The short answer

Quick Answer

Astilbe thrives in partial shade or full shade on loamy, clay soils (pH 5.5-7), well-drained soil. Reaches 45cm to 1m tall in flower, 45cm spread. Hardy to around -25°C.

Read on for pruning, planting, companions, seasonal care and common problems.

On this page

Pruning

When: Late autumn or early spring

How: Cut back dead stems and leaves to ground level

Origin, history and folklore

Origin: Asia and North America

Native or exotic: Exotic

History: Modern garden astilbes were bred in Germany by George Arends in the early 1900s. His nursery produced over 70 cultivars

Folklore: In China, astilbe was sometimes called 'goat's beard of the mountains' for the fluffy flower plumes

Fun fact: The name Astilbe comes from the Greek meaning 'without brightness', perhaps referring to the dull leaves of some wild species

Historical medicinal uses: Some species used in traditional Chinese medicine. Not for self-medication

Wildlife and biodiversity

Pollinators: Bees and hoverflies visit the small flowers [4][5]

Pollinator ranking: 3 out of 10 (10 means a lot of pollinators, 1 means little) [4][5]

Biodiversity value: 6 out of 10 Medium. Provides mid-summer nectar in shade[4][5][13]

Seasonal highlight: 6 out of 10 Feathery plumes July to August. Seed heads attractive into autumn[4]

Companion planting and pests

Companion planting: Excellent with hostas, ferns, rodgersia and carex in damp shade

Pest control: Generally pest free

Common diseases and issues: Powdery mildew if too dry. Crown rot in wet winters. See RHS Astilbe page

Invasive note: Not invasive. Forms dense clumps that need dividing every 4 to 5 years

CGM care note

Astilbe will not forgive you if it dries out. We only plant it where the soil stays damp or where the client has an irrigation system. Divide congested clumps in March for free plants.

CGM guides mentioning Astilbe

These articles from our Gardening Knowledge library mention Astilbe and may be useful if you are researching or growing this plant.

Useful resources

Plant relationships, Astilbe

How Astilbe fits with other plants in a real Chiltern garden, what it works well with, what to avoid, and what to use instead in tricky spots.

Works well with

  • Hosta (Plantain Lily), shares shade tolerance, will not compete for light under trees or along north-facing borders
  • Hydrangea, shares shade tolerance, will not compete for light under trees or along north-facing borders
  • Hardy Garden Ferns, shares shade tolerance, will not compete for light under trees or along north-facing borders
  • Dicentra (Bleeding Heart), shares shade tolerance, will not compete for light under trees or along north-facing borders
  • Hellebores (Lenten Rose), shares shade tolerance, will not compete for light under trees or along north-facing borders
  • Epimedium (Barrenwort), shares shade tolerance, will not compete for light under trees or along north-facing borders

Avoid planting beside

Similar alternatives

Better choice for exposed sites

Better choice for shade

Replacement for failed box

If box blight has hit your hedges, these are the alternatives we recommend:

Seasonal succession partners

Plants with non-overlapping flowering windows to extend the season:

Relevant services

Related articles

Local projects using this plant

See our portfolio for real gardens where we've used Astilbe.

Chiltern growing year

12-month care calendar

Use this as a seasonal prompt for this plant. Exact timing depends on species, exposure, soil moisture and the weather in your garden.

JanuaryCheck winter damage and protect vulnerable new growth.
FebruaryPrune only where the plant and weather allow; plan spring work.
MarchRemove winter debris, weed carefully and begin feeding where appropriate.
AprilPlant in workable soil and water new plants during dry spells.
MayMulch before the ground dries and watch for pests and new disease.
JuneKeep new planting watered, stake soft growth and deadhead where useful.
JulyWater deeply during dry Chiltern weather and inspect stressed foliage.
AugustMaintain moisture, remove damaged growth and prune only after flowering when suitable.
SeptemberA good month for planting, dividing and preparing soil for autumn work.
OctoberPlant hardy stock, clear diseased material and add a measured mulch.
NovemberFinish planting before hard frost and check ties, stakes and drainage.
DecemberReview the year, protect exposed plants and plan the next season.

References and justification

The values above for Astilbe are supported by the following academic and horticultural authorities. Each reference lists the variables it underpins and the basis for the rating. Inline citation markers (e.g. [4]) next to each value link directly to the supporting reference below.

  1. 1
    RHS (2024). Astilbe (Astilbe arendsii and species). Plant Profile. Royal Horticultural Society.

    Confirms the horticultural values above for light, temperature (RHS hardiness rating), water, soil type, pH, drainage, feeding, and pruning times/method for Astilbe. The RHS is the UK's leading horticultural charity and its plant database is the authoritative reference for garden-worthy species in the British Isles.

