They’re elegant, bring color to the garden, and thrive even in those shaded areas where relatively few plants feel at home: astilbes, also known as false spirea.

All summer long

The earliest astilbes bloom in June and July, with later varieties following in August and September. By choosing and combining varieties wisely, gardeners can enjoy the blossoms of these perennial plants all summer long.
Astilbes range in size from 7 inches for the small varieties to an imposing height of 3 feet. It can be particularly helpful in the planning and planting of a garden to make use of the astilbe’s different heights.
Their variety of color also allows for interesting design possibilities. The color spectrum of the flowers — actually countless small blossoms — runs from white to pink, red, and purple-pink. In addition to their long panicles, reminiscent of feather dusters, their foliage contributes to their refined charm, too, and their overall effect of airy grace. Leaf colors vary: some are dark, glossy green, others have a bronze-colored shimmer or appear light green or reddish when first emerging in spring.
These plants are ideal for implementing the most diverse garden ideas: thanks to the large inflorescences and handsome leaves, a single plant can make for an eye-catching accent. When the perennials are planted in groups, their effect is strengthened all the more.

A good partnership

Astilbes can easily be combined with other plants: ferns, azaleas, and rhododendron are ideal neighbors, since they have similar soil and water requirements. Astilbes will also really come into their own next to blue-blooming perennials, such as hosta hybrids, aconite, or columbine. These provide an appealing contrast to the white and red tones of the astilbe’s panicles.

Astilbes are robust and easy to care for. They do best in moist soil that’s rich in organic matter and in partial shade. With careful and consistent watering, however, they can also be used to good effect in sunny spots.
When the seed heads are left on the plant for the winter, astilbes carry a certain allure: covered in hoarfrost, they’re transformed into delicate sculptures. These versatile plants can therefore enrich a shady section of the garden from the time they leaf out in the spring until the winter is well underway.