Astilbe is a perennial flowering plant that is extremely valued for its attractive, feather-like flowers and lavish, fern-like foliage. This plant is native to Asia and North America, and it is frequently grown in gardens and landscapes worldwide. Astilbe is a member of the Saxifragaceae household and is closely related to other popular garden plants such as Heuchera, Bergenia, and Tiarella.
Astilbe is a plant that can be found in a range of colors, from white to pink, red, and even lavender. Its flowers are small and organized in dense, cone-shaped clusters called panicles. These panicles can be as long as 2 feet, and they can last for numerous weeks, making Astilbe an excellent option for adding color and texture to gardens and landscapes. In addition, the flowers are extremely aromatic, which makes them an exceptional choice for cut flower arrangements.
Among the most amazing aspects of Astilbe is its foliage. The plant’s leaves are deeply divided, giving them a feathery look. The foliage is green and likewise rich, which provides a beautiful background for the plant’s flowers. Astilbe is an excellent plant for providing texture and contrast in gardens and landscapes due to its foliage. Its foliage remains attractive throughout the growing season, even after the flowers have actually faded.
Astilbe is a durable plant that is easy to care for and grow. It prefers moist, well-drained soil and partial shade, although it can also tolerate complete sun if provided with adequate water. Once established, the plant is generally low-maintenance and does not require much attention. However, it is necessary to keep the soil consistently wet, specifically throughout hot, dry durations.
The proliferation of Astilbe is relatively simple, as the plant can be propagated through the department. This implies that a mature plant can be divided into numerous smaller plants, which can then be replanted in a brand-new place. When the plant is inactive, this process is generally done in the fall or early spring.
In conclusion, astilbe is a lovely, low-maintenance plant that is highly valued for its appealing foliage and vibrant flowers. This plant is an outstanding choice for adding texture and contrasts to landscapes and gardens and is extremely adaptable to a range of growing conditions. If you are searching for an easy-to-grow and lovely plant that will add color and interest to your garden or landscape, astilbe is an exceptional option.
Here are 23 Types Of Popular Astilbe Pictorial Guide:
- Astilbe x Arendsii
- Astilbe Biternata
- Astilbe Chinensis
- Astilbe Crispa
- Astilbe Japonica
- Astilbe Microphylla
- Astilbe Montgomery
- Astilbe Rivularis
- Astilbe Rubra
- Astilbe Simplicifolia
- Astilbe Thunbergii
- Astilbe Formosa
- Astilbe Longicarpa
- Astilbe Macroflora
- Astilbe Grandis
- Astilbe Crenatiloba
- Astilbe x Arendsii ‘Jump and Jive’
- Astilbe x Arendsii ‘Chocolate Shogun’
- Astilbe x Arendsii ‘Fanal’
- Astilbe x Arendsii ‘Amethyst’
- Astilbe Chinensis ‘Pumila’
- Astilbe Chinensis ‘Maggie Daley‘
- Astilbe Chinensis ‘Milk and Honey’
- How To Grow And Care For Astilbe
- How To Propagate Astilbe
- Top 5 FAQ And Answers For Astilbe
- Top 10 Interesting Facts About Astilbe
Astilbe x Arendsii
Astilbe x Arendsii is a hybrid type of seasonal blooming plant that comes from the Saxifragaceae family. It is typically referred to as Arends’ Astilbe and is the result of crossbreeding different Astilbe types. Arends’ Astilbe is valued for its appealing fern-like foliage and flashy plume-like flowers that bloom in tones of pink, red, white, and purple. It is a popular choice for damp locations and shaded gardens and is understood for its easy-to-grow and low-maintenance nature.
Astilbe Biternata
Astilbe Biternata is a type of blooming plant native to the eastern United States. It is a member of the Saxifrage household and is commonly known as the Appalachian false goat’s beard or two-leaved astilbe.
Astilbe Chinensis
Astilbe Chinensis is a type of flowering plant in the Saxifragaceae family, native to China and Korea. It is typically known as Chinese astilbe and features snazzy, fluffy plumes of pink, lavender, or white flowers that bloom in the summer season.
Astilbe Crispa
Astilbe Crispa is a type of flowering plant in the Saxifragaceae family, native to Japan. It is a herbaceous perennial that typically matures to 60 cm high and produces feathery plumes of pink or white flowers in the summer season. Its leaves are deeply lobed and have a glossy texture, contributing to its decorative worth. Astilbe Crispa is commonly grown in gardens and is typically utilized as a border plant or in rock gardens.
