New Growth on an Astilbe

Basics

• Astilbe blooms in the late spring to summer. Its plumes of feathery flowers rise from mounds of fernlike foliage that emerge in spring. The plant ranges from 1 to 3 feet high when in bloom. This perennial thrives in partial shade but tolerates sun. Astilbe needs constantly moist, well-draining soil. It is hardy in United States Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 4 to 8.

Flowers

• Astilbe flowers are panicles, branched clusters comprised of many tiny individual blooms. Most panicles are pyramidal in shape, but some are weeping or upright. The airy flowers come in white or shades of red, pink and purple. Astilbe blooms for several weeks.

Planting

• Plant astilbe in the spring or fall. If new growth is just emerging, cover the buds or eyes with 1/2 inch of loose soil. If the growth is fully emerged, plant the astilbe at the same depth it occupied in the pot. Fertilize in spring.

Crowns

• Astilbe plants form woody crowns at the top of shallow roots. If the crowns grow above the soil's surface, cover them with loose soil. After the first hard frost in fall, cut the foliage to the ground. The crowns collect fallen leaves, creating a haven for insects, mice and voles, which consume the crowns during the winter. Divide plants every few years in the spring after new growth emerges. Cut the woody crowns apart with a sharp knife and discard the old parts.