1 | For lots of these pretty plumes, water astilbe regularly or site it where the soil stays consistently moist. Then you can grow other moisture-loving companions, such as queen of the prairie.
Botanical Names
Chinese astilbe Astilbe chinensis
Japanese astilbe Astilbe japonica
Queen of the prairie Filipendula rubra
Star astilbe Astilbe simplicifolia
Astilbe is one of those go-to perennials that brings so much to the garden. Its distinctive blooms range from bright and bold to soothing pastels, and they last for weeks- even months when you have the right combination of astilbes. Flower plumes come in different shapes, from stiffly upright, like the pink blooms at right, to loose and drapey. In addition, the ferny pest- and disease-free foliage provides great texture for your shade garden, and deer and rabbits usually give it a pass. Astilbe can even grow in full sun if you have a spot with plenty of moisture.
Though there are 25 species, just a few of them are the primary source for most of the hybrids you find at the garden center: Japanese astilbe is an early summer bloomer. Chinese astilbe and smaller star astilbe flower in midsummer.
Let's explore how you can design with and grow gorgeous plants like these.
Grow Gorgeous Astilbe
2 | Terrific texture Besides beautiful flowers, astilbe’s deeply dissected leaves provide good contrast when paired with other leaf shapes, such as the smooth, round foliage of tall sedum.
This story is from the Issue 171 - June 2023 edition of Garden Gate.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the Issue 171 - June 2023 edition of Garden Gate.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
GARDEN ESSENTIALS
FALL GARDEN CLEANUP TOOLS
Saving Seeds
Saving flower seeds is a great way to get more plants with almost no investment. It's easy to do. Here's how to save seeds from some of your favorite annuals as the growing season winds down.
Cucumber Trellis Flop
I watched cucumber trellis growers online for several seasons with envy. What a brilliant way to save space in raised garden beds and make it look fancy! Finally, I was sold and decided to try it in my garden.
9 Tough Perennials for Clay Soil
Whether you garden in the nutrient-poor red clay of the Southeast, the calcium combined-with-clay caliche of the West or something in between, the common denominator is that clay soil is difficult to grow in. Why? Tiny particles of clay hold tightly together, slowing drainage and limiting the amount of oxygen that can reach plant roots. You've seen the resultsanemic-looking or rotting plants.
Garden Fences
Discover the perfect blend of functionality, style, and materials for your ideal fence.
A GARDEN OF STORIES
Learn plant and project tips from a couple who's been gardening here for nearly 50 years.
SPINACH
Learn the secrets to growing this tasty green in spring and fall.
Why Bulb Depth Matters
Dig deep enough to ensure your plants stand tall and live the longest
Switchgrass
Adaptable switchgrass goes with the flow.
Establish a Monarch Waystation
Did you know that a single monarch butterfly can migrate up to 3,000 miles? That's a lot of ground to cover! This amazing insect makes a fascinating journey, unlike any other butterfly.