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 pink and red.
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 XPin this guide for growing Astilbe for later
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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.
Tips for Growing Astilbe - How to Grow False Goat's Beard
Astilbe is also known as false spirea and false goat's beard. It is a shade-loving perennial plant that will flower even in full shade.
Print out these growing tips for Astilbe and save them for future reference.
Materials
- 1 Astilbe plant
- Well draining soil
- A shady garden spot
Tools
- Watering can or hose
Instructions
- Sunlight: Likes part sun to moderate shade
- Watering: Easy care, but water more in very hot climates
- Fertilizing: Slow-release fertilizer twice a year
- Bloom Time: Spring to mid-summer
- Flower Color: White, peach, tan, and all shades of red and pink.
- Size: Normal size is up to 36" tall and 2 feet wide
- Cold Hardiness Zones: 3-0
- Features: Great for Cut flowers and deer resistant. Non-toxic to pets.
- Plant type: Perennial
- Propagation: Root divisions
Love these plants…have been growing for years. I have divided them but they seem to have lost their bright colors. Any ideas of what I can do? thanks
Hi Paula. Some astible varieties start out as one color and fade to white as the plant gets older. They also sometimes fade after they have been pollinated or if they are under stress, such as too much heat. But if yours are older, it may be that it is just their time to fade, since that is a natural part of the plant’s life cycle. Carol
Hi! I found your site through pinterest looking for shade plants! These are lovely, but now that I live in New Orleans, I think they’re out. *Sad* I just wanted to comment because of two things. 1) I love the Gaia avi. Hehe. 2) I grew up in Raleigh so I thought that was neat too!
Hi Zel, Yes it is harder to grow astilbe in the hotter regions. I have to very shady areas here so they work pretty well….they don’t get much direct sun at all.
Carol
Hi, the Astilbe drew my attention. It is so pretty, but I’m gathering it is not an annual. I moved into an apt. with a patio and a small space for growing flowers. I’m trying to think of what to plant. I want something bright, annuals of course. I get part shade, part sun. Last year I put in Impatiens, petunias and mums. Do you have any ideas? Thank you.
HI Marilyn. I do actually grow perennials in tubs as well. But when I choose annuals, I normally pick something tall like a dracena to give height to the planter and then fill in with things like begonias, petunias, vinca, ivy, etc. A lot depends on how much shade you get. If it is too much, many of the annuals won’t do very well, but if you have grown pentunias you should be okay with pretty much any annual from the garden centers. Another favorite of mine is caladiums!
This year, I am going to try and do more perennials in my tubs. I’m kind of tired of having to do them over each year, and my perennials will come back for me in tubs in zone 7b.
Carol
The astilbe are gorgeous. Sadly, the astilbe I’ve planted have failed to thrive. Every year, they come back, but look scraggier and scraggier. I live in zone 4, so I’m wondering if I should move them to a sunnier spot to see how they do. Thanks for a helpful post on what seems like a little appreciated plant in the Midwest!
Hi Rikke. You could try. Last year, I planted a slightly shady part of what used to be my vegetable garden. It gets afternoon sun but shade in the morning. It is HUGE this year and so healthy, so they can take some sun as long as it is not all day long. Let me know how you go!
Carol
These are beautiful! I am getting married on August 29th this year and was thinking about planting this so I can cut some for the wedding (just in little vases here and there… nothing major in case it doesn’t work). When would you suggest planting them? And any idea how long they survive once cut? Thank you so much.
Hi Claire. I plant Astilbe in the spring, but it takes several years for plants to get the size of these. I’ve never cut the flowers so I am not sure how long they would last in vases. I do put butterfly bush flowers (similar texture and size) in water and they last for several days.
Carol
Just asking I live in zone 5/6 this is my first year trying the Astilbe.How long before I can start to separate or can I ? Trish
Hi Trish, yes you can divide the plant in the spring or fall. This makes for a healthy plant and encourages good growth. However it is not a good idea to divide before you have grown them for three years. In my experience, they need a few years to flesh out the original plant. If you divide them when they are too young, it will weaken them.