Astilbe Japonica
Astilbe Japonica is a type of seasonal flowering plant in the Saxifragaceae family, native to Japan and eastern Asia. It is frequently grown in gardens for its attractive fern-like foliage and flashy, feathery plumes of flowers in tones of pink, red, and white that flower in the summertime. Astilbe japonica prefers moist, well-drained soil and partial to complete shade, making it an exceptional option for forest gardens or shady borders.
Astilbe Microphylla
Astilbe Microphylla is a species of blooming plant that comes from the Saxifrage household. It is a small, herbaceous perennial that typically grows to a height of 20–30 cm. The plant is identified by its attractive feathery foliage and delicate, pinkish-purple flowers that flower in the summer. It is commonly discovered in forest areas and wet, dubious areas. Astilbe Microphylla is widely cultivated as a decorative plant in gardens and is known for its capability to attract hummingbirds and butterflies.
Astilbe Montgomery
Astilbe Montgomery is a perennial herbaceous plant species that comes from the Saxifragaceae household. It is known for its appealing, feathery plumes of pink flowers that bloom in early to mid-summer. The plant has dark green, glossy foliage and can rise to 2 feet in height. Astilbe Montgomery chooses partial to full shade and moist, well-drained soil. It is frequently used in shade gardens, woodland gardens, and border plantings.
Astilbe Rivularis
Astilbe Rivularis is a species of flowering plant belonging to Asia, especially found in the Himalayas. It is a seasonal herb with feathery plumes of pink or white flowers that bloom in the summertime. It usually grows in damp, shaded locations and is frequently used in gardens as an ornamental plant for its appealing foliage and blossoms.
Astilbe Rubra
Astilbe Rubra is a herbaceous seasonal plant species from the Saxifragaceae family. It belongs to East Asia and produces striking pinkish-red plume-like flowers in the summertime. The plant prefers moist, dubious environments and can grow up to 60 cm tall. Its attractive foliage, which stays green throughout the growing season, adds to its decorative worth in garden settings.
Astilbe Simplicifolia
Astilbe Simplicifolia is a species of blooming plant that belongs to the family Saxifragaceae. It is a herbaceous seasonal plant that normally grows to a height of 30–60 cm and flowers in the mid–late summer season, producing clusters of little, fragile pink or white flowers. The plant is native to East Asia, especially China and Japan, and is often grown as an ornamental plant in gardens and landscapes for its attractive foliage and flowers.
Astilbe Thunbergii
Astilbe Thunbergii is a perennial herbaceous plant native to Japan, known for its feathery, plume-like white flowers that bloom in mid-to-late summer. It grows up to 1.2 meters tall and has a clumping habit with attractive foliage consisting of deep green, glossy, and serrated leaves. It prefers damp soil and partial shade and is commonly utilized in borders, forest gardens, and dubious areas as an ornamental plant.
Astilbe Formosa
Astilbe Formosa is a herbaceous perennial plant native to parts of North America, especially in the Pacific Northwest. In the summer season, it produces striking plumes of pink or red flowers that draw in pollinators like bees and butterflies.
Astilbe Longicarpa
Astilbe Longicarpa is a species of flowering plant in the Saxifragaceae household, native to China. It usually grows to a height of 30–60 cm, with feathery pink or white flowers blooming in late spring or early summer. The plant prefers wet, well-drained soil and partial shade and is typically utilized in garden borders, forest gardens, and shaded rock gardens.
Astilbe Macroflora
Astilbe Macroflora is a species of flowering plant that comes from the Astilbe genus, which is part of the Saxifragaceae household. It is native to Asia and produces big, showy, plume-like flowers that vary in color from white to pink and red. The plant prefers wet, well-drained soil and partial shade, making it a popular option for gardens and landscaping in temperate regions.
Astilbe Grandis
Astilbe Grandis is a herbaceous seasonal plant that belongs to the Saxifragaceae household. It is native to eastern Asia and produces large, snazzy, feathery plumes of pink, white, or red flowers that bloom in summer. The plant has deep green, glossy, fern-like foliage that grows in a thick, bushy mound. It chooses damp, well-drained soil and partial to complete shade. Astilbe Grandis is frequently utilized in shade gardens, woodland gardens, and as a border or accent plant.
