PRESALE
Fall 2023 Shipping Schedule: 3/1/2024
Perennials return and bloom year after year! Astible are very popular, rugged, versatile, shade lovers that thrive in moist conditions. They produce tall, elegant colorful flower plumes above divided fern-like green foliage in the summer and add bursts of impressive color to the garden landscape. Best yet, they are low maintenance, attract butterflies and are deer and critter resistant. They are quite diverse with hundreds of varieties available, each overachieving in providing splendid flower shows in the shade garden. Use them in groups or en mass to create a ground cover. Pick for cutting when they are half opened.
About this Variety
Astilbe Erika is a tall variety with pink flower plumes on upright stems. Its foliage starts out reddish then turns darker green later in the season.
Highlights
- Beautiful, showy flower plumes all summer
- Adds color to shade gardens
- Deer & critter resistant
- Excellent for cut flowers
- Beneficial to pollinators; attracts butterflies
Exposure:
Partial shade to full shade
Blooms:
Late Spring to Summer
Height:
Grows 18-24" tall
Spacing/Depth:
Plant 15-18" apart, 1-2" deep
USDA Zones:
Grow as Perennial in zones 3-9. Grow as Annual elsewhere.
Growing Instructions
Plant Astilbe outdoors in spring after all danger of frost has passed in a partially shaded to full shade location. The ideal soil is rich and porous and drains well, yet still holds enough water for the roots. If your soil is heavy clay and drains slowly, or very sandy and does not hold water, add organic soil amendments like peat moss or ground bark. Spread a 3-4 inch layer of soil amendment if needed and incorporate into the soil to a depth of 10 inches. Plant roots 1-2" deep and 15-18" apart. Cover with soil. Water thoroughly at planting. While actively growing, water frequently and thoroughly so that water will reach roots. Mulch to keep the soil cool and to prevent the soil from drying out. Fertilize regularly. Remove foliage after it has completely yellowed and died back. Divide every two to three years.
Care Tip
Does not tolerate hot summer temperatures and is a good choice for moderate climates. Likes moist conditions.