Carol
Love your Astilbes ,( just wish the dear would reed, or maybe it’s the rabbits however I doubt it) . Although I have mine in the ground for about 3 or 4 years, they never bloomed, the little flower heads vanish as soon as they come up. I also live in Raleigh and am
at wits end
Trudy
shhhhhh on the rabbits. LOL Mine ate my beans right down to the ground the other day. Astilbe is still going strong for the time being. Sorry to hear about your critters!
Carol
I don’t know what’s wrong with my yard, but every single Astilbe I’ve bought has died : (
Hi JD,
I have had mixed luck with them. Most of mine are in the shade but my best one is in full sun in a south facing garden. It’s a mystery, since they are supposed to love shade. It could be lack of water. They don’t like to be wet but they definitely like more water than some shade plants. Astilbe is prone to a couple of fungal diseases which if left untreated can kill the plant. Powdery mildew one and leaf spot is another fungal disease that affects astilbe. Are you giving it plenty of water? If it is not in full shade, the sun can really amp up the moisture needs for it.
Carol
I live in the upstate of SC and have been looking for really nice perennials to grow beside the house, which gets both shade and good sun. These Astilbe look amazing!
Hi Becky. I live in NC and have a lovely clump of them growing where they get some good sun too. I adore astilbe. Carol
Can they grow in charleston in shade if they get constant water .
Hi Darcy. I live in NC and it gets pretty hot here and I don’t have to water them all the time. In fact, my established ones rarely get additional water. I’m not sure if SC would require extra watering. It depends on whether you get much rain. Here in NC, we get showers later in the afternoon quite often.
Carol
I have had Astilbes growing in a shaded garden for many years and have pretty much, unfortunately, ignored them. I just happened on to your How to Grow Perfect Astilbes on Pinterest and it has inspired me to give them some TLC this fall! I think I will dig and divide them and give some or all of them new spaces in which to grow! Thanks for providing incentive that I needed.
My pleasure Mary. My mother had them all over her shade gardens and my first ones were divisions from there. I just love the plant. Carol
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Hello Olga, I don’t speak Italian but I think you are asking where to buy seeds. I am not sure what companies in the USA will ship to Italy. Carol
I totally disagree that Astilbe’s will grown in the hot afternoon sun.
Hi Rozella. I agree with you in normal circumstances. They prefer shade. But I do have one growing in the full sun here in NC and it flowered all summer last year. We will see how it does this year!
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I am new in growing this plant. Would it be to hot to grow in Waco, Texas. They would be planted on the northeast corner of our home in partial sun in the AM and shade in the afternoon. Is it worth a try?
HI Cheryl. I live in NC and have mine planted in garden beds that face north east and they do just fine. The beds get sun in the morning and shade in the afternoon. Astilbe does better in cooler climates but I still have good success with it here in the summer. Carol
Great timing for running across this post! I bought some Astilbe but haven’t got them planted yet, and didn’t know anything about them. I been wanting some for a while. The package says to plant in full sun, but I have found out that lots of plants that says full sun doesn’t like the Texas sun. I wanted to plant some in the shade up along the fence, but wasn’t sure if they would do very good. Thanks for the tips!
Hi Linda. For SURE in Texas, they will want the sun. I have ONE plant that grows in the sun here in NC, but it suffers later in the summer. Carol
I live in zone 4 in Kansas. I had three astilbes and one made it after three years and I realized the difference was the water and the partial shade. I have the white astilbe with my hostas and coral bells and it is beautiful every year but it does require extra water or it starts to look dead. The other two plants were in more direct sunlight and did not receive enough water and they completely died. So my advise is extra water and shade!
Thanks for adding your experience Michelle. I have had similar results. My astilbe that was growing in full sun tends to suffer as the summer progresses, so I moved it to a shadier spot and it is much happier. Carol
This is going to be my first year to try growing astilbes in my shade garden. Wish me luck because they are so beautiful. I like all of your comments and recommendations.
Best of luck with them Becky. I’d love to see some photos when they flower!
I love these flowers. Mine bloom but not all summer. Have them in the shade with bleeding hearts. They seem to be crowded could this be the reason they didn’t continue to bloom? When do I want to thin both plants out?