Astilbe Crenatiloba
Astilbe Crenatiloba is a species of herbaceous seasonal plant that comes from the Saxifragaceae family. It belongs to mountainous locations in eastern Asia, such as China, Korea, and Japan. The plant usually grows to a height of 50–60 cm and has deep green, deeply lobed leaves with serrated edges. In the summer season, it produces feathery plumes of pink, red, or white flowers on tall, upright stalks. Astilbe Crenatiloba is commonly grown as an ornamental plant in dubious, damp garden settings due to its attractive foliage and snazzy flowers.
Astilbe x Arendsii ‘Jump and Jive’
Astilbe x Arendsii ‘Jump and Jive’ is a cultivar of Astilbe, a herbaceous seasonal plant that is frequently grown for its appealing, fern-like foliage and snazzy, feathery flower spikes. ‘Jump and Jive’ is a compact variety that produces deep pink to red blossoms in the mid to late-summer season, adding a burst of color to dubious areas of the garden. This plant chooses damp, well-draining soil and partial shade.
Astilbe x Arendsii ‘Chocolate Shogun’
Astilbe x Arendsii ‘Chocolate Shogun’ is a seasonal flowering plant that comes from the Saxifragaceae family. It is a hybrid variety that is known for its lovely chocolate-colored foliage and feathery pink flowers that bloom in the summertime. It prefers damp soil and partial shade, making it an excellent addition to woodland gardens or as an accent plant in containers and borders.
Astilbe x Arendsii ‘Fanal’
Astilbe x Arendsii ‘Fanal’ is a popular cultivar of astilbe, a herbaceous seasonal plant known for its attractive, feathery plumes of flowers that bloom in shades of pink, red, and white. ‘Fanal’ specifically produces bright red flowers on high, durable stems, which contrast wonderfully against its deep green foliage. It is a popular option for shady borders, forest gardens, and damp locations where it can prosper in moist, well-drained soil.
Astilbe x Arendsii ‘Amethyst’
Astilbe x Arendsii ‘Amethyst’ is a hybrid seasonal plant commonly used in gardens and landscaping. It includes clusters of small, feathery, amethyst-colored flowers on tall, upright stems above mounds of dark green, fern-like foliage. It prefers moist, well-drained soil and partial shade and blossoms from mid to late summer. It is frequently used as a border plant or in mass plantings and is attractive to pollinators such as butterflies and bees.
Astilbe Chinensis ‘Pumila’
Astilbe Chinensis ‘Pumila’ is a herbaceous perennial plant that belongs to the Saxifragaceae family. It is a compact variety of Astilbe Chinensis and is defined by its dense, feathery pinkish-purple flower spikes that flower in mid-to-late summertime. The plant has deep green, fern-like foliage and matures to a height of about 30–40 cm. It is a popular garden plant that is typically used in borders, rock gardens, and containers and prefers wet, well-draining soil and partial to full shade.
Astilbe Chinensis ‘Maggie Daley‘
Astilbe Chinensis ‘Maggie Daley’ is a herbaceous perennial plant with feathery and stylish plumes of pink-purple flowers that flower in mid-to-late summertime. It has a compact, clump-forming habit and reaches a height of 2-3 feet with a spread of 1-2 feet. The plant is perfect for adding color and texture to dubious borders, woodland gardens, and damp areas. It prefers moist, well-drained soils and partial shade to complete shade conditions.
Astilbe Chinensis ‘Milk and Honey’
Astilbe Chinensis ‘Maggie Daley’ is a herbaceous perennial plant with feathery and stylish plumes of pink-purple flowers that flower in mid-to-late summertime. It has a compact, clump-forming habit and reaches a height of 2-3 feet with a spread of 1-2 feet. The plant is perfect for adding color and texture to dubious borders, woodland gardens, and damp areas. It prefers moist, well-drained soils and partial shade to complete shade conditions.
How To Grow And Care For Astilbe
Astilbe is a beautiful perennial plant with feathery plumes of flowers that come in a variety of colors, including pink, red, white, and lavender. Here are some tips on how to grow and care for astilbe:
- Planting: Astilbe prefers a shady location with moist, well-draining soil. They can tolerate some sun, but too much sun can scorch the leaves. Plant them in the spring or fall, and make sure the soil is well-moistened before planting.
- Watering: Astilbe needs to be watered regularly to keep the soil moist, especially during the hot summer months. Mulching around the plant can help retain moisture in the soil.
- Fertilizing: Astilbe benefits from a balanced fertilizer in the spring and again in mid-summer. A slow-release fertilizer can also be used.
