Astilbe hybrid 'Ivory Pearls'

– Attracts bees and pollinating insects during bloom

– Foliage is deer and rabbit resistant

– Spring: New foliage emerges and forms lush mounds

– Summer: Blooms from July to early August

– Fall: Foliage may fade to yellow or bronze

– Winter: Dormant; spent plumes can provide off-season structure

– Woodland borders – moist shade beds – containers – floral arrangements

– Dark green, coarsely divided, fern-like leaves

– Slight bronze tint on new foliage in spring

– Provides strong texture and contrast in shade gardens, even when not in bloom

– Sturdy mound holds shape well throughout the growing season

– Tall, upright creamy ivory-white plumes

– Stems are strong and upright, preventing flop even after rain

– Blooms in mid-summer (typically July) and lasts several weeks

– Excellent for fresh-cut or dried floral arrangements

– Best time to plant: Early spring or fall, in cool and moist conditions

– Soil: Rich, moisture-retentive, slightly acidic to neutral soil (pH 5.8–6.5)

– Site prep: Work compost or organic matter into planting area for best root establishment

– Planting depth: Set crown just at soil level—do not bury

– Spacing: Space plants 18–24 inches apart for airflow and full spread

– Mulch: Use organic mulch to retain moisture and cool the root zone

– Deadhead flowers once they fade if desired for neatness

– Alternatively, leave plumes for autumn structure and winter interest

– Cut back entire plant in late fall or early spring before new growth appears

– Divide every 3–4 years to refresh vigor and prevent overcrowding

– Requires even moisture, especially during hot, dry periods

– Not drought-tolerant—supplement with watering if natural rainfall is insufficient

– Ideal for moist borders, stream banks, shaded water features, or rain gardens

– Thrives in part shade to full shade

– Tolerates morning sun if soil is kept consistently moist

– In hot climates, protect from direct afternoon sun to avoid leaf scorch

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

– Hang upside down to dry in cool, shaded area for arrangements

– Not used for culinary or herbal purposes

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

– Avoid high-nitrogen blends which may increase foliage growth at the expense of flowers

– Reapply mulch each spring to enrich soil naturally

– Self-pollinating, visited by bees, flies, and small butterflies

– Seed production is possible but not typically used for propagation

– Preferred method: clump division

– Excellent with other shade-lovers: Hosta, Heuchera, Tiarella, Ferns, Pulmonaria, Brunnera

– Pairs well with dark-leaved plants like Actaea or Ligularia for contrast

– Combines beautifully with Hydrangea, Rodgersia, or Astilbe 'Vision in Pink' in massed plantings