The Ultimate Guide to Growing Astilbe Shade Flowers
Cover image: Astilbe Purple Candles Courtesy of Walters Gardens, Inc.
Everything you need to know about these soft, spiky shade garden flowers.
As a landscape designer, I reach for astilbes again and again - and for good reason. These versatile, clump-forming perennials are absolute standouts in the shade garden.
Native to Asia and eastern North America, astilbes thrive in those tricky low-light spots and bring an unexpected burst of color and texture where other plants might struggle.
With their lush, finely cut fern-like foliage and elegant plumes of flowers that range from soft whites and blush pinks to deep reds, lavenders, and purples, astilbes create instant drama and depth. I love how their fluffy, upright blooms seem to glow in dappled light - it’s like adding fireworks to the shade!
They're also incredibly easy to pair with other shade-loving perennials like hostas, ferns, and heucheras, making them a designer’s dream when creating layered, textural plantings.
Astilbes come in a wide variety of heights, colors, and bloom times, so you can mix and match to keep the show going from early to late summer! Most grow between 1 to 4 feet tall, with strong stems that hold their shade flowers high above the foliage.
Even after the flowers fade, the dried seed heads add architectural interest through fall and into winter, and the birds love to eat the dried seeds.
Hardy in zones 4 to 9, astilbes prefer moist, well-drained soil and part to full shade. Check out the USDA’s Plant Hardiness Zone Map if you are not sure what zone you are in.
Astilbes are low-maintenance, but they do need consistent moisture to keep their foliage looking its best - dry conditions can lead to crispy, browned leaves. With a little attention, though, they will reward you with long-lasting beauty and dependable performance season after season.
You’ll find astilbes readily available at nurseries and garden centers, and even some big box stores. If you’ve got a shady spot begging for a splash of elegance, astilbes just might be your new go-to. I know they’re one of mine!
Let’s take a look at how to grow these shade garden beauties, and keep scrolling for a list of landscaping ideas, popular varieties, and photos to help you visualize your options!
Bressingham Beauty Astilbe. Image courtesy of Walters Gardens, Inc.
How to Plant and Grow Astilbe
Location: Astilbes thrive in part to full shade, making them an excellent choice for shaded or woodland gardens. Ensure the soil is rich, moist, loose and well-draining. Astilbes prefer slightly acidic soil.
Planting: Plant these shade flowers in the spring or fall, and space 18 to 24 inches apart on center (18-24 inches from the center of one plant to the center of the next plant).
Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist, especially during the first growing season. Astilbes prefer consistently damp conditions (for watering guidance, see “How to Water your Plants”). Water deeply and regularly, especially during dry spells.
Mulching: Apply a layer of mulch around the plants to help retain soil moisture and suppress weeds. This is particularly important for moisture-loving astilbes.
Fertilizing: Create the organically rich, moisture retentive soil astilbes love by amending the soil with compost or garden manure. Adding a slow-release, organic fertilizer (such as Holly-tone) will increase the flowering display and help to create the acidic soil astilbes prefer.
Division: Astilbes can be divided every 3-4 years to maintain plant health and vigor. Divide in early spring before new growth begins or in the fall. Lift the entire clump, divide it into smaller sections, and replant.
Amber Moon Astilbe. Image courtesy of Walters Gardens, Inc.
Astilbe x arendsii vs. Astilbe chinensis vs. Astilbe japonica
Astilbe chinensis, Astilbe × arendsii, and Astilbe japonica are different species within the Astilbe genus, and they tend to have some differences in terms of characteristics and growing conditions:
Astilbe chinensis is native to China and Japan, and known for its tolerance of drier conditions when compared to other astilbe species. It can tolerate partial sun, the flowers tend to be more open and airy, and the foliage a deeper green.
Astilbe × arendsii are a hybrid species developed by the German nurseryman George Arends. They are derived from crossbreeding Astilbe chinensis, Astilbe astilboides, Astilbe japonica, and Astilbe thunbergii. These hybrids do not tolerate drought well and require partial to full shade. Flower plumes are dense and tight, and the foliage ranges from light to dark green.
Astilbe japonica are native to the mountains of Japan, and grow best in cooler, moist soil and partial to full shade. Most are early to midsummer bloomers, and have tight, pyramid-shaped flowers.
Peach Blossom Astilbe. Image courtesy of Walters Gardens, Inc.
Are Astilbe Deer-Resistant?
