How to grow Astilbes in the UK
Feathery plumes of pink, red or white for a damp, shady spot.
- DifficultyEasy peasy
- WhereBeds or Pots
- Sunpart shade or shade
- Grows to60cm
- Spacing45cm
- Time to first pickabout 10 weeks
- Typeperennial
When to sow, plant and harvest astilbes
| Plant | mid March to late May or mid September to late October |
|---|---|
| In flower | mid June to late August |
Dates are for central England. Sow about two weeks later in the north and Scotland, and up to two weeks earlier in the south and south west. Get the dates for your postcode.
Planting it
- Water your new plants in their pots first
- Dig a hole a bit bigger than the pot
- Tip the plant out gently, holding the leaves, not the stem
- Pop it in the hole, firm the soil around it, and water well
- Space the plants about 45cm apart each way
Top tips for growing astilbes
- Keep it damp - it droops in dry soil.
Soil and feeding
Poor soil - really!. Nasturtiums flower best in poor soil. Feed them and you get all leaves and no flowers.
Harvesting and eating astilbes
Leave the dried plumes on over winter - they look lovely in frost.
Saving your own astilbes seed
Autumn or early spring.
- Dig up a big clump
- Pull or cut it into two or three pieces, each with roots and shoots
- Replant them - more plants for free, and the old one grows better too
Where to buy astilbes plants
Thompson & Morgan · Suttons · Amazon
These are affiliate links: we may earn a small commission if you buy, at no extra cost to you. Read more.
Astilbes questions
When do I plant out astilbes?
Plant astilbes out from mid March to late May or mid September to late October.
When can I enjoy astilbes?
Astilbes is ready from mid June to late August. Leave the dried plumes on over winter - they look lovely in frost.
How long do astilbes take to grow?
Roughly 10 weeks from sowing or planting until the first harvest.
Are astilbes easy to grow?
Astilbes are rated 'easy peasy' for beginners, and can be grown in the ground or a raised bed or in pots and containers.
Plan your own garden: it tells you what to do and when, for your postcode.
Start growing - it's free