Growing Information

Growing zone guide
Growing Zone Zone 4, Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8
Sunlight Partial shade to full shade
Type of Soil Acidic
Mature Height 18 to 24 inches
Maintenance Level Low maintenance
Water Requirement High water needs (twice a week)

Learn more about this plant

Additional Information
Growth Rate

Moderate; reaches mature size in 1–2 seasons

– Sturdy, clump-forming habit with limited spread

– Height: ~18–24 inches tall in bloom, ~12 inches foliage mound

Colorful Leaves Yes
Flowering Yes
Bloom Color White
Ornamental Berries N/A
Disease resistant Yes
Cold Tolerant Yes
Heat Tolerant Yes
Drought Tolerant No
Deer Resistant Yes
Edible No
Wildlife Attraction

– Flowers attract bees, butterflies, and beneficial insects

– Foliage is deer and rabbit resistant

Self-pollinating Cross-pollinating
Seasonality

Spring: Foliage emerges early and expands into lush mounds

Summer: Blooms begin in July and can persist several weeks

Fall: Foliage yellows or bronzes before going dormant

Winter: Dormant, with stems optionally left for structural interest

Ideal For

– Mass planting – shade borders – mixed beds – floral arrangements

Leaf Description

– Dense clumps of deep green, coarse, fern-like foliage

– New growth may have a reddish or bronze tint

– Excellent textural contrast in shade plantings

– Holds up well through summer

Flower Description

Creamy white, plume-like flowers on tall, sturdy, upright stems

– Blooms in mid-to-late summer, often July through August

– Flower plumes arch slightly, giving a soft, feathery look

– Excellent for cut flower arrangements, fresh or dried

Pruning & Maintenance

Deadhead spent flowers if desired, or leave them for fall texture

Cut back all foliage in late fall or early spring

– Divide clumps every 3–4 years to reinvigorate growth and maintain flower quality

Water Needs

– Requires consistent moisture

– More drought-tolerant than other Astilbes once established

– Excellent for rain gardens, moist borders, or anywhere where the soil remains evenly moist

Light Needs

– Performs best in part shade to full shade

– Tolerates more sun than most Astilbes, especially in cooler climates or if well watered

– Ideal for eastern or northern exposures with filtered light

Harvesting

– Harvest flower stems when half to fully open for fresh use

– Hang upside down in a cool, dry area to dry

– Not used for culinary or medicinal harvesting

Fertilizing

– Apply balanced, slow-release fertilizer or compost in early spring

– Avoid excess nitrogen to maintain compact growth and strong bloom

– Replenish mulch annually for nutrient-rich root zone

Additional Care Tips N/A
Pollination

– Pollinated by bees, flies, and butterflies

Self-pollinating, but primarily propagated by division

– Not invasive

Companion Plants

– Shade-loving perennials like Heuchera, Hosta, Ferns, Brunnera, Pulmonaria, Tiarella

– Mix with Hydrangea, Ligularia, or Rodgersia for layered texture

– Brightens up dark corners and works well in moist woodland gardens

Flowering and Seasonality

Spring: Foliage emerges early and expands into lush mounds

Summer: Blooms begin in July and can persist several weeks

Fall: Foliage yellows or bronzes before going dormant

Winter: Dormant, with stems optionally left for structural interest

Creamy white, plume-like flowers on tall, sturdy, upright stems

– Blooms in mid-to-late summer, often July through August

– Flower plumes arch slightly, giving a soft, feathery look

– Excellent for cut flower arrangements, fresh or dried

Pet Friendly

Yes

Growing Zone
  • Zone 4
  • Zone 5
  • Zone 6
  • Zone 7
  • Zone 8

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