Astilbe hybrid 'Happy Spirit'

• Attracts bees, butterflies, and other pollinators when in bloom.
• Deer and rabbit resistant, making it a reliable option in wildlife-prone gardens.
  
  
  
  

• Spring: Emerges with bronze-tinged foliage.
• Summer: Blooms mid-late season with airy white flowers.
• Fall: Foliage may fade but remains decorative until frost.
• Winter: Dies back to the ground and returns in spring.
  
  
  
  

– Borders – woodlands – cut flower gardens

• Foliage: Finely cut, ferny and elegant in appearance.
• Color reddish-bronze tones, particularly in spring and early summer.
  
  

• Produces upright, fluffy white flower plumes.
• Bloom period: Mid to late summer.
• The white blooms contrast beautifully with the darker foliage and are long-lasting, both on the plant and in cut arrangements.
  
  
  

• Site selection: Choose a location with part shade to full shade and rich, moist, well-draining soil.

• Soil preparation: Enrich the soil with organic matter (compost, peat moss) to retain moisture and improve drainage.

• Planting depth: Set the crown of the plant just at or slightly below soil level.

• Spacing: Space plants 18–24 inches apart to allow for air circulation and mature spread.

• Best time to plant: Spring or fall, when soil is moist and temperatures are cooler.
  
  
  
  
  
  

• Deadhead spent blooms to maintain tidiness, though it’s not necessary for continued flowering.

• In late fall or early spring, cut back old foliage to the ground to make way for new growth.
• Astilbe dies back naturally in winter and regrows in spring.
  
  

• Requires consistent moisture, especially during dry periods.
• Soil should be evenly moist but not waterlogged.
• Mulch helps retain soil moisture and keep roots cool.
  
  

• Part shade to full shade is ideal.
• Can tolerate , but avoid hot afternoon sun, especially in warmer zones, as it may scorch the foliage or dry out the plant.
  
  

• Cut flowers are suitable for fresh arrangements.
• Can also be dried for use in floral crafts.
• Harvest stems when blooms are fully open for best appearance.
  
  

• Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring as new growth begins.
• For richer flowering, consider a phosphorus-boosted formula (e.g., 10-20-10).
• Mulch with compost annually to improve soil fertility and moisture retention.
  
  

• Pollinated by insects, particularly bees and butterflies.
• While not grown for seed production, it is capable of producing seed when pollinated by another astilbe of compatible type.
  

Pairs well with other shade- and moisture-loving plants:

• Hostas
• Ferns
• Heuchera (Coral Bells)
• Brunnera
• Ligularia
• Tiarella
• Japanese Forest Grass (Hakonechloa)
  These plants provide varied foliage textures and colors to complement Astilbe’s upright blooms.