- Pruning: After the flowers have faded, cut the stems back to the ground. This will encourage new growth and a second flush of flowers.
- Dividing: Astilbe can be divided every 3–4 years in the spring or fall. Dig up the clump, separate the roots, and replant the divisions.
- Pest and disease control: Astilbe can be susceptible to pests such as slugs and snails, as well as diseases such as powdery mildew. Use an insecticide or fungicide as needed, and remove any infected leaves.
By following these tips, you can enjoy beautiful blooms from your astilbe plants for years to come.
How To Propagate Astilbe
Astilbe can be propagated through division, seed, or rooting stem cuttings. Here are the steps for each method:
Division:
- Choose a mature Astilbe plant with several healthy shoots.
- Dig up the plant in early spring or fall when it is dormant.
- Gently separate the clump into smaller sections using a sharp knife or garden fork. Each section should have a healthy root system and several shoots.
- Replant the sections immediately in a new location with well-draining soil, spaced at least 18 inches apart.
Seed:
- Collect astilbe seeds in the fall after the flowers have faded and the seed pods have dried out.
- Soak the seeds in water overnight to soften the seed coat.
- Sow the seeds in a pot or tray filled with a well-draining soil mix and cover them with a thin layer of soil.
- Keep the soil moist and place the container in a warm, bright location but not in direct sunlight.
- Germination usually occurs within 2-3 weeks, and the seedlings can be transplanted into their final location once they have developed a strong root system.
Stem cuttings:
- Take a stem cutting from a healthy Astilbe plant in the spring or summer, making sure it is at least 4-6 inches long and has several leaves.
- Remove the lower leaves, leaving only a few at the top.
- Dip the cut end in rooting hormone powder and insert it into a pot filled with a well-draining soil mix.
- Cover the pot with a clear plastic bag to create a humid environment and keep it in a warm, bright location but not in direct sunlight.
- Keep the soil moist, and within 4-6 weeks, roots will have formed, and the cutting can be transplanted into a larger container or directly into the garden.
Top 5 FAQ And Answers For Astilbe
Q: What is Astilbe?
A: Astilbe is a genus of herbaceous perennials in the Saxifragaceae family. It is native to Asia and North America, and it is commonly grown for its showy, feathery plumes of flowers, which bloom in shades of white, pink, red, and purple.
Q: When is the best time to plant Astilbe?
A: The best time to plant astilbe is in the spring or fall when the soil is cool and moist. Astilbe prefers partial shade to full shade, and it grows best in rich, well-draining soil that is kept consistently moist.
Q: How do I care for Astilbe?
A: Astilbe is a low-maintenance plant that requires little care once established. It prefers consistently moist soil, so be sure to water it regularly during dry spells. Astilbe also benefits from an application of fertilizer in the spring, and deadheading spent flowers will encourage additional blooms.
Q: How do I propagate Astilbe?
A: Astilbe can be propagated by division in the spring or fall. Simply dig up the plant and separate the roots into sections, making sure each section has a healthy root system. Replant the divisions in their new location and water thoroughly.
Q: Are there any pests or diseases that affect Astilbe?
A: Astilbe is generally resistant to pests and diseases, but it can occasionally be affected by powdery mildew, which appears as a white, powdery coating on the leaves. To prevent powdery mildew, make sure the plant is grown in well-draining soil and avoid overhead watering. If powdery mildew does occur, it can be treated with a fungicide or by removing infected leaves.
Top 10 Interesting Facts About Astilbe
- Astilbe is a genus of flowering plants in the family Saxifragaceae that originated in Asia and North America.
- There are around 25 species of Astilbe, and they vary in size from around 6 inches to over 5 feet tall.
- Astilbe is commonly called False Spirea due to its spire-shaped flower clusters, which are not actually related to the Spirea genus.
- The flowers of Astilbe come in a variety of colors, including pink, white, red, and purple.
- Astilbe prefers moist, shady areas and is often grown in woodland gardens or along streams and ponds.
- Astilbe is a popular cut flower, and its feathery plumes add texture and color to flower arrangements.
- Astilbe has a long history of medicinal use in traditional Chinese medicine to treat a variety of ailments, including respiratory problems and inflammation.
- Astilbe is also used in landscaping to control erosion and stabilize stream banks.
- Astilbe is a low-maintenance plant that is easy to grow and propagate from seed or division.
- Astilbe attracts pollinators such as bees and butterflies to the garden.
