Astilbe

Gorgeous early-summer bloomers in a huge range of colors, with the upright form you see here or more arching, droopy ones. Best-looking when massed.

Native to parts of Asia.

Details

• Grows to 1-3′ tall.
• Bloom early summer.
• In South, partial to full shade, though plants bloom less in shade and morning sun/afternoon shade is ideal. In the North, full sun is fine, with adequate moisture.
• Zones 4-9, surviving Zone 3 with protection.

Care

• Supposedly it’s “hungry” and needs frequently feeding. Mine bloom just fine without any. (Feeding can be just a topdressing of compost. One grower recommends applying lawn food, which is high in nitrogen, in October.)
• When its foliage becomes brown and crispy, just cut it all off and new foliage will appear.
• Moderately drought-tolerant, and mine get some supplemental watering in long drought periods.
• Whether to remove dead flowers is your own call aesthetically, but doing so won’t produce a second set of blossoms.
• Mulch for moisture retention.
• Divide every 3-4 years in early spring or fall, throwing away the old, woody parts at the center of the plant.
• Dried seedheads look good into winter and can be used in dried arrangements, even spray-painted.
• Remove old blooms to the ground in early spring/later winter.