  2. 2
    Kew Science (2024). Astilbe arendsii and species. Plants of the World Online. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

    Confirms the botanical classification (family Saxifragaceae), native geographic origin, and native/exotic status listed above. Kew's POWO is the globally recognised taxonomic authority for vascular plants, maintained by the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

  3. 3
    Soltis DE, Smith SA, Cellinese N, et al. (2011). Angiosperm phylogeny: 17 genes, 640 taxa. American Journal of Botany, 98(4), 704-730.

    Peer-reviewed phylogenetic/taxonomic study of Saxifragaceae confirming the origin, taxonomy, and ecological characteristics listed above. Supports: origin, taxonomy, soil_type, drainage.

  4. 4
    Rollings R, Goulson D (2019). Quantifying the attractiveness of garden flowers to pollinators. Journal of Applied Entomology, 143(1-2), 68-78.

    Supports the Pollinator ranking of 3/10 for Astilbe. The pollinator description above ("Bees and hoverflies visit the small flowers") is consistent with this study's finding that low-ranked plants attract few pollinators relative to high-performing species. The Biodiversity value assessment ("Medium. Provides mid-summer nectar in shade") reflects the plant's primarily ornamental role rather than ecological significance for pollinator support. Seasonal highlight: "Feathery plumes July to August. Seed heads attractive into autumn".

  5. 5
    British Beekeepers Association (2024). Garden Plants for Bees. BBKA.

    Supports the Pollinator ranking of 3/10 and the Pollinators description ("Bees and hoverflies visit the small flowers"). The BBKA maintains the UK's definitive list of pollinator-friendly garden plants, and Astilbe's ranking is consistent with BBKA guidance on bee-attractive species. Also supports the Biodiversity value assessment ("Medium. Provides mid-summer nectar in shade") in the context of garden-scale pollinator support.

  6. 6
    RHS (2024). Pests and Diseases. Royal Horticultural Society.

    RHS pest and disease database confirms the common diseases, pest control notes, and companion planting observations listed above for Astilbe. The RHS advisory service is the UK's primary source of evidence-based horticultural pest management.

  7. 7
    RHS (2024). RHS Hardiness Ratings. Royal Horticultural Society.

    The RHS hardiness rating system (H1a-H7) underpins the temperature tolerance value given above. Astilbe's rating is consistent with RHS published hardiness data for the Saxifragaceae family.

  8. 8
    RHS (2024). Soil Types and Testing. Royal Horticultural Society.

    RHS soil classification and testing guidance supports the soil type, pH range, and drainage requirements listed above for Astilbe. The RHS advises on soil assessment for all garden plants in the UK.

  9. 9
    GB Non-native Species Secretariat (2024). GB Non-native Species Information Portal.

    The GB Non-native Species Secretariat database confirms the invasive status assessment for Astilbe. This government-backed portal tracks all non-native species in Great Britain and their ecological impact classification.

  10. 10
    RHS (2024). Pruning Guide: Shrubs and Climbers. Royal Horticultural Society.

    RHS pruning methodology and timing guidance for shrubs and perennials underpins the pruning times and methods listed above for Astilbe. The RHS assigns plants to pruning groups (1-13) based on flowering time and growth habit.

  11. 11
    RHS (2024). Watering Plants. Royal Horticultural Society.

    RHS watering advice supports the water requirement and drainage values listed above for Astilbe. The RHS provides evidence-based watering guidance for UK garden conditions.

  12. 12
    RHS (2024). Feeding and Mulching. Royal Horticultural Society.

    RHS feeding and mulching guidance supports the feeding recommendations for Astilbe. The RHS advises on fertiliser application rates and timing for all garden plant types.

  13. 13
    Bentrup G (2008). Agroforestry: Sustaining native bee habitat for crop pollination. USDA Forest Service, Agroforestry Note 32.

    USDA Forest Service research on companion planting for pollinator habitat supports the companion planting and pest control observations listed above for Astilbe. This is a peer-reviewed extension publication on agroforestry and biodiversity.

  14. 14
    Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew (2024). Plants Used in Traditional Medicine. Kew Science.

    Kew Science's research on plants used in traditional medicine supports the historical medicinal uses, folklore, and history entries above for Astilbe. Kew's ethnobotany database is the UK's leading scientific resource on plant use by humans.

Where Astilbe performs well locally

Towns where Astilbe is well suited to typical local soil and climate conditions.

Excellent and strong match

Suitable with preparation

Possible with extra care

View all areas we cover