Also known as False Spirea · 2.2k gardener saves

Astilbe: the varieties gardeners actually grow

Astilbe, the genus most gardeners know as false spirea. We track 59 varieties; these are the ones gardeners actually save and plant, ranked by real saves rather than catalog marketing. Each links to full care, bloom, and live price data.

59 varietiesZones 4–9Shade friendly

The 12 most-saved Astilbe varieties

Of 59 in the catalog — ordered by how many gardeners actually grow them.

#1 most saved

'Visions in Pink' Chinese Astilbe

Astilbe astilbe 'Visions in Pink'

Zones 4–8· 88 saves· from $25

#2 most saved

Visions Astilbe

Astilbe chinensis 'Visions'

Zones 4–8· 87 saves· from $17

#3 most saved

Garden Astilbe, False Spirea

Astilbe astilboides 'Garden Mix'

Zones 4–8· 66 saves

Bridal Veil Astilbe

Astilbe astilbe 'Bridal Veil'

Zones 4–8· 59 saves· from $17

Maggie Daley Astilbe

Astilbe x arendsii 'Maggie Daley'

Zones 4–8· 55 saves· from $14

Rheinland Astilbe

Astilbe x arendsii 'Rheinland'

Zones 4–8· 54 saves· from $14

Peach Blossom Astilbe

Astilbe astilbe 'Peach Blossom'

Zones 4–8· 54 saves· from $29

Astilbe Delft Lace

Astilbe x arendsii 'Delft Lace'

Zones 4–8· 52 saves· from $12

Purple Candles Astilbe

Astilbe x arendsii 'Purple Candles'

Zones 4–8· 50 saves· from $14

False Goatsbeard

Astilbe biternata

Zones 4–8· 50 saves

Milk and Honey Astilbe

Astilbe x arendsii 'Milk and Honey'

Zones 4–8· 49 saves· from $25

Montgomery Astilbe Astilbe Montgomery

Astilbe x arendsii 'Montgomery'

Zones 4–8· 49 saves· from $14

Browse all 59 Astilbe varieties →

How to grow Astilbe

What the Astilbe varieties in our catalog actually agree on — drawn from the care records of the 40 most-grown of them, not from a generic template.

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
FertilizeMarch73% 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 🌱
Fertilize in spring with a balanced fertilizer
Keep soil consistently moist 🌱
Mulch annually to conserve moisture
Apply mulch to conserve moisture

Avoid

Avoid letting soil dry out completely ❌
Don't let soil dry out completely
Avoid dry or overly sunny locations ❌
Don’t let soil dry out completely

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 2.2k real gardener saves — 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.

Keep exploring

Astilbe shows up in

By hardiness zone

Related genera

Design with Astilbe in your own yard

Snap a photo of your space and see these varieties planted in it — sized correctly, matched to your zone, with care reminders included.