Spotlight On: Astilbe

Astilbe

Scientific Name: Astilbe

Zones: 4-8

Plant Type: Perennial

Sun: Part Sun to Shade

Water:  Keep moist

Bloom Time:  Late spring, Summer

Bloom Color: White, pink, lavender, red

Height:  6-40 inches

Wildlife:  Attracts butterflies. Deer Resistant

Astilbe are a great perennial to feature in your shade gardens.  Their delicate, fern-like foliage add texture to your yard and are contrasted by their feathery blooms in the spring and summer. These blooms vary in color, including  white, pink, red and lavender.  They also make great cut flowers.

Plant your astilbe in a partial to complete shady area in your yard.  Astilbes can thrive in deep shade, but may not bloom as much.  Depending on the variety, astilbe may begin blooming late spring and through the summer.  They like to be kept moist, so be sure to water them deeply rather than a light sprinkling every day.

Astilbes spread in broad clumps in your garden.  These clumps will need to be divided every three or four years.