Plant field guide
Astilbe
Feathery plume-like flower spikes above attractive fern-like foliage. One of the best perennials for shade gardens.
Growing requirements
- Scientific name
- Astilbe x arendsii
- Sun
- partial shade
- Water
- high
- Height
- 12 in (30 cm) – 36 in (91 cm)
- Spread
- 12 in (30 cm) – 24 in (61 cm)
- Spacing
- 18 in (46 cm)
- Hardiness zones & minimum temperature
- USDA 3–8; average annual extreme minimum from -40°F (-40.0°C). Hardiness does not predict local frost dates.
- Difficulty
- easy
Planting & seasonal timing
Northern Hemisphere planting months: not yet verified in our database.
Northern Hemisphere pruning months: March.
For the Southern Hemisphere, these seasonal windows shift approximately six months. Check your local frost forecast, soil temperature, and species requirements; calendar months are not a guarantee of planting safety.
Needs consistent moisture. Dried flower plumes provide winter interest. Divide every 3-4 years.
Pruning
Leave spent flower plumes for winter interest. Cut back dead foliage in early spring.
Fertilizer
Balanced organic
Early spring
Mulch
2-3 inches of organic mulch to retain moisture.