Yes, astilbe are deer-resistant, with lacey foliage and feathery flowers that deer find unappetizing. Rutgers University rates astilbe as “seldom severely damaged” on their list of Landscape Plants Rated by Deer Resistance.
But before you get too excited, however, I must point out that no plant is 100% deer proof. 🫤 When food is scarce, hungry deer will eat almost anything, including plants they typically avoid.
If deer pressure is high in your area, you may still need to take precautions, like protecting plants with wire cloches or installing fences to keep your astilbe from becoming an unexpected snack.
Delft Lace Astilbe. Image courtesy of Proven Winners, provenwinners.com.
Popular Astilbe Varieties
White Flowers:
‘Bridal Veil’ (Astilbe x arendsii ‘Bridal Veil’). A classic, elegant choice. Young bronze foliage turns green, flowers are a lacy pure white. Grows to 28 inches tall and flowers from June until early August.
‘Deutschland’ (Astilbe japonica ‘Deutschland’). A short, compact plant with luminous white shade flowers and glossy green foliage. Blooms from early to midsummer and grows 18-24 inches tall.
‘Easy Listening’ (Astilbe Music™ ‘Easy Listening’). Pale white flowers atop dark green stems and leaves. Blooms in July & August; grows 18-30 inches tall. Part of the astilbe “Music Series”, a new improved group of heavily-flowering astilbes.
‘Rock and Roll’ (Astilbe Music™ ‘Rock and Roll’). Dark bronze-green foliage and pure white blooms. Part of the astilbe “Music Series”.
‘Snow Drift’ (Astilbe x arendsii ‘Snow Drift’). Pure white flowers top airy green foliage. Grows 18-20 inches high and blooms from early to mid-summer.
Bridal Veil Astilbe. Image courtesy of Pleasant View Gardens via Proven Winners, provenwinners.com.
Pink Flowers:
‘Bressingham Beauty’ (Astilbe x arendsii ‘Bressingham Beauty’). Dense rose-pink midsummer blooms on a taller plant, growing up to 3 feet high.
‘Honky Tonk’ (Astilbe Music™ ‘Honky Tonk’). Midsummer rose-pink blooms top dark green, compact foliage. Grows up to 24 inches tall. Part of the heavily-flowering “Music Series”.
‘Mighty™ Pip’ (Astilbe chinensis ‘Mighty™ Pip’). 4-foot tall plumes of salmon pink flowers bloom in early to midsummer. Great for a naturalistic landscape or woodland garden.
'Peach Blossom’ (Astilbe x rosea ‘Peach Blossom’). Early summer bloomer growing 18-24 inches high. Airy, peach colored flowers with a touch of pink. Looks great when planted in mass.
‘Rheinland’ (Astilbe x arendsii ‘Rheinland’). Late spring to early summer rose-pink blooms. Glossy green leaves can be tinged with red; grows to 24 inches tall.
‘Satin Pearls’ (Astilbe chinensis ‘Satin Pearls’®). Bubblegum pink flowers and dark green foliage. Late spring to early summer bloom time; grows 20-28 inches tall and 16-24 inches wide.
‘Sprite’ (Astilbe ‘Sprite’). A dwarf variety for the front of the border or as a ground cover. 10-18 inches tall, pale pink shade flowers from late spring to early summer.
‘Visions in Pink’ (Astilbe chinensis ‘Visions in Pink’). Rose pink flowers in midsummer, growing 12-20 inches tall. ‘Little Vision in Pink’ has the same characteristics in a smaller size - grows to 14 inches tall, making it great for the front of the border.
Younique™ ‘Silvery Pink’ (Astilbe Younique™ ‘Silvery Pink’). A short, compact plant blooming in early to mid summer. Pale pink flowers top light green leaves, grows to 22 inches tall. Great for containers or the front of the border.
Little Vision in Pink Astilbe. Image courtesy of Proven Winners, provenwinners.com.
Red Flowers:
‘August Light’ (Astilbe ‘Augustleuchten’). A late-blooming astilbe with long, scarlet red flower plumes. Grows 28 inches tall and 15-24 inches wide.
‘Hot Pearls’ (Astilbe chinensis ‘Hot Pearls’®). Late summer red blooms atop medium green foliage, grows 18-20 inches tall.
‘Fanal’ (Astilbe x arendsii ‘Fanal’). A classic astilbe with garnet red flowers rising above bronzy green foliage. Mid-spring to summer blooms reaching 1-2 feet tall.
‘Lowlands Ruby Red’ (Astilbe chinensis ‘Lowlands Ruby Red’). Cherry-red flowers and glossy green foliage. Blooms in summer; reaches 20-24 inches in height.
