Astilbe is a fantastic plant to have in your flower garden. A perennial that’s hardy from USDA zones 3 through 9, it will grow for years even in climates with very cold winters. Even better, it actually prefers shade and acidic soil, meaning it’ll bring life and color to a part of your garden that might be hard to fill. What else can go in those spaces with it? Keep reading to learn about astilbe companion planting and plants that grow well with astilbe.
Plants That Grow Well With Astilbe
Astilbe likes dappled shade and acidic soil, so finding plants that grow well with astilbe means finding plants with similar soil and light requirements. Since it has such a broad hardiness range, choosing companion plants for astilbe also means choosing plants that will survive your winters. For instance, good astilbe companion plants in zone 9 may not be good astilbe companion plants in zone 3. Lastly, it’s a good idea to put astilbe with plants that begin to flower around the time it fades. Arendsii astilbe tends to bloom in late spring and early summer, while most other varieties bloom in mid to late summer. After it’s done blooming, astilbe will wither and brown and won’t blossom again, even with deadheading. Since it’s a perennial, though, you can’t just pull it out! Plant companion plants for astilbe that will overshadow it with impressive new flowers when it starts to die back.
Ideas for Astilbe Companion Plants
There are quite a few plants that meet these astilbe companion planting qualifications. Rhododendrons, azaleas, and hostas all prefer shade and grow in a very wide range of hardiness zones. Coral bells are a relative of astilbe and have more or less identical planting requirements. Some other plants whose blooming times and growing needs work well with astilbe include:
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Dividing Astilbe Plants: How To Transplant Astilbe In The GardenMost perennial plants can be divided and transplanted, and astilbe is no exception. You don't need to transplant or divide astilbe plants every year, but every two to four years. For more information on dividing astilbe plants, click this article.
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Astilbe Won’t Bloom: Reasons For Astilbe Not BloomingAstilbe is one of America's most loved ornamental plants, and with good reason. This hardy perennial produces masses of blooms. It is generally a reliable bloomer, but if your astilbe won't bloom, there are several possible causes. This article will help.
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Astilbe Winter Care: How To Winterize Astilbe PlantsWhile it should survive for years, there are a few steps you can take to give astilbe a serious leg up and make sure it survives the cold. Find out how to care for astilbe plants in winter in the article that follows.