Hi Linda. Yes, if perennials are crowded, they will not flower as well. Thinning the plants is typically done in the spring, but early fall also works. It is best to not divide them until they are about 3 years old or so. Once they have been divided, this encourages more growth. Carol
Thank you for getting back to me so fast. I will decide them in the fall and don’t put so many plants in the small area
That’s a good plan. I can’t tell you how many times I have moved my perennials because I planted them too close together. Carol
Having a problem with all my phlox plants this year . All the leaves have a white powdery substance covering them. Will they bloom or should I cut them all back.
Hi Sharon. It’s hard to say what it is without seeing the plants but it sounds like it would be powdery mildew. If that is the case, they won’t flower and could die, so cutting them back is in order. When they start growing, trim some of the shoots so there is good air circulation around the plants. Generally this condition is caused by high humidity. Carol
H neighbor! I am also in NC. Clayton to be exact. I planted astibilles this spring. They are growing like crazy but my blooms are brown. Pretty pink when I bought them. I cut the brown ones thinking the new ones would bloom pink. Nope. Still brown. They are in morning sun until aroun 10 or 11. What is going on with them? Help….☺
Hi Marilyn. Is it just the flowers or the plants that are turning brown? Astilbe need plenty of moisture or they will suffer. Too much sunlight can also be a big problem for them. My astilbe start out pink but turn brown as the flowers fade. Could it just be that which is happening?
Carol
Hi Carol. Will these Astilbe grow and thrive in zone 5b? Chicago area. I am a novice gardener. Thx!
Hi Sue. Yes, they should. My plants that I am growing here in NC came from my mother’s garden in Maine. She just mulched around them and cut them down in the fall. They got covered in snow but still came back in the spring every year. Carol
What will they look like in winter?
Hi Delma. Astilbe goes brown in the winter, but the flower plumes are a bit attractive. They are not evergreen though. Carol
Does the Astilbe attract butterflies and/or hummingbirds?
Hi Sheila. Yes, astilbe is popular with both, particularly those with the fuller plumed flowers. Carol
Ok, I live in Zone 9, Central Florida to be exact. I read all your comments and was wondering would they be good in Sandy ground under my big oak tree? I’m not a great gardener as I tend to over water my plants, I just think that is the cure for all dying plants 😂 I’m learning that’s not true at all. I’d love to get some astilbe plants. What do you suggest? Am I thinking wrong or could they survive? Thanks
The shady area would probably be fine but very few plants do well in sandy soil and astilbe is quite susceptible to the high temperature extremes so it might not be a good choice for this spot. Carol
Beautiful Astilbe, I also want to plant it
I grow Astilbes in the Charlrston area we are zone eight and it is really hot I have my astilbes in pots on my deck they get some sun but I am water them religiously just about every day to keep them hydrated they love the water and I don’t don’t seem to mind the heat as long as they’re get plenty of water.
Hi Gina. I am in Raleigh. I’ve had astilbe do okay in the sun until the really hot summer comes and then they suffer. I’ve moved most of my to shadier spots for that reason. Glad yours are doing well! Carol
Thanks for the tips on how to grow astilbe. I had some in a pot for many years, and it didn’t bloom very well this year. After reading your article, I took it out of the pot and tickled apart many divisions that had formed. I planted these in a dappled shade area of my yard, and hope for a return to lovely plumes of pink blooms next summer. I appreciate all your advice!
My pleasure Cindy. Best of luck with your new astilbe! Carol
Hi Carol. I have astilbe in a shady spot which gets some sun. I have this plant for several years but all I get are vines, no flowers. I have vines all over. What is the problem.
Hi Mary. Sometimes when perennials get older they need dividing to continue to bloom well. (after about 3 years) Astilbe is a heavy feeder and might not flower unless you fertilize it if your soil is not nutrient rich. While Astilbe can take some sun, it does prefer a shady spot. Any of these could be the reason. Carol
Hi – I’ve read several articles on these plants and can’t find the info I need. I just planted 4 plants in a fairly shady spot. They had beautiful flowers on them when I planted them. The flowers are now dead. Do I cut off the flowers now? Will new flowers come this summer? I’m in Michigan – we’ve had an extremely hot summer – been giving them lots of water which appears to have been a good idea! Thanks. Leslie
Hi Leslie Deadheading astilbe won’t encourage new flowers, so you can remove them now or wait until the fall when the plant dies and goes dormant. The plant does not bloom all summer long. It depends on the variety. Some bloom early spring, some mid summer, some late summer, but when they bloom is when they bloom. Carol
Hi I’m in UK and just had my garden made over and have 3 Astilbes. Can you tell me do they flower more than once, and should I cut them back when flowers die off to encourage new flowers? They are so pretty
Hi Jean. They won’t flower a second time. The best way to get all season bloom is to plant cultivars that bloom late spring, mid summer and late summer, then you will have all season bloom. The bloom time is quite long but they don’t repeat. Carol
Can u plant Astilbe in South Africa?
