Astilbe

Astilbe Varieties: Fluffy Flower Spikes In A Range Of Hues

Astilbes, also known as ‘False Spirea’, ‘False Goat’s Beard’, and ‘Feather Flower’, are true standouts in any British garden. With their distinctive, feathery plumes, they lend a soft, airy charm to various garden styles, from traditional cottage settings to shaded woodland gardens. These delicate plumes rise elegantly above the fern-like foliage, creating a striking visual contrast. Depending on the variety and species, such as the Astilbe ‘Chinensis’, they bloom in early, mid or late summer and are known for their compact, tidy growth habit.

One of the most appealing features of Astilbes is their wide range of colours that match other plants perfectly. From soft white and bright pink flowers to rich purples and vibrant reds, these blooms allow you to design a garden with stunning floral shades. Varieties such as Astilbe ‘Look At Me’ display bold pink flower spikes, while Astilbe ‘Close Harmony’ offers delicate white blooms, perfect for mixing and matching within your flower beds.

Astilbes are admired not only for their striking appearance. These shade-loving plants require minimal care and are highly tolerant of cold, meaning there’s no need for frost protection during the winter months. Their resilience makes them easy to establish. Simply plant them directly outdoors in early spring, and enjoy a fuss-free gardening experience.

Astilbe Plants: Shade-Loving Perennials, Perfect For Pollinators

Astilbes are a striking addition to any garden, but their appeal goes far beyond their looks. These feathery blooms are highly attractive to pollinators, offering a reliable source of nectar for bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects throughout the growing season. Astilbes are also deer-resistant and emit a gentle, pleasant fragrance.

Versatile and low-maintenance, these plants thrive in a variety of garden settings. Whether placed in borders, flower beds or containers, Astilbes perform beautifully in the right conditions. For best results, plant them in partially or fully shaded areas. They also make excellent cut flowers, bringing their soft, airy charm indoors for you to enjoy.

How To Grow Astilbe Flowers For Maximum Impact In Your Garden

Astilbes are a wonderful choice for bringing visual drama to your shade garden, with vivid summer blooms that gradually soften into elegant pastel tones as they fade. To achieve the best results, it’s essential to follow proper planting and care instructions.

Astilbes flower in summer, so planting should begin in early to late spring, once the soil is workable. Before planting, soak the bare roots in water for 3 to 6 hours. Select a site with partial shade. While Astilbes will tolerate full shade, partial shade encourages the most vibrant blooms. Ensure the soil is loose and well-drained. Incorporating compost and applying mulch will help retain moisture and suppress weeds. If planting in pots or containers, use a loam-based or multipurpose compost for optimal results.

Loosen the soil to a depth of around 30 centimetres, then plant your Astilbe root ball with the crown positioned just below the soil surface. Space the plants 45 to 60 centimetres apart to ensure good air circulation. Regular watering, at least once a week, until the roots are well established. Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Remove faded blooms once flowering has finished. In autumn, cut the stems back to approximately 2.5 centimetres above the soil line.

With patience and the right care, you’ll be rewarded with beautiful Astilbe flowers each summer. Need more guidance? Explore our growing guide ‘How to Grow Astilbe’ for further information.

Premium Astilbes for Sale at DutchGrown

At DutchGrown, we offer distinctive Astilbe bare roots renowned for their exceptional size and quality. With decades of experience in sourcing the finest bare roots, we select each one to ensure it meets our exacting standards. Whether you opt for the delicate charm of Astilbe ‘Peach Blossom’ or the striking beauty of Astilbe ‘Volcano’, your garden will be transformed into a vibrant and elegant display, full of life and colour throughout the summer months. Explore our range of premium Astilbes for sale and elevate your garden with some of the finest plants available. We ship throughout the UK.

Frequently Asked Questions About Astilbes

Where Is The Best Place To Plant Astilbe?

Astilbes will produce their most vibrant blooms in partial shade with well-drained, damp soil. While they can tolerate full shade, they typically perform better with a little indirect sunlight. Avoid planting them in full sun, which may cause stress and result in poor or stunted growth. A bog garden is an excellent option for growing Astilbes.

Does Astilbe Come Back Every Year?

Astilbes are shade-loving perennials that return year after year when planted in suitable conditions. These clump-forming plants are (fully) hardy and can tolerate very low temperatures, so there’s no need for frost protection during the winter. As long as they are grown in moist soils and receive the right care, you can enjoy their vibrant flowers. So water consistently to keep the soil moist.

How Long Do Astilbes Bloom?

When grown in the right conditions, Astilbes typically bloom for two to three weeks during the summer. Their plume-like flowers, paired with attractive glossy foliage, create a striking display throughout their blooming period. To maximise flowering, plant them in moist, well-drained soil in a partially shaded location. With the proper care, Astilbes will reward you with colourful plumes for several weeks.

Do Astilbes Prefer Sun Or Shade?

Astilbes thrive in partial shade, benefiting from gentle, indirect sunlight while being shielded from the intense afternoon sun. Although they can tolerate deeper shade, their flowering may be less prolific in such conditions. It’s best to avoid planting them in full sun, as this can cause the soil to dry out too quickly, leading to stress and poor growth.