Astilbe, with its delicate, feathery plumes, is a staple in many gardens. But did you know that these beautiful flowers can thrive in a wide range of climates? From the chilly cold of the north to the heat of the desert in USDA hardiness zones 3 to 8, astilbe can adapt and flourish.
Here are 5 tips for growing these flowers:
1. Hot & Dry Climates
Growing astilbe in hot and dry climates requires careful attention to watering and sunlight. In these areas, astilbe needs to be planted in the shade and given plenty of water to prevent the foliage from burning.
Astilbe can thrive in full sun, but it will need shade in the afternoon in hot summer climates to prevent flowering reduction. Additionally, it’s crucial to water astilbe deeply once a week, especially during periods of dry weather, to prevent the leaves from browning and the plant from dying.
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2. Cool & Humid Climates
In cool and humid climates, astilbe can grow in a variety of conditions. These areas provide the perfect environment for astilbe to thrive, with the right balance of moisture and sunlight. Astilbe can grow in a moderately humid climate but may develop powdery mildew in humid weather conditions.
To prevent this, ensure good air circulation around the plants and avoid overwatering.
3. Shaded Areas
Astilbe can also grow well in shaded areas, making it an excellent choice for gardens with limited sunlight. In these conditions, astilbe will still produce beautiful flowers, although the foliage may not be as vibrant.
While it can grow in full shade, flowering will be reduced. However, the plants will still provide a lovely display of color and texture.
4. Fertilizing & Mulching
Regardless of the climate, astilbe requires proper fertilization and mulching to thrive. Use a well-balanced fertilizer in early spring to promote blooming, and apply a layer of compost or mulch around the plants to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
Astilbe benefits greatly from an organic bark mulch added each spring, which helps maintain soil moisture and adds organic matter over time.
Nancy has been a plant person from an early age. That interest blossomed into a bachelor’s in biology from Elmira College and a master’s degree in horticulture and communications from the University of Kentucky. Nancy worked in plant taxonomy at the University of Florida and the L. H. Bailey Hortorium at Cornell University, and wrote and edited gardening books at Rodale Press in Emmaus, PA. Her interests are plant identification, gardening, hiking, and reading.