Astilbe hybrid 'Hot Pearls'

– Bees and pollinators are drawn to its early-season nectar

– Deer and rabbit resistant thanks to coarse texture and unpalatable foliage

– Spring: Fresh green foliage emerges

– Summer: White blooms appear early; plumes last several weeks

– Fall: Foliage turns yellow or bronze before going dormant

– Winter: Dormant; dry flower stalks may persist if not removed

– Woodland gardens – borders – water edges

– Deep green, fern-like foliage with fine serration

– Forms a tidy, bushy mound

– Bronze tint may appear on emerging spring growth

– Holds up well throughout the season, even after bloom

– Dense, upright plumes of bright white flowers

– Flowering begins early to mid-summer (typically June to early July)

– Strong stems resist flopping

– Flowers are excellent for fresh-cut or dried arrangements

– Best planting time: Early spring or early fall

– Soil: Requires moist, well-drained, rich soil rich in organic matter

– Soil prep: Amend heavy clay or sandy soils with compost, leaf mold, or peat moss

– Spacing: Plant 16–20 inches apart to allow full spread and airflow

– Depth: Place crown just at soil level – do not plant too deeply

– Mulch: Apply a 2–3" mulch to retain moisture and moderate temperature

– Deadhead flower stalks after bloom if desired for tidiness

– Foliage can be left for structure through summer and removed in late fall or early spring

– Divide clumps every 3–4 years to rejuvenate bloom strength and manage size

– Requires consistent soil moisture—do not allow to dry out

– Water deeply once or twice per week in dry spells

– Ideal for moist borders, woodland beds, and rain gardens

– Performs best in part shade to full shade

– Can tolerate morning sun or full sun in cooler northern zones if kept consistently moist

– Avoid afternoon sun in hot climates to prevent leaf scorch

– Cut flower stalks when plumes are 50–75% open for longest vase life

– Hang upside down in a cool, dry location if drying

– Not harvested for culinary or medicinal purposes

– In spring, apply a slow-release balanced fertilizer or compost topdressing

– Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers that promote leafy growth over blooms

– Regular mulching will support nutrient retention and soil health

– Self-pollinating

– Flowers attract bees, hoverflies, and some butterflies

– Seed production is minimal; plants are usually propagated by division

– Heuchera, Hosta, Tiarella, Pulmonaria, Brunnera, Ferns, Ligularia

– Ideal beneath shrubs like Hydrangea arborescens, Cornus sericea, or Viburnum nudum

– Beautiful paired with dark-leaved perennials for contrast or silver-foliaged shade plants