Astilbe
Astilbe is a hardy, floriferous perennial valued for its airy plume-shaped flowers and finely divided foliage. It is particularly well suited to partly shaded borders and moist garden areas.
Astilbe forms compact clumps of attractive foliage and produces elegant flower plumes in white, pink, red, lilac and purple shades, depending on the cultivar. Flowering usually takes place in summer. Astilbe prefers a cool, partly shaded position and fertile, humus-rich soil that remains evenly moist. It can also grow in sunnier conditions when the soil does not dry out. The spent flower plumes can remain attractive and provide structure later in the season.
Care
Keep the soil evenly moist, especially during warm and dry periods. Organic mulch helps retain moisture. Feed in spring with compost or an organic fertiliser. Spent flower plumes can be removed if desired. Cut back the dry above-ground growth in spring and divide older clumps when necessary to maintain vigour.
| Sun exposure | Partial shade, Shade |
|---|---|
| Flowering period | August, July, June |
| Flower colour | Lilac, Pink, Purple, Red, White |
| Height | 30-120cm |
| Winter hardiness | Yes |
| Evergreen | No |
| Water requirement | High |
| Soil type | Humus-rich soil |
| Suitable for pots | Yes |
| Suitable for beds/garden | Yes |
| Suitable for terrace | Yes |
| Suitable for balcony | Yes |
| Suitable for greenhouse | Limited |
| Bee-friendly | Yes |
| Butterfly-friendly | Yes |
| Insect-friendly | Yes |
| Bird-friendly | Limited |
| Fragrant | Lightly fragrant, Not fragrant |
| Pruning period | After flowering, Spring |
| Maintenance | Low, Medium |
| Growth habit | Clump-forming |
| Use | Border, Moist garden, Pot, Shade garden, Terrace |
| Drought tolerance | Low |
| Wind resistance | Good |
| Salt tolerance | Limited |
| Life cycle | Perennial |
| Width | |
| Growth rate |
