Last Updated on April 15, 2024 by Real Men Sow
Astilbes are a great value plant because they add colour and texture to the most difficult, damp, and shady areas of your garden. They produce a lot of beautiful ferny leaves, and elegant plumes full of feathery pink flowers that bloom from late spring to the end of summer. Their fluffy plumes give them the name of ‘false sheep beard’.
How Do Pink Astilbe Look Like
They are available in different sizes, from smaller front-of-border varieties to larger taller varieties of up to 2m. Astilbes are great for planting in woodland-style settings. They can be paired with other shade-tolerant plants like rodgersias or hostas.
Where To Grow Pink Astilbe
To thrive, Astilbes must be able to grow in moist soil in a sunny or partially shaded area. They do not like dry soils. However, they can tolerate more sunlight as long as the soil isn’t dried out. So make sure to plant good plants for a waterside or bog garden.
Planting Astilbes
Add well-rotted manure to a large hole larger than the pot. Once established, keep newly-planted astilbes properly watered.
Propagating Pink Astilbe
Astilbes are perennials that can be used year after year, but it is a good idea to divide them every so often. This will help to regenerate your plant as well as increase your stock. Divide astilbes after they have finished flowering in the autumn or early spring. Before planting, make sure to pot up the divisions.
Is It Hard To Grow Pink Astilbe
Astilbes are fairly trouble-free and are one of those rare plants that pests don’t seem to like, but they can be susceptible to powdery mildews.
Caring for Pink Astilbes
Astilbes can be cared for easily if they are grown in the right conditions. They don’t require deadheading. You can simply cut the plants back after they have finished flowering, and divide them every three to four years.
5 Pink Astilbe Varieties To Try
- Deutschland – flowers are a bit earlier than other Astilbes and shorter than the others. The plants have shiny leaves and masses of pure white blooms.
- Rheinland – A compact variety with dark green/bronze foliage and masses of pink flowers. This variety is ideal for growing in front of shaded borders.
- Heart and Soul – A compact variety that produces light purple flowers in midsummer with a mild scent.
- Younique Carmine – A compact variety with dark green leaves and lots of dark pink flowers. It can be grown in a shady area with other moisture-loving, shade-loving plants like primulas or hostas.
- Federsee – This compact variety has rosy pink flowers and is suitable for the front, middle or border. It would be a good combination with primulas and hostas.