Astilbe and Hosta are often considered for the same spot in the garden (ground cover, container). The data below shows where they differ: size, hardiness, care, toxicity and price.
Astilbe × arendsii 90 cm × 60 cm after 10 years
A splash of colour for shady, damp corners: feathery plumes in white, pink, red or purple rise above ferny foliage in early summer. Plant it only…
Hosta × hybrida 50 cm × 80 cm after 10 years
Hostas are the classic foliage plants for shady parts of the garden: broad, veined leaves in green, powdery blue, gold or with white or yellow…
Hosta is hardier: down to -40 °C, against -34 °C for Astilbe.
Hosta needs less water than Astilbe.
|
Feature
|
Astilbe
|
Hosta
|
|---|---|---|
| Group | Perennial | Perennial |
| Size after 10 years | 90 cm × 60 cm | 50 cm × 80 cm |
| Ultimate size | 0.4–1.4 m × 30–60 cm | 0.1–1.2 m × 0.2–1.5 m |
| Growth rate | no data | Medium |
| Light | Part shade, Shade | Part shade, Shade |
| Soil | Average garden soil, Clay | Average garden soil |
| Hardiness | down to -34 °C (USDA 4, RHS H7) | down to -40 °C (USDA 3, RHS H7) |
| Foliage | Deciduous | Deciduous |
| Flowering | May–August, white, pink, red, purple | June–September, white, purple |
| Water need | High | Medium |
| Drought tolerance | Low | Low |
| Maintenance | Medium | Medium |
| Planting distance | 40 cm | 60 cm |
| For dogs | no data | Toxic |
| For cats | Non-toxic (uncertain) | Toxic |
| For children | Non-toxic (uncertain) | no data |
| Typical price | approx. €7.90 | approx. €9 |
Prices are rounded, indicative values. Toxicity data is for information only. If your pet or child has eaten a plant, contact a vet or a doctor. Data updated: October 13, 2026
Besides the cookies the site needs to work, we would like to use analytics and advertising cookies (Google, Facebook), if you allow it. Details