How to Grow Astilbe in Damp Shade

For a damp, shady corner where little else will flower, astilbe is one of the best plants you can choose. Its feathery plumes of red, pink or white flowers rise above fern-like leaves through summer.

Astilbe is easy to grow in the right spot, and very unhappy in the wrong one. Here's how to get it right.

Astilbe at a Glance

• Hardiness: fully hardy. Dies down in winter and returns in spring.
• Position: partial shade, in soil that stays moist.
• Size: about 20cm to 1.5m, depending on the variety.
• Flowers: June to August.
• When to plant: March to May, or September and October.
• Good for: damp shade, pond edges, woodland gardens, pots and cut flowers.

The Golden Rule: Keep It Moist

Astilbe is unforgiving of dry soil. In a hot, sunny border it dries out and the leaves turn brown, so only plant it where the soil stays moist all summer, in partial shade. It's ideal for the edge of a pond, a damp corner, or the shade of a north-facing wall.

How to Plant

1. Dig in plenty of well-rotted organic matter to help the soil hold moisture.
2. Plant at the same depth the astilbe was growing in its pot.
3. Water in well and add a thick mulch to keep the soil damp.

Growing Astilbe in Pots

Astilbe grows well in a pot in a shady spot, as long as you never let the compost dry out. Water regularly through summer, especially in warm weather.

Caring for Astilbe

• Watering: water in dry spells, as dry roots quickly brown the leaves.
• Mulching: a yearly mulch helps keep the soil moist.
• Winter interest: leave the dried flower heads on over winter, as they add shape to the border. Cut them back in early spring.

Good to Know

Deer tend to leave astilbe alone. It isn't on the RHS list of plants for pollinators.

Astilbe: Your Questions Answered

Does astilbe like sun or shade?

Partial shade, in soil that stays moist. In hot sun it dries out and turns brown.

Why are my astilbe leaves turning brown?

Almost always because the soil is too dry. Water more often and add a thick mulch.

Should I cut back astilbe in autumn?

You can leave the dried flower heads for winter interest and cut them back in early spring.

Colour for Damp, Shady Corners

Give astilbe moist soil and a little shade, and it will light up the parts of your garden that usually stay green. Browse our astilbe, or see our guide to the best flowering perennials.

Our garden plants are grown in Britain by growers we know, including the Yorkshire nursery that grows most of them. We check every plant by hand before it's packed, and send it out ready for your garden.