Also known as False Spirea · 2.4k saves
Astilbe
Astilbe, the genus most gardeners know as false spirea. We track 59 varieties; the ones most used by real gardeners.
The 24 most-saved Astilbe varieties
See all 59 Astilbe varieties →Search this genus →
4 species of Astilbe
Each one is a parent of the varieties above.
Track your Astilbe in Sow
Save the Astilbe you grow and get care reminders timed to your zone.
How to grow Astilbe
Whats common across all Astilbe varieties in our catalog — drawn from the care records of the 40 most-grown of them.
The Astilbe year
- MulchMarch and April100% of varieties
Apply 2-3 inches of organic mulch to retain soil moisture
- DivideMarch and September100% of varieties
Divide congested clumps every 3-4 years to maintain vigor
- Spring CleanupFebruary and March93% of varieties
Cut back old foliage to the ground before new growth starts
- FertilizeMarch70% of varieties
Apply balanced slow-release fertilizer as new shoots emerge
- DeadheadJuly and August38% of varieties
Remove spent flower stalks or leave them for winter texture
Do
- Water regularly to keep soil moist 🌱
- Keep soil consistently moist 🌱
- Fertilize in spring with a balanced fertilizer
- Mulch annually to conserve moisture
- Mulch to conserve moisture and regulate soil temperature
Avoid
- Avoid letting soil dry out completely ❌
- Don't let soil dry out completely
- Avoid dry or overly sunny locations ❌
- Don’t forget to remove dead or damaged foliage
What goes wrong with Astilbe
| Problem | What you'll see | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Aphids | Sticky residue and distorted leaves | Use insecticidal soap or neem oil |
| Spider mites | Fine webbing and speckled leaves | Use insecticidal soap or introduce natural predators |
| Spider Mites | Fine webbing and yellowing leaves | Increase humidity and spray with neem oil |
| Leaf spot | Dark spots on foliage | Remove affected leaves and improve air circulation |
| Powdery mildew | White powder on leaves | Improve air circulation and apply fungicide if needed |
| Powdery Mildew | White powdery coating on leaves | Improve air circulation and apply fungicide |
| Root rot | Wilting and blackened roots | Ensure well-draining soil and reduce watering |
Making more Astilbe
Division
- Dig up mature clump in early spring or fall
- Gently separate into smaller sections with roots intact
- Plant divisions immediately at same depth
- Water thoroughly after planting
- Allow 6 weeks to establish
Seed
- Sow seeds on moist surface in early spring
- Cover lightly with soil and keep moist
- Maintain consistent moisture for germination
- Transplant seedlings after they develop several leaves
Astilbe questions
How many types of Astilbe are there?
The Sow catalog tracks 59 distinct Astilbe varieties. The most popular — ranked by 2.4k real gardeners — are shown first above.
What zones does Astilbe grow in?
Across its varieties, Astilbe covers USDA Zones 4–9. Individual varieties differ — each plant page lists its exact range, and Sow filters the catalog to your zone automatically.
When does Astilbe bloom?
Most Astilbe varieties bloom in mid-summer, late spring to late summer, early summer. Staggering early, mid, and late varieties extends the genus's season in one bed.
Which Astilbe should I choose?
Start from the most-saved varieties above — popularity across thousands of gardens is a strong signal of reliability — then filter by your zone and sun. In the Sow app you can preview any of them in a photo of your actual yard before you buy.