There are many types of astilbe from which to choose. Noted for their finely dissected foliage and airy plumes, these shade lovers brighten any dark area of the garden and are notably easy to grow and cultivate. Among the many astilbe plant varieties are those with flowers of red, white, pink, or lavender, but also different tones of foliar color. Peruse any plant catalogue and you will find astilbe varieties for almost any taste. Pay attention to the planting zone, as some astilbe plants are hardier than others.
Choosing Your Astilbe Varieties
I have a deep affection for astilbes. They provide me with a nearly foolproof solution for the shady and low-light areas of my garden. As an added bonus, there are many astilbe plant varieties from which to choose. Foliage hues range from bronze to deep green and even reddish tones. The size and hardiness of some of the cultivars are also broad enough to suit most gardeners' needs. If you want plants in containers, the dwarf specimens might be the right fit. Also, smaller planting spaces and borders benefit from the 1 to 2 foot (31-61 cm.) diminutive varieties. A truly compelling garden of feathery foliage and tall plumes results from the use of the larger specimens. Remember that the plants need some horizontal space for the delicate foliage. Provide at least 16 inches (41 cm.) between rhizomes at planting. Most astilbe plants are hardy in United States Department of Agriculture zones 4 to 9, but a few are only hardy in zones 5 to 8. Northern gardeners will need to pay attention to the zone in order to ensure plants can withstand their cold periods.
Dwarf Varieties of Astilbe
The smaller varieties of astilbe make elegant borders when massed along the edges of your garden beds. Most of these achieve 1.5 to 2 feet (46-61 cm.) in height with a similar spread. 'Sprite' is an award-winning dwarf that tops out at 10 inches (25 cm.) and is a charming, vigorous, pink variety with bronze foliage. The dwarf family of astilbe, or chinensis, seems to have more drought tolerance than full-sized forms. Some cultivars to try for smaller areas or low-profile plants might be 'Visions,' ' Pumila,' or 'Hennie Graafland.' 'Pumila is on the smaller side at 12 inches (31 cm.) with lovely purple flower spikes. If you want dark mauve blooms, 'Pumila' will deliver, while 'Hennie Graafland' is on the edge of the dwarf category, producing 16 inch (41 cm.) tall, bright pink blooms and deep green leaves. Other forms for the smaller perennial bed might be 'Irrlicht' or the violet-pink 'Gloria Purpurea.' These smaller forms of astilbe are useful where shorter plants are desired but still have all the endearing qualities of the full-sized specimens.
Types of Astilbe for Maximum Impact
The larger types of astilbe provide real punch in the perennial shade garden. Some of the tallest cultivars available are nearly 5 feet (1.5 m.) tall at maturity. 'Purple Blaze' and 'Purple Candles' are two of these towering specimens, which are widely available and have deep purple to violet-pink blooms. Slightly shorter but no less impactful forms range from 2 to 3 feet (0.5 to 1 m.) in height. These are the most common cultivars with flower colors of intense red, salmon, rose, lilac, and even white.
- A classic white form is 'Snowdrift,' with pure white blooms from June to July on 2 foot (61 cm.) tall stems. If you want a slightly taller white bloomer, try 'White Glory,' a plant that may achieve 3 feet (1 m.) in height, or 'Bridal Veil' with its striking bronze leaves.
- Peach to salmon tones are found in 'Bressingham Beauty,' 'Peach Blossom,' 'Anite Pfeifer,' and 'Grete Pungel.'
- The classic pink tones show well with either green or bronze foliage and are probably the most commonly found of the different kinds of astilbe. There are many types readily available at your local nursery.
- Purple and red forms are a bit harder to find, but 'Granat,' 'Glow,' and 'Spartan' are good deep red choices with excellent hardiness. More unusual still are the purple to lavender cultivars. Look for 'Hyacinth' or 'Mars' at your garden centers.
Every year new forms are introduced. Have some fun perusing the different varieties and decorate your landscape with these easy-to-grow plants with oodles of charm.
-
Keep Your Patio Pest-Free This Summer With These 5 Potted Plants That Repel MosquitoesTell biting insects to buzz off with these five potted plants that repel mosquitoes! Plus, one plant mosquitoes love that you should avoid at all costs.
-
When Is The Best Time To Water Plants? Expert Guide To Keep Plants Happy Even In The HeatProper watering can make or break your garden. Learn the best time to water plants so your garden can be healthy all summer long.
-
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.
