How to Care for Astilbe
Astilbe (Astilbe chinensis), also known as false spirea, is an herbaceous perennial plant prized for its large flower clusters and ease of growth. The plant blooms during early to mid-summer, usually between June and July. It produces multiple plumes of flowers in shades of white, pink, purple or red, depending on the variety. Native to Asia and North America, astilbe requires only basic care to thrive in the home garden, and it makes an ideal planting for flower beds and borders around ponds or streams. Hardy in USDA zones 4 through 8, astilbe plants perform well in most areas of the United States.
Plant astilbe during mid-spring in a location that receives bright morning sun and partial afternoon shade when temperatures peak. Choose a site with well-drained, highly fertile soil for optimal growth. Space astilbe plants 12 to 24 inches apart.
- Astilbe (Astilbe chinensis), also known as false spirea, is an herbaceous perennial plant prized for its large flower clusters and ease of growth.
- Native to Asia and North America, astilbe requires only basic care to thrive in the home garden, and it makes an ideal planting for flower beds and borders around ponds or streams.
Water astilbe once every five days during the first active season of growth to help establish the planting. Decrease the frequency of watering thereafter to once every seven days to keep the soil consistently moist. Do not water during winter, when active growth has ceased.
Feed the plant twice per year, once during early spring and again in mid-summer, using a 5-10-5 NPK granular fertilizer. Water the soil lightly before and after applying to dissolve the granules. Apply at the rate described by the instructions on the package.
Apply a 3-inch layer of mulch to the soil surrounding astilbe plants during early winter, just after the first frost of the season, to provide insulation for the roots. Begin the layer at least 3 inches from the plant's base to allow air to flow freely. Remove the mulch during early spring, just before new growth resumes.
- Water astilbe once every five days during the first active season of growth to help establish the planting.
- Apply a 3-inch layer of mulch to the soil surrounding astilbe plants during early winter, just after the first frost of the season, to provide insulation for the roots.
Use pruning shears to cut back astilbe to the ground if the foliage begins to turn brown and die during summer. The plant will rejuvenate if cool, moist conditions return, or will stay dormant until the following spring if it is unable to recover.
Tip
Do not remove spent astilbe flowers; the dried blossoms are considered ornamental during winter.
Use a heavy mulch such as wood chips or evergreen boughs to provide plenty of insulation for the plant during the cold winter months.
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References
- Maryland Cooperative Extension Fact Sheet: Astilbe Production and Consumer Care
- Cornell University Flower Growing Guides: Astilbe, Chinese
- "Mid-Atlantic Gardener's Guide"; Andre Viette, Mark Viette, Jacqueline Heriteau; 2003
Tips
- Do not remove spent astilbe flowers; the dried blossoms are considered ornamental during winter.
- Use a heavy mulch such as wood chips or evergreen boughs to provide plenty of insulation for the plant during the cold winter months.
Writer Bio
Willow Sidhe is a freelance writer living in the beautiful Hot Springs, AR. She is a certified aromatherapist with a background in herbalism. She has extensive experience gardening, with a specialty in indoor plants and herbs. Sidhe's work has been published on numerous Web sites, including Gardenguides.com.
