Growing Astilbe: Seeds, Care, Colors, Shade, Varieties

Astilbe

Astilbes are beautiful flowering perennials that are known for their fern-like foliage and plume-like flowers. They are native to mountain ravines and woodlands in Asia and North America, but they are now popular garden plants all over the world.

Astilbe seeds

Growing Astilbe from Seeds

While absolutely possible, growing Astilbes from seeds is considered a bit more challenging compared to propagating them through division. Here’s a basic guide:

1. Timing: Sow seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the average last frost in your area.
2. Seeding: Use a well-draining, seed-starting mix and lightly press the tiny seeds onto the surface. Astilbe seeds need light for germination so don’t cover them with soil.
3. Moist and Cool: Keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy. You can use a mister to avoid washing away the seeds. Cover the pot with plastic wrap to create a mini greenhouse and place it in a cool location (around 65-70°F).
4. Germination and Patience: Expect germination to occur within 4-5 weeks. Be patient as Astilbes can be slow growers.
5. Lighten Up: Once seedlings emerge, remove the plastic wrap and provide them with bright, indirect light.
6. Transplanting: Once the seedlings reach about 2 inches tall, they can be transplanted into individual pots or your garden when the danger of frost has passed and soil temperatures warm up.

Astilbe care

Astilbes are relatively easy to care for. Here are some important considerations to bear in mind:

1. Light: Astilbe plants grow best in part shade, but they can also tolerate full sun or full shade. However, they prefer some sunlight to achieve their full size. In hot climates, provide relief from the afternoon sun to prevent foliage burn.
2. Soil: These plants prefer moist, well-drained soil with a slightly acidic pH (around 6.0).
3. Water: Consistent watering is crucial. Astilbes do not tolerate drought well. In hot weather and dry soils, they need more moisture. Water them weekly and deeply at the base, avoiding overhead watering. Keep the soil moist but not soggy.
4. Mulch: Mulch around the plants to conserve soil moisture. Replenish the mulch each spring.

Astilbe colors

 Astilbes enliven shaded gardens in summertime. The plume-like blooms are carried high above the beautiful, dark green foliage. Flower hues range from white, pink, and deep red to light lavender and violet. These elegant perennials add a touch of beauty to shaded areas.

Astilbe shade

Astilbes are versatile when it comes to light conditions. They can grow in part shade, full sun, or even full shade. However, they prefer partial shade. In full sun, they’ll need consistent moisture to prevent foliage burn. So, a little relief from the afternoon sun is beneficial for these lovely plants.

Astilbe varieties

White Astilbe x arendsii ‘Deutschland’: This classic variety features large, white plumes that bloom in mid to late summer. It grows up to 3 feet tall and prefers partial shade.

Astilbe japonica ‘White Gloria’: Another shade-loving variety with pure white, feathery flowers. It blooms in midsummer and reaches a height of 2-3 feet.

Astilbe x arendsii ‘Pink Lightning’: This vibrant pink Astilbe has large, dense flower plumes that bloom in midsummer. It grows 2-3 feet tall and thrives in partial shade.

Astilbe chinensis ‘Pink Dwarf’: A compact variety perfect for borders or containers. It produces soft pink blooms in midsummer and grows only 12-18 inches tall.

Red Astilbes

• Astilbe x arendsii ‘Fanal’: This variety boasts deep red, bottlebrush-like flowers that bloom in early to midsummer. It reaches a height of 2-3 feet and prefers partial shade.

Astilbe x arendsii ‘Red Sentinel’: Another midsummer bloomer with bright red, feathery flowers. It grows 2-3 feet tall and does well in partial shade.

Lavender and Purple Astilbes

• Astilbe x arendsii ‘Amethyst’: This popular variety features soft lavender flowers that bloom in early summer. It grows 2-3 feet tall and thrives in partial shade to full shade.

• Astilbe thunbergii ‘Violet Disclaimer’: A late summer bloomer with deep purple flowers on dark red stems. It reaches a height of 18-24 inches and prefers partial shade.