Companion Plants for Astilbe

Oleh Anonymous November 09, 2023 Post a Comment

Table of Contents

Astilbe: A Brief Overview

Astilbe is a popular perennial flower that produces beautiful plumes of pink, white, and red flowers in mid-to-late summer. It's a great choice for adding color and texture to shady areas of your garden. However, astilbe requires specific growing conditions, including moist soil and partial shade. If you're looking to create a cohesive and colorful garden, it's important to choose the right companion plants for astilbe.

Best Companion Plants for Astilbe

Here are some of the best companion plants for astilbe:

1. Hostas

Hostas are a classic companion plant for astilbe. They both thrive in partial shade and moist soil, making them an ideal pairing. Hostas also come in a variety of colors and textures, which can complement the soft, feathery foliage of astilbe. Consider planting hostas in front of astilbe to create a layered look.

2. Ferns

Ferns are another excellent companion plant for astilbe. Like astilbe, ferns prefer moist soil and partial shade. They also add a different texture to your garden, with their delicate fronds and lacy foliage. Try planting ferns behind astilbe to create a backdrop of greenery.

3. Heuchera

Heuchera, also known as coral bells, is a flowering perennial that pairs well with astilbe. They both prefer similar growing conditions, but heuchera adds a pop of color to your garden with its vibrant foliage. Try planting heuchera in front of astilbe to create a dynamic contrast.

4. Bleeding Heart

Bleeding heart is another shade-loving perennial that pairs beautifully with astilbe. They both have delicate, romantic flowers and add a touch of whimsy to your garden. Bleeding heart also blooms earlier in the season than astilbe, so it can extend your garden's blooming period. Consider planting bleeding heart next to astilbe for a romantic and colorful display.

5. Japanese Forest Grass

Japanese forest grass, also known as Hakonechloa macra, is a low-growing ornamental grass that pairs well with astilbe. Its bright green leaves add texture and movement to your garden, while its compact size makes it a great border plant. Try planting Japanese forest grass along the edge of your astilbe bed for a cohesive look.

6. Coral Bells

Coral bells, or Heuchera, are a great companion plant for astilbe. These plants share similar growing conditions, preferring partial shade and moist soil. Coral bells offer contrasting color to astilbe's pastel pinks and whites with their deep purple or burgundy foliage. Plant coral bells at the front of your astilbe bed for a pop of color and texture.

7. Lungwort

Lungwort is a small, shade-loving perennial that pairs well with astilbe. It has beautiful, speckled foliage and delicate pink or blue flowers that bloom in early spring. Lungwort prefers moist soil and partial shade, making it an ideal companion for astilbe. Try planting lungwort at the front of your astilbe bed to create a layered, textured look.

8. Lady Fern

Lady fern is a beautiful, low-maintenance fern that pairs well with astilbe. It has feathery fronds and prefers moist soil and partial shade. Lady fern is also deer-resistant, making it a great choice if you live in an area with lots of wildlife. Plant lady ferns behind your astilbe to create a beautiful backdrop.

9. Goat's Beard

Goat's beard, or Aruncus dioicus, is a tall, impressive perennial that pairs well with astilbe. Its fluffy white flowers bloom in early summer, complementing the pastel hues of astilbe. Goat's beard prefers moist soil and partial shade, making it a great companion plant. Plant goat's beard behind your astilbe for a dramatic display.

10. Tiarella

Tiarella, or foamflower, is a low-growing perennial that pairs well with astilbe. It has delicate, frothy flowers that bloom in late spring and early summer, adding a touch of whimsy to your garden. Tiarella prefers moist soil and partial shade, making it an ideal companion for astilbe. Try planting tiarella at the front of your astilbe bed to create a layered look.

11. Brunnera

Brunnera, or Siberian bugloss, is a beautiful perennial that pairs well with astilbe. It has heart-shaped leaves and small, blue flowers that bloom in late spring. Brunnera prefers moist soil and partial shade, making it a good companion for astilbe. Plant brunnera behind your astilbe to create a backdrop of blue-green foliage.