Mighty™ Red Quin (Astilbe chinensis ‘Mighty™ Red Quin’). 4-foot tall plumes of red flowers bloom atop green foliage in early to midsummer. Great for a naturalistic landscape or woodland garden.
‘Montgomery’ (Astilbe japonica ‘Montgomery’). Raspberry red shade flowers on crimson stems, with bronze foliage changing to green as the season progresses. Blooms in June and July; grows to 24 inches tall.
Montgomery Astilbe. Image courtesy of Proven Winners, provenwinners.com.
Lavender and Purple Flowers:
‘Amethyst’ (Astilbe x arendsii ‘Amethyst’). Lavender shade flowers top lacy green to bronze-green foliage. Blooms from early to midsummer, grows 24-36 inches tall.
‘Black Pearls’ (Astilbe chinensis ‘Black Pearls’). Brilliant purple flowers bloom in mid- to late summer over dark green leaves. Grows 12-36 inches tall.
‘Little Vision in Purple’ (Astilbe chinensis ‘Little Vision in Purple’). A compact habit and fine, lacy bronze-green foliage. Dwarf, compact size growing to 12 inches tall. Raspberry-purple late spring flowers.
‘Pumila’ (Astilbe chinensis ‘Pumila’). This popular dwarf cultivar with lilac purple flowers forms a low carpet and grows up to 10 inches tall.
‘Purple Candles’ (Astilbe chinensis ‘Purpurkerze’ Purple Candles). Midsummer flowers emerge violet and lighten up as the season progresses; dark green foliage. 18-24 inches tall.
‘Purple Rain’ (Astilbe chinensis ‘Purple Rain’). A mid-sized astilbe, growing 18-21 inches tall with fluffy lavender to magenta mid-summer blooms.
Purple Candles Astilbe. Image courtesy of Walters Gardens Inc.
Unusual Foliage:
‘Amber Moon’ (Astilbe ‘Amber Moon’): Foliage emerges bright chartreuse and changes to bright green, with rose pink flowers and pink stems. Grows 34-38 inches high and 22-28 inches wide.
‘Chocolate Shogun’ (Astilbe x arendsii ‘Chocolate Shogun’). Early spring, blush-pink flowers atop glossy, chocolate brown to bronze foliage. 20-24 inches tall.
‘Dark Side of the Moon’ (Astilbe ‘Dark Side of the Moon’). Raspberry purple flowers on top of rich, deep, chocolate brown leaves. New foliage is yellow. Grows 20-22 inches tall with a spread of 24-28 inches.
‘Delft Lace’ (Astilbe ‘Delft Lace’) Long apricot-pink flowers on red stems, atop green foliage accented with red. Grows 24-36 inches tall and blooms in early summer.
‘Mighty™ Chocolate Cherry’ (Astilbe chinensis ‘Mighty™ Chocolate Cherry’). A 4-foot tall and wide astilbe with raspberry-red flower spikes, dark red stems and chocolate-colored foliage. Mid- to late summer blooms.
Dark Side of the Moon Astilbe. Image courtesy of Walters Gardens, Inc.
Landscaping Ideas for Astilbe
Massing: Astilbes look great when planted in mass, making a bold impact with their flowers and foliage.
Front of the House: For a splash of color in the front of the house, plant astilbe in front of evergreen foundation plantings and along shaded walkways.
Shade Garden: Combine astilbe with other plants that like moist, partly shaded conditions - Japanese painted ferns, Autumn Brilliance ferns, heucheras, hostas and hydrangeas.
Side Yard: Fill in corners of a shady, damp side yard with large drifts of astilbe and ferns.
Water’s Edge: Plants these shade flowers alongside a stream or pond, where the feathery plumes and delicate foliage will soften the water’s edge.
Stylized Woodland Garden: Incorporate astilbe into a naturalized woodland planting with rocks, Christmas ferns (Polystichum achrostichoides), Alumroot (Heuchera americana), and a purple-leaved bugbane (Cimifuga ‘Chocoholic’) for contrast.
Patio Garden: Tuck pockets of astilbe into the garden beds and shady corners formed where patio hardscaping meets the house.
Formal Borders: Create a structured border with astilbe to add a touch of formality to your landscape design. Choose a single color and combine with small leaved evergreen shrubs like boxwoods.
Asian-inspired Garden: The feathery plumes of astilbe combine well with rocks, moss, and evergreen specimens in an Asian-inspired garden design.
