How big does astilbe get
John Parsons
Updated on April 13, 2026
Growth Habit: Astilbe is a clump-forming perennial with fern-like leaves and tall flower stalks with plume-like flowers. Plants range in size from 1 to 4 feet tall. Astilbe looks best planted in groups and some low growing types make excellent ground covers. The brightly colored flowers last for a few weeks.
How wide do astilbe get?
genus nameAstilbeplant typePerennialheight1 to 3 feet 3 to 8 feetwidth18 to 30 inchesflower colorPurple Red White Pink
Are there different sizes of astilbe?
Astilbes (Astilbe spp.), sometimes called false spireas, are shade-loving perennials with feathery foliage and pastel-colored plumes of tiny flowers. The size varies greatly, ranging from 6 inches tall to 4 feet tall, depending on the cultivar.
Do astilbe plants spread?
Hardy in zones 3 to 8, it can be planted in spring for mid-summer blooms. Most astilbes spread easily, so divide your plants every 3 to 5 years to prevent overcrowding and to keep them vigorous and healthy.Do astilbes like sun or shade?
Sun and Shade Astilbe perform best in partial shade, but they will also grow in full shade. In cool, northern climates, most astilbe varieties will tolerate full day sun. Zone Astilbes are winter hardy in zones 3-8. When to Plant Astilbes should be planted in spring, when the soil is cool and moist.
How far apart should I plant astilbe?
Spacing: Space astilbe plants 18 to 24 inches apart. The clumps will spread quickly when grown in the best conditions and will need dividing every 3 to 4 years to keep them in bounds. Planting: Plant astilbe in spring or fall.
Are astilbes invasive?
Today that group of astilbes looks fine, and, since this plant is not invasive, it has not taken over the area. … Astilbes, which today form a group of 25 species, grow in various sizes from a few inches to more than 4 feet in height.
How long does it take astilbe to grow?
Expect root growth to begin almost immediately after planting. In warm climates, top sprouts will form within a few weeks; in cool climates sprouts will emerge in the spring. Plant your roots in the fall 8 weeks before hard frosts typically occur in areas with winter temperatures that drop below freezing.Do astilbe come back every year?
Astilbe are perennials. They bloom in the spring until late autumn and then they’ll naturally turn color and drop all their leaves. When cared for over the winter, they’ll come back in the spring and bloom again.
How long do astilbe flowers last?Astilbes shine when many other shade loving perennials are waning. They bloom for 2 to 3 weeks. Depending on the variety, astilbes flower from early to late summer. Early blooming varieties begin to flower in late May or June while late bloomers begin in late July or early August.
Article first time published onWhich astilbe is tallest?
Astilbe chinensis var. tarquetii ‘Superba’ is one of the tallest varieties of Astilbes and always creates a dramatic statement in the garden, with its stunning, purple-rose, lance shaped flower plumes rising up to 4-5 ft high (120-150 cm).
What can I plant with astilbe shade?
- Ferns.
- Japanese and Siberian iris.
- Trilliums.
- Impatiens.
- Ligularia.
- Cimicifuga.
What is the smallest Astilbe?
Dwarf Varieties of Astilbe ‘Sprite’ is an award winning dwarf that tops out at 10 inches (25.5 cm.) and is a charming, vigorous, pink variety with bronze foliage.
Does astilbe multiply?
Astilbe are shade-tolerant plants with average moisture needs. … They grow up to 5 feet (1.5 m) tall and they can multiply quickly, so it is important to divide your astilbe regularly.
Are Astilbes Evergreen?
Astilbe are a herbaceous perennial which means they die back to bare earth over winter and re grow each spring. … A benefit of growing Astilbe is that they are fully hardy and perennial, which means they do come back reliably each year to provide colour in the garden and are good value for money.
Are astilbe poisonous to dogs?
Astilbe may be some of the taller plants in your perennial shade garden, as they grow to heights between 2 and 5 feet. As long as the astilbe plants get limited sunlight and have moist soil, they can bloom throughout the summer months. … Both astilbe and yellow corydalis are non-toxic to dogs.
What conditions do Astilbes like?
