Astilbe, also known as false spirea or meadowsweet, is a favorite
shade tolerant perennial. It has feathery blooms that seem to glow
within a shady area. It adds a magical element to an area that is
usually predominately foliage. It's a little finicky, though if you
can meet its needs, you will always grow it in your garden for the
color, texture and its uses.
Astilbe does best in a lightly shaded or partially shaded area where
it's moist but not soggy. It isn't a drought tolerant plant and will
lose foliage and brown if it isn't watered enough. You may have
to baby it, if you don't have enough rainfall. They don't do well
in hot afternoon sun, but a spot with morning sun and afternoon
shade really works well. On the other hand, the roots shouldn't sit
in soggy soil either. You can see why it wouldn't do well in some
locations. The soil should be rich, and benefits from the addition
of compost. Plant in the spring or fall, and be sure to fertilize well
throughout the season, and water when needed. Divide every 3-4
years for the best growth. Cut them back in the spring, rather than
fall, and the dead foliage will help protect the plant during the
winter.
Astilbes range in height from less than foot tall to about four
feet, depending on the variety. They are fairly long flowering at
two to three weeks. If you plan well, you can have them in
bloom from June to August, and they'll even help attract the
hummingbirds to your garden. Astilbe blooms can be used as
cut flowers or dried as everlastings. For cut flowers harvest
when over half of the blooms on the stem have opened, not
before. If you wish to dry your astilbe blooms, wait until all
but a very few buds are unopened at the top, but the others
have opened. Dry upright in buckets or vases without water.
Astilbes can be planted with ferns, irises, hostas and Lady's
Mantle for a interesting and pretty shade grouping.
Reader's Question
When the plumes die off astilbe, do you leave them on the
plant till spring, or trim the dead plumes off when they are
thru flowering? Then in the spring, do you cut the whole
plant to the ground? ~Ginny
After the first bloom you can cut just the flowers off and this
will encourage them to bloom again. Many people recommend
leaving the blooms to go to seed for the birds in the winter. I
think you could do this with the second blooms, and cut the
first bloom. They make a neat looking winter landscape plant
too with the seed heads left on. Any dead foliage can be cut
in the spring.
About the Author: Brenda Hyde is a freelance
writer, wife and mom living in the rural Midwestern United States.
She is also the editor of Old Fashioned Living.com.
Perennial & Landscaping Resources
Breck's: Bulbs & Plants
Spring Hill Nursery
Michigan Bulb
Henry Field's
Gurney's Seed & Nursery
Jackson & Perkins
Nature Hills Nursery
