How to Grow Astilbes from Rhizomes

Astilbes, or false spirea, belong to a genus of perennial flowering plants that performs well in damp, shady areas, from USDA plant hardiness zones 4 through 9. The plume-like flowers are available as cultivars with white, pink, peach, purple or red blossoms, and they range in height from 18 inches to 4 feet. Although the plant is not a bulb, it is similar. It grows from a fleshy rhizome, which is sold at nurseries or is available when you dig up an existing plant and separate the roots.

Compost
Shovel
Rake
Hoe
Fertilizer

Instructions

- 1
  Prepare a planting area where your astilbes will have shade to partial shade every day. Dig organic compost into the soil to provide the drainage and fertility this plant needs, using one part compost for every four to five parts of soil. Turn the compost in well and then rake the area level.
- 2
  Purchase rhizomes or divide the roots of an existing plant. If you dig up plants, separate the clump that includes numerous rhizomes. Spring is the best time to dig up and plant astilbes.
- 3
  Make a shallow furrow, about 1 inch deep, with your hoe. Drop one rhizome into the furrow every 12 to 24 inches. Barely cover rhizomes with 1/2 inch of your soil and compost mixture.
- 4
  Cover shoots with another 1/2 inch of soil after they sprout from the rhizome and become visible.
- 5
  Water the astilbes after you plant them by running a sprinkler over the area for about 15 minutes. Watch the soil moisture, and water again before it becomes dry; keep the soil moist at all times.
- 6
  Fertilize your astilbes plants with a 5-10-5 plant food when they are about 6 inches tall and before they begin to form flower buds. Fertilize again in mid summer.

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