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How to Grow and Care for False Spirea in your Garden

Astilbe chinensis

This plant requires or will tolerate shade during the heat of the dayThis plant may not tolerate any direct sunlightThis plant will tolerate some drought, but benefits from periodic wateringThis plant needs a thorough, deep weekly watering, Double icons require boggy or wet conditionsWhite flowering plantPink flowering plantRed flowering plantPurple flowering plantA photograph is availableHow to Use the Plant Care Icons at The Garden Helper

Grow an Astilbe plant for showy flowers and fantastic foliage
The fern like foliage and the showy plume flowers of False Spirea (Astilbe) make them a favorite summer flowering perennial. The flower plumes which appear in June and into July come in a variety of colors ranging from pink, white, red and purple. The most common varieties grow to a height of about a foot and a half, but there are also taller types which may reach five feet for the background, and little 6 inch dwarfs which make nice ground covers. Even when they are not in bloom, the foliage stays attractive throughout the summer, making them very effective as a border plant, in the shade garden, or at the side of your garden pond.

Planting and Growing False Spirea Plants

Astilbe plants are hardy to USDA Zone 6.
 Mort the Garden Gnome
Although the Astilbe is generally considered to be a partial to full shade plant, they appreciate a little morning sun.
They do, however need protection from hot afternoon sun.
False Spirea should be planted 15-24 inches apart in good humus soil that is rich in organic matter,
and must be kept reasonably moist at all times.
Plants can be set in the garden either in the Spring or in the Fall.
Be sure to provide good drainage for these plants if your winters are wet, as they are here in the Pacific Northwest
Astilbes are heavy feeders and and should receive periodic applications of 5-10-5 fertilizer throughout the summer.
They should be divided every 3-4 years to keep them looking their best. In early spring remove the debris from the previous year, before new growth emerges.

Propagating Astilbe Plants

Astilbes are propagated by division, or they may be grown from seed started indoors in early March, or planted directly into the garden in early Spring.
False Spirea
Astilbe chinensis
A Pink Flowering Astilbe, False Spirea in bloom A White Flowering Astilbe Blooming in the Garden


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