Astilbes need rich, moist soil. So dig in plenty of well-rotted organic matter before planting, to improve the soil – add about a bucketful per sq m (sq yd). Choose a sunny or lightly shaded area. Be aware that in a very sunny spot, the foliage may scorch in high summer, and the soil is liable to dry out more quickly.
Does astilbe reseed itself?
Astilbe grow from rhizomes, which produce the shoots and blooms of this lively shade plant. … Most plants start out as a seed but due to many variables, the results may not be true to the parent plant. Also, plants that are derived from rhizomes, corms, or bulbs need many seasons to mature fully and produce flowers.
What time of year is best to transplant astilbe?
Moving astilbe plants is the right thing to do when the flowers have been planted in inappropriate spots, or have been overshadowed by neighboring plants. Perennials that bloom in the spring, including astilbe, should be transplanted in late summer or fall. This is the right time to divide too, if necessary.
Does astilbe like wet soil?
Astilbe (Astilbe simplicifolia) – One of my favorite astilbes is ‘Sprite’ because of its unique airy, shell-pink flowers and dark, bronze-green foliage. Prefers moist, humus-rich roil.
Will astilbe flower the first year?
Even a small plant will quickly fill out and perform well in its first year. In hot, dry climates, they need to be planted in the shade and/or given plenty of water. Different varieties will bloom anywhere from mid-spring to late summer.
Can you split an astilbe?
Astilbes are reliable perennials, but they do benefit from being divided every few years. This will regenerate your plant and increase your stock. Divide astilbes in the autumn after flowering or in early spring. Pot up your divisions before planting out.
Are you supposed to deadhead astilbe?
Deadheading astilbe won’t encourage new flowers, so you should leave them in place through the fall. Eventually, the flowers will dry on the stalks but should stay in place. … It makes astilbe winter care a little easier, and all new growth will come back to replace it in the spring.
Is astilbe a good cut flower?
These low-maintenance perennial plants make lovely foliage, and in late spring, send up plume-like flowers in a host of rich, glowing colors. Some are even sweetly fragrant. Their deeply-cut leaves and feathery blooms also offer a great way to add texture and interest to container gardens and cut-flower arrangements.
Do birds eat astilbe seeds?
The flowers of astilbe, yarrow and snakeroot will add texture to fall and winter gardens. …
Does astilbe bloom all summer?
Astilbes bloom between late spring and late summer. They flower over a fairly long season since each flower plume consists of hundreds of densely packed tiny flowers, opening in succession. However, they do not all flower at the same time and are classified with a blooming time, ranging from Early to Late season.
Why are my astilbe dying?
Astilbes begin to wilt, sometimes quickly, when they’re exposed to too much sun. The hot summer sun can also heat up and dry out the soil. Another symptom of too much sun is leaf scorching; the edges of the leaves may appear burnt or begin to shrivel.
What is the longest blooming perennial?
- 1.) ‘ Moonbeam’ Tickseed. (Coreopsis verticillata) …
- 2.) Rozanne® Cranesbill. (Geranium) …
- 3.) Russian Sage. (Perovskia atriplicifolia) …
- 4.) ‘ Walker’s Low’ Catmint. (Nepeta x faassenii) …
- 5.) Coneflowers. …
- 6.) ‘ Goldsturm’ Black-Eyed Susan. …
- 7.) ‘ Autumn Joy’ Stonecrop. …
- 8.) ‘ Happy Returns’ Daylily.
Is astilbe a fragrant?
Astilbes are fragrant. The sturdy perennials were just coming into bloom, with their stately plumes of bright pink and deep red. Their scent was subtle, and by the end of the morning, when the sun was high, it was gone.
What are the best Astilbe?
- Bridal Veil.
- Chocolate Shogun.
- Delft Lace.
- Fanal.
- Hennie Graafland.
- Maggie Daley.
- Peach Blossom.
- Pumila.
What plant looks like astilbe?
- Hosta.
- Ferns.
- Azalea.
- Rhododendron.
- Impatiens.
- Other Astilbe varieties!
- Primrose.
- Coral Bells.