Container Garden: Combine astilbes with other shade loving plants to create unique container combinations. Learn more in our article about creating shady containers designs.
August Light Astilbe. Image courtesy of Walters Gardens, Inc.
Planting Companions for Astilbe
Hillside Black Beauty Bugbane (Actaea racemosa ‘Hillside Black Beauty’; formerly Cimicifuga)
European Wild Ginger (Asarum europaeum)
Lady Fern (Athyrium filix-femina)
Ghost Fern (Athyrium ‘Ghost’)
Japanese Painted Fern (Athyrium niponicum ‘Pictum’)
Alexander’s Great Siberian Bugloss (Brunnera macrophylla 'Alexander's Great')
Sea Heart Siberian Bugloss (Brunnera macrophylla 'Sea Heart')
Everillo Sedge (Carex EverColor® ‘Everillo’)
Bunny Blue® Sedge (Carex laxiculmis ‘Hobb’)
Evergold Sedge (Carex oshimensis ‘Evergold’)
Autumn Fern Brilliance (Dryopteris erythrosora ‘Brilliance’)
Boom Chocolatta Hardy Geranium (Geranium pratense ‘Boom Chocolatta’)
Max Frei Hardy Geranium (Geranium sanguineum 'Max Frei')
Golden Variegated Japanese Forest Grass (Hakonechloa macra ‘Aureola’)
Copper King Foamy Bells (Heucherella ‘Copper King’)
Pink Fizz Foamy Bells (Heucherella ‘Pink Fizz’)
Green Spice Coral Bells (Heuchera americana ‘Green Spice’)
Grape Expectations Coral Bells (Heuchera ‘Grape Expectations’)
Fire Island Hosta (Hosta ‘Fire Island’)
Mighty Mouse Hosta (Hosta ‘Mighty Mouse’)
Patriot Hosta (Hosta ‘Patriot’)
Prairie Sky Hosta (Hosta ‘Prairie Sky’)
Invincible Wee White® Smooth Hydrangea (Hydrangea arborescens 'NCHA5')
Tuff Stuff™ Ah-ha® Mountain Hydrangea (Hydrangea serrata ‘SMNHSDD’ Tuff Stuff™ Ah-ha®)
Tuff Stuff™ Top Fun Mountain Hydrangea (Hydrangea serrata ‘SMNHSG’)
Little Honey Oakleaf Hydrangea (Hydrangea quercifolia ‘Little Honey’)
Golden Spotted Deadnettle (Lamium maculatum ‘Aureum’)
Purple Dragon Spotted Deadnettle (Lamium maculatum ‘Purple Dragon’)
Variegated Lilyturf (Liriope muscari ‘Variegata’)
Christmas Fern (Polystichum acrostichoides)
Moonshine Lungwort (Pulmonaria ‘Moonshine’)
Twinkle Toes Lungwort (Pulmonaria ‘Twinkle Toes’)
Himalayan Sweet Box (Sarcococca hookeriana var. humilis)
Fingerpaint Foamflower (Tiarella ‘Fingerpaint’)
Rheinland Astilbe. Image courtesy of Walters Gardens, Inc.
Why is My Astilbe Turning Brown?
Several factors can contribute to astilbe leaves turning brown. Here are some common reasons for browning in astilbe plants:
Watering Issues: These shade flowers prefer consistently moist soil. If the soil becomes too dry, especially during hot periods, the leaves can turn brown and crispy.
Sun Exposure: Astilbes like partial to full shade. Excessive exposure to direct sunlight, especially in hot climates, can scorch the leaves, turning them brown.
Transplant Shock: Astilbes can experience stress after transplanting. If the plant was recently moved, it might take some time for the roots to establish, and browning may occur temporarily.
Soil Conditions: Astilbes prefer well-draining, humus-rich soil. Compacted or poor-quality soil can affect the plant's health, leading to browning.
Fertilization Issues: Astilbes benefit from regular fertilization, but excessive use of fertilizer, especially high-nitrogen varieties, can lead to burnt or browned leaf edges.
Disease: Fungal diseases such as leaf spot or powdery mildew can cause browning of astilbe leaves. Ensure good air circulation and avoid overhead watering to avoid these problems.
Pests: Although astilbe are incredibly pest and disease resistant, occasional problems may occur. Insects like aphids or spider mites can cause damage to the leaves, leading to browning. Inspect the plant for pests and treat accordingly.
Pumila Dwarf Astilbe. Image courtesy of Walters Gardens, Inc.