Growing astilbe in pots is easy and container grown astilbe may be just the ticket if you have a semi-shady area that needs a splash of bright color. This delightful plant is available in compact, dwarf varieties or taller cultivars if you’re looking for a plant with a little more height. Read on to learn about growing astilbe in containers.
How to Grow Astilbe in Pots
If you want to grow one plant, start with a container with a width of at least 16 inches and a depth of about 12 inches (30 cm.). If you want to grow more than one astilbe, look for a larger container. Fill the container with a good quality commercial potting mix, or create your own with a combination of organic material such as peat, compost, composted bark chips, perlite or sand. Be sure the container has at least one drainage hole. If you want to save yourself some time, purchase starter plants at a greenhouse or nursery. Astilbe seeds can be difficult to germinate, but if you want to try, plant the seeds directly in the pot, and then cover them lightly with potting mix. When the astilbe are 2 to 3 inches (5 to 7.6 cm.) tall, thin the plants to a distance of at least 6 to 8 inches (15 to 20 cm.) for small plants and 8 to 12 inches (20 to 30 cm.) for larger varieties. Avoid overcrowding, which can cause rot and fungal disease.
Caring for Potted Astilbe Plants
Astilbe thrives in light sunlight or moderate shade. Although astilbe grows in total shade, the blooms won’t be as vibrant. However, if you live in a hot climate, locate the plants in afternoon shade, as most types of astilbe won’t tolerate intense sun. Check the container often and water potted astilbe plants whenever the top one inch (2.5 cm.) of soil feels dry to the touch – which may be daily during the heat of summer. Be sure the pot drains well and never allow the soil to remain soggy. Potted astilbe plants benefit from application of a water-soluble fertilizer twice monthly, beginning with the appearance of new growth in spring and ending when the plant goes dormant in autumn. Divide container grown astilbe every three to four years.
-
Should You Really Move Houseplants Outdoors In Summer? Learn The Truth To Help Them ThriveMany of us move houseplants outside during the summer months. Explore the benefits and how to best care for houseplants outdoors so they flourish.
-
Best Climbing Roses For Every Garden: 12 Stunning Varieties For Pergolas, Arches & WallsDiscover the best climbing roses to plant in your garden to ensure a long summer of glorious blooms.
-
Astilbe History - What Are The Origins Of Astilbe FlowersThey're popular in many gardens with their feather-like blooms, but what are the origins of astilbe flowers? Click here to find out.
-
Astilbe Is Turning Brown: Troubleshooting Brown AstilbesBrowning astilbe can certainly mar your garden. Find out here why your astilbe is turning brown and what you can do to prevent or fix it here.
-
Bloom Time For Astilbe Plants: When Does Astilbe BloomWhen does astilbe bloom? Astilbe plant bloom time is usually a phase of time between late spring and late summer depending on the cultivar. Learn more about the blooming of astilbe in this article to ensure more of these flowering plants in your garden.
-
Troubleshooting Astilbe Diseases: Overcoming Problems Growing Astilbe PlantsAstilbe plants are as tough as they are lovely. This doesn?t mean that they are completely pest free, however. For information on astilbe plant diseases, the following article will help. Click here to learn more.
-
Tips On Feeding Astilbe: Learn About Fertilizer For Astilbe PlantsAstilbe produces vibrant, beautiful fronds of flowers, bringing color to dark areas. But how can you make sure you're getting the most out of your astilbe blooms? Click this article to learn more about how to fertilize astilbe plants.
-
Astilbe Bare Roots – Learn About Bare Root Planting Of AstilbeAstilbe plants are usually propagated by root division in spring. Sometimes, however, they are sold bare root at that time. For more information about growing astilbe from bare roots, you should click on the following article.
-
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.
-
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.
