Do you want more flower power in your shade garden? Add astilbe or false spirea (Astilbe sp.) for bright blooms in spring and summer. These perennials brighten a shady spot with their showy flower plumes.
White flower spikes rise above the ferny foliage of Astilbe ‘Washington’ in early May.
Ginger E. Long ©2025 HGIC, Clemson Extension
There are astilbe cultivars in various flower colors, including many shades of pink, from very pale pink to hot pink to dark pink. Some have white, lavender, peach, or red flowers. Each flowering plume has hundreds of small flowers. Many cultivars are available that bloom at different times. To extend the flower show, plant a variety of cultivars for early, mid, and late-season blooms.
Astilbe ‘Sprite’ has light pink blooms in late spring. The flowers can be cut for arrangements and drying.
Barbara H. Smith ©2022 HGIC, Clemson Extension
Astilbes begin to flower in spring as the blooms fade on Lenten roses, lungwort, and woodland iris that bloom in winter and early spring. Astilbe flowers pop against the foliage colors and textures of hostas and ferns. Plant them in small groups throughout the shade garden or in large mass plantings for a splash of color.
The compound leaves of astilbe have a fern-like texture and can be green, bronze, or red. As new foliage emerges in spring, it is red. The flower stalks grow up through the foliage and bloom above it. Plants are available in multiple heights; some compact, reaching less than 12 inches tall when in bloom, and others taller, reaching over 3 feet tall.
The ferny foliage of this cultivar of astilbe has bronze stems and bright green leaves.
Ginger E. Long ©2025 HGIC, Clemson Extension
Most astilbes found in garden centers are hybrids of species native to Asia. There is also an astilbe native to southeast North America, Appalachian false goatsbeard (Astilbe biternata).
How to Grow Astilbe
USDA Plant hardiness zones: Astilbes are hardy in zones 3 to 9.
Sunlight: Grow astilbe in a part shade to shady location. They can tolerate more sun if the soil is moist.
Soil: Astilbe prefers soils enriched with organic matter that are not dry.
Water: Water regularly to get plants established. Water deeply and consistently during the hottest months of summer. The edges of the leaves will turn brown if the plant dries out. The foliage may go dormant in drought.
Fertilizer: Use an all-purpose fertilizer when needed.
Pruning: Cut back the previous year’s leaves in late winter before the new growth emerges.
Propagation: Divide clumps in early spring or fall every three to four years, if needed.
Insects and Diseases: Japanese beetles may feed on the foliage. Powdery mildew or wilt may be an issue.
Note: Astilbes are deer-resistant.
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