🌸 Astilbe: Growing Guide
Astilbe (Astilbe arendsii) grows best in partial shade with moderate watering, and does well at −30 to 25 °C (−22 to 77 °F) in soil with a pH of 5.5–7.0. Space plants about 40 cm (16 in) apart. Expect 365+ days (a perennial — it takes more than a season).
Quick facts
| Scientific name | Astilbe arendsii |
|---|---|
| Category | Shade-loving Plants |
| Sunlight | Partial shade |
| Watering | Moderate |
| Plant spacing | 40 cm (16 in) |
| Soil pH | 5.5–7.0 |
| Comfortable temperature | −30 to 25 °C (−22 to 77 °F) |
| Time to maturity | 365+ days (a perennial — it takes more than a season) |
| Sowing depth | 5 cm (2 in) |
| Height | 40–120 cm (16–47 in) |
When to sow, plant and harvest
The calendar below shows the best months in each climate zone. Pick the zone closest to your garden.
| J | F | M | A | M | J | J | A | S | O | N | D | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mediterranean | Plant out | Harvest | Harvest | |||||||||
| Continental | Plant out | Harvest | Harvest | Harvest | ||||||||
| Oceanic | Plant out | Plant out | Harvest | Harvest | Harvest | |||||||
| Subtropical | Plant out | Harvest | Harvest | |||||||||
| Cold / Northern | Plant out | Harvest | Harvest | Harvest |
- Mediterranean (Greece, Spain, Italy, coastal Turkey): Plant out: Mar · Harvest: May–Jun.
- Continental (Central/Northern Europe, inland Balkans): Plant out: Apr · Harvest: May–Jul.
- Oceanic (UK, France, Belgium, Netherlands, NW Europe): Plant out: Mar–Apr · Harvest: May–Jul.
- Subtropical (Southern US, N. Africa, Middle East): Plant out: Feb · Harvest: Mar–Apr.
- Cold / Northern (Scandinavia, Canada, Russia, Alpine): Plant out: Apr · Harvest: May–Jul.
Watering
Water about every 3 days in summer and about every 7 days in winter. Loves moist soil.
Growing tips
Feathery flowers in pink, red or white. Ideal for shade and moist soil. Fanal and Bridal Veil.
Good companion plants
These plants grow well alongside it:
Frequently asked questions
Astilbe: when should I sow and plant it?
Mediterranean (Greece, Spain, Italy, coastal Turkey): Plant out: Mar · Harvest: May–Jun. Continental (Central/Northern Europe, inland Balkans): Plant out: Apr · Harvest: May–Jul. Oceanic (UK, France, Belgium, Netherlands, NW Europe): Plant out: Mar–Apr · Harvest: May–Jul.
Astilbe: how often should I water it?
Water about every 3 days in summer and about every 7 days in winter. Loves moist soil.
Astilbe: how far apart should I plant it?
Plant about 40 cm (16 in) apart and sow at a depth of about 5 cm (2 in).
Astilbe: how long does it take to grow?
Plan on 365+ days (a perennial — it takes more than a season).
Astilbe: which plants grow well with it?
Hosta, Ferns.
Plan your garden
Add Astilbe to your garden design in the free GardenXPro planner: drag plants onto a 2D plan, preview it in 3D, check companions and get watering reminders.
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