe in the spring or fall, about 15-25 inches apart. Well-drained soil is a must, especially in areas with wet winters. They should be divided every 3-4 years to keep them looking their best.

Not only is the Astilbe a striking flower, but it has many other qualities that make it a must have in your garden. One of the big attractions to this particular perennial is its nice-looking foliage. Even when not in bloom, the Astilbe is quite attractive. Other redeeming qualities are its appeal to butterflies and it’s lovely dried flowers.