Planting and Care for Astilbe

Astilbes produce a fern like foliage and beautiful plume of colorful flowers. The flower colors include white, pink, red and purple and range in size from six inches to as big as five feet. Although Astilbe is not a difficult flower to plant, following these simple guidelines will provide you with an even more beautiful bloom.

Site Selection
When selecting a site for your Astilbe, choose one that has light to full shade. Astilbe do not mind light morning sun, however they do need to be shielded from the harsh afternoon sun. Planting Astilbe in a damp soil will also provide you with the best results.

When and How to Plant
Planting Astilbe can take place in either spring or fall. Depending on the variety plant them about one to three feet apart. In order to prepare the garden bed, till the soil about ten to fourteen inches deep and mix in two to four inches of compost. When planting from a pot, dig the hole twice the diameter of the pot and deep enough to just cover the top of the root ball. Place the bulb in the hole and carefully replace the soil, firming gently. Finally, water thoroughly and keep soil moist until roots begin to take hold. If your Astilbe has bare-roots, dig the hole that is four to six inches deep and twice as wide as your plant. When placing your plant fan out the root structure and cover with soil. Firm the soil gently and water till it is moist.

Care
Each spring apply a light fertilizer or compost. Apply two inches of mulch around the base of the flower to retain moister and prevent weeds. Astilbe should be divided every three to four years just as the new growth emerges during the spring.