False Spiraea, False Goat's Beard
| When to Plant: | |
| Spring or Fall |
| Blooms: | |
| Late Spring to Summer |
| Light Requirements: | |
| Partial Shade to Full Shade |
| Plant Height: | ||
| Varies by type. Ranges from 12-36". | ||
| Hardiness Zones: | |
| Grow as Perennial in zones 3-9. Grow as Annual elsewhere. Find Your Zone |
| Planting Depth: | |
| 15-18" |
| Plant Spacing: | |
| 1-2" |
| Plant Type: | |
| Bare Root |
Astible are very popular, rugged, versatile, shade lovers that thrive in moist conditions. They produce tall, elegant colorful flower plumes above divided fern-like green foliage in the summer and add bursts of impressive color to the garden landscape. Best yet, they are low maintenance, attract butterflies and are deer and critter resistant.
They are quite diverse with hundreds of varieties available, each overachieving in providing splendid flower shows in the shade garden. Use them in groups or en mass to create a ground cover. Pick for cutting when they are half opened.
Plant Astilbe outdoors in the fall, well before the first frost hardens the soil or in the spring after all danger of frost has passed in a partially shaded to full shade location.
The ideal soil is rich and porous and drains well, yet still holds enough water for the roots. If your soil is heavy clay and drains slowly, or very sandy and does not hold water, add organic soil amendments like peat moss or ground bark. Spread a 3-4 inch layer of soil amendment if needed and incorporate into the soil to a depth of 10 inches.
Plant roots 1-2" deep and 15-18" apart. Cover with soil. Water thoroughly at planting. While actively growing, water frequently and thoroughly so that water will reach roots. Mulch to keep the soil cool and to prevent the soil from drying out.
Fertilize regularly.
Remove foliage after it has completely yellowed and died back. Divide every two to three years.
Does not tolerate hot summer temperatures and is a good choice for moderate climates. Astilbe prefers moist conditions.