Hi Petro. Astilbe is hardy in zone 3-8. In very hot and dry climates, they need to be planted in the shade and/or given plenty of water. Carol
I bought an Astilbe root (in a bag) from HD. Planted it in a shady part of my front yard Houston, Tx. Kept it watered. Never saw anything shoot up. We don’t have deer or rabbit problems here, so don’t have a clue what happened. My azeleas and coleus are doing great in same area.
Hi Peachy. It could have been the rabbits and deer, but if nothing actually grew, it could also have been root rot, or a plant that just wasn’t viable. Most do grow but occasionally some don’t. Carol
Can they grow in north Louisiana? I live in West Monroe and I adore this plant, although I wish it liked full sun.
Astilbe will grow in zones 3-9. It does not like extreme hot and cold and definitely does not like full sun.
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Astilbe is a perennial shrub. The first ones hatched in June / July. Others are only in August and September. So if you buy astilbe, always watch the flowers. Because if you choose the same skillfully, you can enjoy the whole summer on the sea of flowers. Astilbes is best used in small groups. They personally follow larger neighbors visually.
I have had the same astilbe plant for many years. Each year it grows taller. It is on the corner of the house so in the morning it gets full sun and the afternoon, shade. This year it reached 7 feet high. It’s a freak of nature!
I have had some large astilbes but that is a really big one!
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Over several years, I have planted astilbes in my shady yard which is used as a salad bar by deer. The next spring, the astilbe that I planted the previous year does not appear. I don’t think that insufficient water is the problem; the ferns in the same area are flourishing. Coral bells also do well there. Maybe the astilbes needed fertilizer; I hadn’t known that this was a requirment. Any other ideas.
Hi Hildagarde. I’m not really sure what the problem could be. It’s possible that the deer ate so much of the plant that it weakened it so that it wouldn’t grow back. Astilbes also like to be divided every four or five years, as well, but this is just to keep them flowering.
My astilbe bloom every year, but only the bottom half of the flower is fuzzy and colorful. The top half remains brownish and closed. Any idea what I could do to get them to fully bloom?
The main reason for poor blooms on astilbe is too much sun. Do you have it in a shady spot?
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For many years, I have tried to develop phlox and astilbe when participating. I bought many varieties, I wore a lot of money, but they didn’t live with me. Tell me what my fault is I put it on the ground in mid-May, I brought with humus. Accepted and even grown, but in the heat, the leaves begin to dry. I have a panic: I started spraying twice as much for everyone in turn – from diseases and pests. But saving the tree failed
Astilbe doesn’t like high heat and if it gets too much sunlight it will suffer in the summer months. Move it to a shadier spot to see if this helps.
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I just bought some false spirea (astible falso) as I am looking for low care perennials and am starting with three plants. The tag says 6 -12 inches tall and 15-18 inches wide. Can you tell me the difference between this plant regular astilbe? I have read that is sends stringers and can be invasive. Can you tell me more about this? Also, my neighbor has a black walnut tree in their yard and it is toxic to many plants. Are astilbe affected by juglone?
I have not found astilee to be invasive. I haven’t grown it near Black walmuts, but this page will give more information about juglone.
good post.
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The deer in my neighborhood love to eat the astilbe flowers. I have to spray with deer repellent to keep the flowers from being eaten.
I planted an astilbe in a north facing garden with little morning and more afternoon sun–mostly filtered by a large pine tree. We have had a lot of rain this summer. It turned brown and dried out and died. I was told it was either entirely too wet from all the rain or too much sun. I live in Colo. zone 5. I would like to try again—what do you think?
I can’t diagnose individual plant problems without seeing the plant, but it seems more likely excess rain than too much sun in the location you mentioned.