12. Foamflower

Foamflower, or Tiarella cordifolia, is a low-growing perennial that pairs beautifully with astilbe. It has delicate, frothy flowers that bloom in late spring and early summer, adding a touch of whimsy to your garden. Foamflower prefers moist soil and partial shade, making it an ideal companion for astilbe. Try planting foamflower at the front of your astilbe bed to create a layered look.

13. Anemone

Anemone is a beautiful perennial that pairs well with astilbe. It has delicate, daisy-like flowers that bloom in late summer and early fall, complementing the later blooming astilbe. Anemone prefers moist soil and partial shade, making it an ideal companion for astilbe. Plant anemone behind your astilbe to add a pop of color to your garden.

14. Bleeding Heart

Bleeding heart, or Dicentra spectabilis, is a classic shade-loving perennial that pairs beautifully with astilbe. It has delicate, romantic flowers that bloom in late spring, adding a touch of whimsy to your garden. Bleeding heart prefers moist soil and partial shade, making it an ideal companion for astilbe. Try planting bleeding heart next to astilbe for a romantic and colorful display.

15. Solomon's Seal

Solomon's seal is a beautiful, shade-loving perennial that pairs well with astilbe. It has delicate, bell-shaped flowers that bloom in late spring and early summer, adding a touch of elegance to your garden. Solomon's seal prefers moist soil and partial shade, making it an ideal companion for astilbe. Try planting Solomon's seal behind your astilbe to create a textured, layered look.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Can you plant astilbe with other sun-loving plants?

A: Astilbe prefers partial shade and moist soil, so it's not a good idea to plant it with sun-loving plants. Consider planting astilbe in a shaded area of your garden or under the canopy of a tree.

Q2: How do you care for astilbe?

A: Astilbe requires moist soil and partial shade. Make sure to water it regularly, especially during hot, dry spells. You can also add a layer of mulch around the base of the plant to help retain moisture. Prune astilbe back in the fall after it has finished blooming.

Q3: Can you grow astilbe in pots?

A: Yes, you can grow astilbe in pots. Make sure to choose a pot that is at least 12 inches deep and wide, and fill it with a high-quality potting mix. Keep the soil moist and place the pot in a shady area of your garden.

Q4: When should you plant astilbe?

A: You can plant astilbe in the spring or fall. Make sure to choose a location that receives partial shade and has moist soil. Water the plant regularly until it becomes established.

Q5: What pests and diseases affect astilbe?

A: Astilbe is susceptible to fungal diseases, such as powdery mildew, as well as slug and snail damage. Make sure to keep the plant healthy and well-watered to prevent disease, and use organic pest control methods to deter slugs and snails.

Astilbe is a beautiful perennial flower that adds color and texture to shady areas of your garden. By choosing the right companion plants, you can create a cohesive and colorful display. Some of the best companion plants for astilbe include hostas, ferns, heuchera, bleeding heart, Japanese forest grass, coral bells, lungwort, lady fern, goat's beard, tiarella, brunnera, foamflower, anemone, and Solomon's seal. Remember to plant these companions in partial shade and moist soil for the best results.

Great! Astilbes are beautiful plants that can add a lot of visual appeal to gardens and landscapes. Companion planting can help enhance their beauty, improve soil quality, and even ward off pests.

Here are some companion plants that go well with astilbe:

Hostas: These plants have similar growing requirements as astilbe in terms of moisture and shade. Their large leaves provide a nice contrast to the feathery astilbe blooms.
Ferns: Like astilbe, ferns thrive in moist, shady environments. They also have delicate foliage that complements astilbe's soft flowers.
Coral Bells: These plants come in a variety of colors and add a touch of brightness to shady spots. They can also attract beneficial insects like bees and butterflies.
Bleeding Heart: These plants have heart-shaped flowers that complement astilbe's plumes. They're also good at attracting pollinators.
Japanese Painted Fern: This plant has an interesting texture and color that contrasts well with astilbe's blooms. It also prefers moist, shady areas.

When designing your garden bed or landscape, it's important to consider the needs and preferences of each plant to ensure they thrive together. For example, you may want to group plants with similar water requirements or light preferences together.

I hope this helps! Do let me know if you have any further questions or if there's anything else I can assist you with. Of course, I'm here for you. How can I assist you today?