Astilbe

The History of Astilbe

With a whopping total of twenty engaging species, all belonging to the Saxifragaceae family, these elegant wildflowers are actually incredibly strong and rarely fall victim to disease. Discovered by German botanist George Arends, Astilbe’s original birthplace lies in the woody, mountainous peaks of Japan and China. This artsy perennial made its formal debut in the United States in the early 20th century.

Our friend Mr. Arends began to cross the first two species of Astilbe: japonica and davidii. The latter being the first pink variety in a sea of pure white. Arends continued to cross the species and their descendants until he raised bolder, more distinct variations. His first two prodigies were to be named ‘Queen Alexander’ and ‘Peach Blossom,’ still sold today. Arends’ dedicated breeding work resulted in the many different varieties of Astilbe we see today, from subtle dusty rose and plump, plumy blooms to the stunning, deep burgundy’s narrow, spiked blossoms.

Arends continued to cultivate this striking perennial during the 1920s and 30s. His most popular cultivar, released in 1933 with the name ‘Fanal,’ remains the most popular variance of Astilbe to this day. [2]

Astilbe’s Most Popular Varieties

Rheinland: The earliest to bloom, Rheinland often comes to life alongside Bleeding Hearts and Columbines in late spring. These feathery, bright pink blooms spring off of vibrant reddish stems.

Astilbe chinensis var. pumila (Dwarf Chinese Astilbe): In the late summer to early fall, when the colors of summer begin to fade, pumila takes the stage. It’s tall lilac spires shine bright, waving their final goodbye to summer’s comforting warmth. Chinensis is the only variety of Astilbe that is stoloniferous, spreading out at its base to create a bed of soft green leaves.

Astilbe arendsii ‘Fanal’: ‘Fanal’ has been cultivated since the 1930s, yet remains one of the finest red varieties, with its clusters of huddled ruby flowers over spiky crimson-tinged foliage. This particular bloom will have you daydreaming of a crisp fall morning and steaming cup of hot cocoa.

Astilbe simplicifolia ‘Sprite’: One of the most popular garden varieties, ‘Sprite’s’ luminous sprigs of creamy pink hover over lush, glossy foliage. These star-shaped blooms peak in July and continue to strut their stuff straight into August. [3]

Widely varying in shape and size, Astilbe can grow from six inches to five feet tall, making them the perfect addition to any outdoor garden or table arrangement.

Planting: Astilbe requires light to moderate shade; these tough guys will burn in full sun, so be careful! They prefer soils that provide average to slightly below average moisture. Be sure that your soil drains well and doesn’t puddle. Beware: dry soil can be fatal to these not so little guys!

Pro-tip: Use peat moss, perlite, and coarse sand to improve soil drainage. 

While you can plant Astilbe seeds, it is more effective to plant divisions from other Astilbe plants. In this case, seed-born plants tend to be short-lived and difficult to germinate. It’s easiest to start with a plant or a division, as even a small plant will fill out quickly and perform very well in its first year of life. Plant your divisions in the spring or the fall about one to three feet apart, depending on the variety.

To prolong your Astilbe’s foliage, provide shade from any hot afternoon sun.

Gentle morning sun will surely do the trick. While Astilbe can grow in deep shade, they will not flower as much as they would in moderate shade. [5]

These shade-garden secret weapons will add vibrant, lively bursts of color to the even shadiest of places.

These perennials are incredibly reliable on their own, but they do benefit from being divided every few years. Doing so will regenerate your plant as well as increase your stock! [6] Divide them in the autumn after flowering or early spring.

We know what you’re thinking, there’s no way this plant is so low maintenance, but we’re here to tell you, it truly is. Astilbes are relatively trouble-free in terms of pests as well. Pests don’t really seem to like these puffy blooms (crazy, right?). Perhaps they are too feathery for their liking? You won’t see us questioning it! 

Outdoor Astilbe:

These perennials may be considered wildflowers, but remember to keep an eye on them nonetheless. Be sure they are moist and water accordingly if it doesn’t rain, watering deeply as opposed to a daily sprinkling.

Pro-tip: Provide your Astilbes with a balanced diet of organic fertilizer in the spring; they’ll eat it right up, trust us.

Astilbe will spread quickly, forming broad clumps. Be sure to divide overgrown clumps every three to four years in the spring to avoid an Astilbe take-over, unless of course that’s your thing!

Indoor Astilbe:

Astilbe makes the perfect stand-alone arrangement for your dining room table, coffee table, or even your bedside table if we’re getting fancy!

Go ahead and clip off a stem of those bad boys and bring em’ on in!

Pro-tip: Be sure to cut the stem at an angle using a pair of clean, sharpened sheers to avoid crushing the stem, allowing for maximum water intake to your blossoms. 

Your blooms should have swollen, colorful buds to ensure the longest indoor life possible. [5]

Recut the stems and replace the water with fresh, cold water every other day to keep your Astilbe looking and feeling their very best.