Growing Astilbe – False Spirea Plant- How to Grow and Care for Astilbe

Try growing Astilbe for beautiful, showy flowers that majestically sit above fern-like leaves.

This perennial plant thrives in partial to full shade, making it a favorite plant for shade gardens. Its ability to grow where other plants struggle makes it the perfect choice for low-light areas.

Pair astible with other shade plants such as hostas or ferns for a balanced garden display. With the right care, it will return year after year to grace you with its beautiful blooms.
Keep reading to learn how to grow and care for Astilbe.

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Growing Astilbe overview

Here is a quick guide to the care of Astilbe:

• Common name – False goat’s beard, false spirea
• Botanical name – Astilbe
• Family – Saxifragaceae
• Plant type – Perennial
• Sunlight needs – Partial to full shade
• Soil requirements – Well-draining soil
• Soil pH – Slightly acidic to neutral
• Bloom time – Spring and summer
• Flower color – Pink, red, purple, and white
• Mature size – 6 inches to 4 feet (15 – 120 cm) tall
• Hardiness zones – USDA 3-9
• Native area – Asia and North America

Planting Astilbe

Choose a spot with well-draining soil that can stay consistently moist.

Place the crown at soil level. Space Astilbe plants 18-24 inches (45-60 cm) apart to allow for them to spread.

Most Astilbe plants will grow to about 3 feet (60 cm) tall with the flower stalk and about 2 feet (60 cm) wide.  However, there are also varieties that will grow to 5 feet (150 cm) tall, so be sure to choose one that is suited to the space you have.

Astilbe is not too particular about the type of soil. The plant will grow in soils that are loamy, soils with heavy clay content, or even moist and slightly wet soil.

A slightly acidic to neutral soil with a pH of 5.8 – 6.2 is best.

Adding compost or other organic matter at planting time will improve the soil structure. Mulch after planting to retain moisture and keep the roots cool.

Astilbe loves the cooler weather.  Cooler climates like the Northeast are ideal for using Astilbe as a border plant.

This photo was taken in the Boothbay Botanical Gardens in Maine and shows how pretty and lush Astilbe grows there as a companion to irises.

Tip for growing Astilbe

Astilbe is easy to grow, and is very tough and hardy.  Caring for Astilbe is easy if you follow these tips:

Astilbe sunlight needs

Astilbe grows best in a garden bed that is either half sun/half shade or full shade with filtered sunlight.

Garden beds that face north are ideal.

If you live in a cool northern climate, Astilbe can take more sunlight, but never try to grow it in full sun.

Watering needs for Astilbe

Astilbe needs 1-2 inches of water a week. The plant likes consistently moist soil.

In hot and dry periods, you will need to give them extra water so that the soil does not dry out.  They grow best in Northern areas where the temperatures are cooler during the summer months.

If you let the soil dry out too much, the plant will start to turn brown. When you water Astilbe, make sure that the water soaks down deeply to the soil to encourage the plants to root deeply.

Deep-rooted plants benefit from the even moisture that is lower than that at the soil level.

While Astilbe does like moist soil conditions, it does not like wet feet, so be sure not to let the water puddle at the crown and root areas.

Fertilizing astilbe

To support healthy growth and lots of flowers, feed astible regularly.

• At planting time: Add compost or other organic matter.
• In spring: Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer when the plant starts growing.
• During the growing season: Supplement with a liquid fertilizer every 4-6 weeks.

Avoid over-fertilizing, which will give you more foliage and fewer flowers.

How cold-hardy is Astilbe?

Astilbe is a cold-hardy perennial that will overwinter in USDA zones 3-9.  They don’t do as well in either extreme cold or heat zones.

To prepare your Astilbe for the winter months, remove stems and foliage down to the soil level in late autumn.  Cover the plant with a blanket of mulch.

Astilbe leaf shape

Astilbe leaves are very smooth and glossy, and they contrast nicely with the feathery flower plumes. The edges of the leaves have serrated margins.

Some Astilbe varieties are evergreen, but many die back in the fall and go dormant until springtime.

Astilbe flowers

The prettiest thing about Astilbe is its canopy of tall plumes of flower stalks that sit above it glossy green foliage. And one can easily see where it got the common names like “false goat’s beard” or “goat’s beard plant.”

The most commonly grown Astilbe have flowers that are in the red/pink variety with colors ranging from dusty pink through to vibrant pinks and reds. 

Some varieties of Astilbe are also pale tan or even white. 

Most Astilbe flowers are fine and feathery with a goat’s beard flower shape. Some varieties have a texture that is much firmer and plump.

False spirea bloom time

Astilbe (false spirea) blooms in spring to late summer.

This can vary for different types of plants, though.  Astilbe will not flower all summer long. 

Some plants bloom in late spring and others in mid-summer or late summer. Most plants will give a show in the latter part of the summer.

Plants grown completely in the shade will not give quite as good a display of flowers, but dappled shade will give a good flower show.

How to propagate Astilbe

Growing Astilbe from seed is possible, but this can be a challenge. The normal way to propagate astilbe is from root divisions.

Astilbe will send out more and more plants as it matures. To divide Astilbe , dig up the plant and separate it into several clumps.

Be sure each section has some roots along with the stems. These can be planted in another part of the garden.

Divisions take quite easily.  The best time to divide Astilbe is in early spring or fall.  Divide Astilbe every two to three years.

Should I deadhead Astilbe?

Deadheading is done to encourage new blooms on a plant. Since this task won’t push your Astilbe into putting out more blooms, it is not necessary. (See other plants that don’t need deadheading here.)

Eventually, the flowers will dry. Leaving the spent blooms in place through the fall attracts birds in winter, which is always nice to see in a garden. 

Companion plants to grow with Astilbe

When choosing companion plants for goat’s beard perennial, select perennials and bulbs that have similar growing habits.  Once you find a spot where one will do well, they all benefit.

Ferns and hostas are good choices, as are many other shade-loving plants such as coral bells.

Uses for Astilbe

Because of its mounding habit, Astilbe looks great when planted in groups. The flowers are good for a cutting garden.

Astilbe looks great in garden beds under a canopy of trees.

Astilbe is deer-resistant and attracts butterflies. It is considered non-toxic to pets.

You can grow Astilbe in pots. Plants grown in containers are a good choice if you have a semi-shady patio or deck that needs a splash of bright color.

A nice use of Astilbe is as a border plant for a spectacular look along the border edge of a garden.

Image shared from Rampant Scotland.

Astilbe care card printable

You can print out this Astilbe care card here. It gives you the growing tips on a handy card to put in your garden journal for easy access later.

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🌸 Low-light garden? No problem! Astilbe thrives in shade and delivers stunning plumes of flowers. Learn how to grow and care for Astilbe on The Gardening Cook. 🌿 #Astilbe #ShadeGarden #GardeningTips #Perennials #GardenDesign… Share on X

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Admin note: This post for the care of false goat’s beard first appeared in April of 2014.  I have updated the post to add additional information, new photos, and a video for you to enjoy.