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Astilbe

Astilbes are clump-forming perennials that form 1 to 3-foot-tall mounds of beautiful, fernlike foliage topped by feathery, plumelike flower clusters that rise several inches above the foliage. Astilbes prefer moist, partially shaded sites. Astilbes flower from late spring to early summer depending on the variety. Astilbe flowers come in white, shades of pink, reds, and purples. The individual flowers are tiny, but are abundant in densely packed, branched panicles that can be pyramidal, weeping, or upright depending on the particular variety.

As mentioned previously, Astilbe prefer rich, constantly oist, well-drained soil and partial shade. A site in the garden with sun in the morning and shade in the afternoon is ideal. In northern climates, where summers remain cool, Astilbes can be grown in full sun as long as the soil is kept moist. In southern climates, it is essential that Astilbe be grown in partial shade to full shade.

Astilbes are a good choice for sites along streams and ponds. Astilbes will perform better if compost or other organic matter is worked into the soil and they are fed annual in the spring. To keep Astilbe vigorous or to propagate them, dig and divide them every 3 to 4 years in the spring or early fall.

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