A genus built for shade
Astilbe belongs to the saxifrage family and is native to Asia and North America. Its fern-like leaves and feathery plumes of tiny flowers suit damp, partly shaded beds. The widely grown hybrids are often listed as Astilbe x arendsii, after the German nurseryman Georg Arends.
Can you grow astilbe in Australia?
Yes, with conditions. It needs steady moisture, cool roots and shade from the afternoon sun. That makes Tasmania, the Victorian ranges, the Southern Highlands, the Blue Mountains and the Adelaide Hills the easiest places. Gardens in Sydney and Brisbane can manage with a shaded, well-mulched bed and regular watering. In Perth, Darwin and dry inland districts, hot wind scorches the leaves and astilbe is a poor bet.
- Enrich the soil with compost and mulch generously.
- Keep the soil damp but not waterlogged.
- Plant dormant crowns in winter, or potted plants in autumn or spring.
- Divide clumps every three or four years.
Flower and foliage through the year
Plumes appear from late spring through summer, roughly November to February, and in cool gardens they can stay on the plant through autumn. Dried seedheads add winter structure. In winter the plant goes dormant, with the foliage dying back.
Astilbe and animals
The ASPCA's toxic plant lists have no astilbe entry that we could find. Even so, a plant eaten in bulk can upset an animal, so ring a vet if your pet seems unwell after chewing it.
