did you know?

Most of the astilbes sold in the United States belong to the group of hybrids, bred by German Georg Arends, who introduced more than 74 varieties between 1902 and 1952.

general maintenance:

Deadhead spent flowers to encourage flowering. Remove old foliage after frost or before new growth resumes in spring. To maintain vigor and flower quality, divide and replant every 3?4 years in early spring, while plants are still dormant. Discard old, woody rhizomes.

pests/diseases:

Powdery mildew and leaf spot may occur.

controls:

To discourage powdery mildew and leaf spot, space plants for adequate air circulation and avoid watering leaves directly. Remove and destroy severely infected plants, and pick off diseased leaves where practical.

how to sow/plant:

In early spring, choose a partly shady site with well-drained soil or a sunnier site with moist soil; astilbe tolerates boggy conditions but not dry soil in midsummer. Amend soil with compost, spacing plants at a distance equal to their mature spread and at the same depth they were in pots. Water after planting, and mulch to conserve moisture.

water and fertilize:

Monitor soil moisture all season. After flowering, feed with a balanced fertilizer, following label directions.

garden hint:

Allow the seed heads to remain after the flowers have finished blooming. They are attractive and will persist for several months.

features:

• Attractive Flowers
• Attractive Foliage
• Attractive Fruit
• Deer Resistant
• Shade Tolerant
• Wet Tolerant

garden uses:

• Ground Cover
• Naturalizing
• Shade Woodland Garden

other uses:

• Cut Flower

combine with:

campanula ('Cherry Bells'), Japanese anemone ( x ), and heart-leaved brunnera