How big does Astilbe grow?

About 90 cm × 60 cm after ten years (height × width). Its ultimate size is 0.4–1.4 m × 30–60 cm.

What soil does Astilbe grow in?

It tolerates these soils: average garden soil, clay.

Hardy down to -34 °C (USDA zone 4, RHS H7). It gets through winter in every part of the country.

When does Astilbe flower?

Flowering: May–August, white, pink, red, purple.

How much water does Astilbe need?

Water need: high. Drought tolerance: low.

How much does Astilbe cost?

It sells for roughly €5.50 to €12 in local shops, depending on size.

Astilbe

Astilbe × arendsii

Astilbe (Astilbe × arendsii) is a perennial that reaches 90 cm × 60 cm after ten years. Light: part shade, shade. Hardy down to -34 °C. Drought tolerance: low. Sold in local shops from about €5.50.

Illustration of Astilbe — An illustration of the typical shape of the mature plant, not a photo.

What it's good for, and what it isn't

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 where the soil stays moist all summer or where you can water regularly, because it does not cope with drought or hot sun. The dried plumes are worth leaving on over winter, as they stay decorative.

Watch out for

Hot, dry Central European summers are the main problem: when the soil dries out the leaves brown and curl, and the clump weakens year after year. It will not survive in a sunny, dry bed without irrigation, and even in part or full shade it needs mulching and watering several times a week in drought. Powdery mildew, leaf spot and vine weevil occur occasionally.

Key facts

Light: Part shade, Shade
Water need: High
Care: Medium
Size after 10 years: 90 cm × 60 cm
Hardiness: down to -34 °C
Foliage: Deciduous
Flowering: J F M A M J J A S O N D May–August, white, pink, red, purple

Group	Perennial
Light	Part shade, Shade
Size after 10 years	90 cm × 60 cm
Ultimate size	0.4–1.4 m × 30–60 cm
Hardiness	down to -34 °C (USDA 4, RHS H7)
Soil	Average garden soil, Clay
Foliage	Deciduous
Flowering	May–August, white, pink, red, purple
Water need	High
Drought tolerance	Low
Maintenance	Medium
Root aggressiveness	Low
Suckering	no
Spreading	Low
Distance from buildings	no data
Distance from paving	no data
Litter	not typical
Planting distance	40 cm
For dogs	no data
For cats	Non-toxic (uncertain)
For children	Non-toxic (uncertain)
Typical price	from about €5.50

Toxicity data is for information only. If your pet or child has eaten a plant, contact a vet or a doctor.

Sizes and prices available

The same plant is sold as a small pot and as a specimen several metres tall, and the price follows. Prices are rounded and for guidance only.

Size	Typical price
25-50 cm	approx. €10
30-50 cm	approx. €10
30+ cm	approx. €10
35+ cm	approx. €12
size not stated	approx. €5.50 – €7.90

Frequently asked questions

Data updated: October 8, 2026 · How our data is made

Appears in these lists

Ground cover plants for shade Ground cover plants Plants for shade Perennials for part shade Perennials that flower all summer Perennials for clay soil Plants for containers

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