I've tried growing the Mighty Chocolate Cherry and Vision in Red varieties of Astilbe chinensis with no luck. The paradox of astilbes is ...Read Morethat they require a lot of water but they also need shade. If they're not in a spot where rain can get to them but sunlight can't, or a spot that's naturally boggy, you're going to have to monitor the soil around them on a more or less daily basis and water them by hand, but of course not too much because they don't like that either. For me it was like trying to grow the most finicky houseplant in the world.
North Walpole, NH (Zone 5a) | June 2009 | positive
Astilbes do very well in my garden. I have 4 different cultivars: 'Bridal Veil', 'Visions in Red', 'Dusseldorf', and 'Amethyst', which is...Read More new this year. Currently, the Visions & Bridal Veil are both in bloom, and the others should follow soon. I love these plants because they are low-maintenance, pest/disease free, & seem to tolerate drought. The Astilbe is another staple in my part-shade garden.
I have a lovely one that was planted by a landscaper so I have no idea of the cultivar. It is a beautiful pink and looks like cotton can...Read Moredy when in bloom. Seems to do well in the part shade where it is planted, but I may try some in more sun when I divide it, because I just love it.
over last two years, nice airy feathery appearance, easy to grow, not demanding, does not attract pests. about 9 to 18 inches tall in goo...Read Mored soil with open sky. No success getting viable seeds from plant.
Mainly planted because it flowers in shade, but not an outstandingly showy plant. Give adequate moisture. Mine not troubled by insects o...Read Morer diseases. Easy, but not that rewarding. Flowers rarely as showy as in photos.
Oklahoma City, OK (Zone 7a) | August 2002 | neutral
Be sure to cut back faded flower stalks. Extra water may be needed in dry periods. Divide after 3-4 years in spring or fall. Astilbe r...Read Moreequires a lot of nutrients, so give it some fertilizer at least once per growing season.
I've tried growing the Mighty Chocolate Cherry and Vision in Red varieties of Astilbe chinensis with no luck. The paradox of astilbes is ...Read More
Astilbes do very well in my garden. I have 4 different cultivars: 'Bridal Veil', 'Visions in Red', 'Dusseldorf', and 'Amethyst', which is...Read More
My winter is too warm for them, they didn' t make it!
I have a lovely one that was planted by a landscaper so I have no idea of the cultivar. It is a beautiful pink and looks like cotton can...Read More
over last two years, nice airy feathery appearance, easy to grow, not demanding, does not attract pests. about 9 to 18 inches tall in goo...Read More
Mainly planted because it flowers in shade, but not an outstandingly showy plant. Give adequate moisture. Mine not troubled by insects o...Read More
Be sure to cut back faded flower stalks. Extra water may be needed in dry periods. Divide after 3-4 years in spring or fall. Astilbe r...Read More