ASTILBE IN VARIETIES

Overview and Key Features

Astilbe is a beloved genus of shade-tolerant perennials known for its graceful plumes of feathery flowers and deeply cut, fern-like foliage. Flowering in mid to late summer, Astilbes add colour, texture, and height to shady borders, woodland gardens, and damp areas.

Astilbes come in a wide range of varieties, offering flower colours from white, pink, red, lavender, and peach to deep purples, with varying heights and blooming times. These plants are ideal for mass planting, mixed perennial borders, and cut flower gardens. Their blooms are attractive to bees and butterflies, making them valuable for pollinator-friendly gardens.

• Height: 30–120 cm (depending on variety)

• Spread: 30–60 cm

• Flowering time: June to August

• Flower colours: White, pink, red, lilac, purple, peach

• Foliage: Finely divided, often bronze or deep green

• Habit: Upright, clump-forming

• Type: Herbaceous perennial

• Hardiness: Fully hardy (RHS H7)

• Attracts: Bees, butterflies, and hoverflies

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Preferred Growing Conditions

Astilbes thrive in cool, moist, semi-shaded areas and are especially valuable for parts of the garden that stay damp and partially shaded.

Light Conditions

• Partial shade is ideal

• Tolerates full shade, though flowering may be reduced

• In cooler climates or with sufficient moisture, some varieties tolerate full sun

Soil Preferences

• Prefers moist, rich, well-drained soils

• Tolerates heavy or clay soils if not waterlogged

• Requires consistent moisture—mulch regularly to retain water

• Dislikes dry, sandy, or drought-prone soils

Planting Tips

• Plant in spring or autumn

• Space plants 40–60 cm apart, depending on variety size

• Enrich planting hole with well-rotted compost or organic matter

• Ensure soil is moist at the time of planting

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Watering, Feeding, and General Maintenance

Watering

• Keep soil consistently moist, especially in warm weather

• Essential to water during dry spells or when in full sun

• Mulch annually in spring to help retain soil moisture

Feeding

• Apply a balanced fertiliser in spring as new growth emerges

• Alternatively, top-dress with compost or well-rotted manure

Deadheading and Pruning

• Remove spent flower spikes to keep plants tidy

• Cut back foliage to the ground in late autumn or early spring

• Tidy up dead leaves to prevent overwintering pests or disease

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Winter and Long-Term Care

• Astilbes are fully hardy and do not require winter protection

• Cut back all stems after frost blackens the leaves

• Divide clumps every 3–4 years in early spring or autumn to rejuvenate growth and promote vigour

• Mulch yearly with compost to maintain soil health

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Landscape Use and Companions

Astilbes add vertical interest and soft texture to shady gardens and damp conditions. They're well-suited for:

Best Uses

• Shade borders under trees or large shrubs

• Woodland or damp garden settings

• Bog gardens and pond edges

• Containers (with careful attention to watering)

• Mass planting or as groundcover in larger gardens

Companion Plants

Astilbes pair beautifully with:

• Hosta, Heuchera, Ferns, and Brunnera

• Rodgersia, Ligularia, and Pulmonaria

• Iris sibirica, Primula japonica, and Hellebores

• Grasses like Carex elata for textural contrast

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Highlights and Benefits

• Low maintenance and long-lived

• Perfect for shade and damp areas

• Pollinator-friendly

• Excellent for cut flowers (fresh or dried)

• Adds texture and colour to shady borders

• Wide range of sizes and colours to suit any garden style

Standard Delivery per parcel*	€7.95
* parcels up to 30kg or within dimensions volume
* free delivery over €250 on standard items (excludes large/bulky items)
* multiple purchases qualify for combined delivery
For large items please ring us on 069-64084 to discuss delivery.

We currently only deliver within the island of Ireland, other countries can be quoted for by contacting [email protected] or via telephone on 06964084
 

Standard Delivery is FREE on orders over €250*

All standard deliveries will be completed within 5-7 working days via Fastway Couriers, any delay to this delivery time, the customer will be notified by One of our staff.

The in-Store delivery charge will vary compared with online, in-store delivery charge is done on a case by case basis. 

* Only mainland Ireland addresses qualify for free delivery.
 

Live Plants Delivery

Our live plants are packed with care and diligence by our staff, our horticulturists review each plant before despatch to ensure quality is maintained.
Live Plant delivery charges are not calculated on weight but on the space required per package to ensure safe delivery, so delivery charges may vary as some plants require more space than others when packed.
All live plants are despatched within 3-5 working days where possible, our couriers aim to deliver within 48 hours of despatch from our Garden Centre to allow the plant to arrive in healthy condition.
 

Click & Collect

Can’t wait for delivery? Why not try our FREE Click & Collect service? Simply make your purchase online and collect it from our store located in Croagh Co. Limerick. Our staff will contact you by phone when your order is ready for collection (Please allow 24 hours minimum). When collecting your item, call the store on 069-64084. We will then load into your car as required. This service is available in-store 9am – 6pm Monday – Saturday (No collections on Sundays)

 

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If you have any further questions about the online order payment please contact us via ­069 640 84 or mail.