Astilbe, with its graceful, feathery blooms, is a lovely addition to any garden But did you know this perennial plant also thrives when grown in containers? With the right care, potted astilbe can add a pop of color and texture to patios, porches, and other outdoor living spaces
Selecting the Right Container
Choose a pot that is at least 16 inches wide and 12 inches deep for your astilbe seeds. This will provide enough room for the plant’s root system. For multiple plants, size up accordingly.
Terra cotta and wooden planters work best, as they promote air circulation compared to plastic and ceramic. Proper drainage is also key, so be sure your container has holes in the bottom. You may also add a layer of gravel at the bottom to improve drainage.
Best Soil for Potted Astilbe
Use good potting mix or mix your own with peat moss, compost, bark chips, and perlite to make an organic mix. The soil should be rich in nutrients but drain freely.
Before planting, fill the container about halfway with soil. This will leave room for watering.
Planting Astilbe in Pots
For best results, plant astilbe in containers during spring or fall, avoiding summer’s intense heat. You can start from divisions, bare roots, transplants, or seed:
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Divisions: Mature astilbe plants can be dug up and divided. Look for sections with 3-5 growing shoots (eyes) and plant individually in pots.
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Bare roots: Soak bare roots in water if they are dry when you get them. Prepare pots and make holes twice as wide as the roots. Plant in the pots. Put soil over the roots so that the crown is 1 inch below the ground.
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Transplants: Plant at the same depth as the nursery container in prepared pots.
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Seeds: Press into the soil surface without covering. Thin seedlings once they emerge.
Caring for Potted Astilbe
Caring for container astilbe is low maintenance with proper watering, fertilizing, and overwintering:
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Watering: Astilbe has high moisture needs. Water whenever the top 1 inch of soil is dry. Water slowly until it drains from the bottom.
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Liquid fertilizer should be used to feed plants every two to four weeks in the spring and summer. Discontinue in fall.
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Sunlight: Astilbe thrives in part shade to full shade. Provide some sun for best blooms.
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Overwintering: Grow astilbe as a perennial in zones 3-8. Move pots to an unheated garage or cellar over winter. Reduce watering. Mulch in ground pots if leaving outside.
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Dividing: Rejuvenate overcrowded pots by dividing every 2-3 years in early spring. Discard dead centers and replant vigorous side shoots.
Choosing the Right Astilbe Variety
With countless astilbe varieties available, focus on compact types under 1 foot tall for containers. Some top picks include:
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Younique Verspink – Vibrant pink plumes on 12 inch plants.
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Younique Verswhite – Large, fluffy white blooms reach 10 inches tall.
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Vision in Pink – Dense, deep pink flowers on mounded 9 inch plants.
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Vision in Red – Cherry red plumes on a dwarf 6-8 inch variety.
No matter which variety you choose, astilbe makes a lovely addition to container gardens and small space gardens. With the right pot, soil, and care, you can enjoy their beautiful blooms all season long.
Frequently Asked Questions About Growing Astilbe in Pots
Growing astilbe in containers is easy, but you may still have some questions. Here are answers to some commonly asked questions:
How big of a container do I need for astilbe?
Select a container at least 16 inches wide by 12 inches deep for each plant. Go larger if planting multiple astilbe.
What is the best soil mix for potted astilbe?
Use a potting mix formulated for containers and combine with peat moss or compost to improve drainage and moisture retention.
When should I plant astilbe in containers?
The best time to plant container astilbe is in early spring after the last frost or in fall. Avoid summer’s heat.
How much sun does potted astilbe need?
Astilbe grows best in partial shade to full shade. Provide a few hours of morning sun for the best flower production.
How often should I water container astilbe?
Check soil moisture frequently and water whenever the top 1 inch becomes dry. Prevent soil from completely drying out.
Should I fertilize my potted astilbe?
Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer every 2-4 weeks during spring and summer for container plants. Discontinue in fall.
Can I leave my potted astilbe outside over winter?
In zones 3-8, sink pots in ground and mulch well. For pots staying above ground, move to an unheated garage or cellar.
How do I divide and transplant container astilbe?
Every 2-3 years in early spring, divide crowded clumps. Discard dead centers and replant the healthy side shoots.
Growing astilbe in containers allows you to enjoy these shade-loving perennials even in small outdoor spaces. Follow this care guide for success with potted varieties!
Caring for Potted Astilbe Plants
Astilbe thrives in light sunlight or moderate shade. Although astilbe grows in total shade, the blooms won’t be as vibrant. If you live in a hot area, though, put the plants where they will get afternoon shade. Most types of astilbe can’t handle direct sunlight. Check the container often and water potted astilbe plants whenever the top one inch (2. 5 cm. ) of soil feels dry to the touch – which may be daily during the heat of summer. Be sure the pot drains well and never allow the soil to remain soggy. Potted astilbe plants benefit from application of a water-soluble fertilizer twice monthly, beginning with the appearance of new growth in spring and ending when the plant goes dormant in autumn. Divide container grown astilbe every three to four years.
How to Grow Astilbe in Pots
Start with a pot that is at least 16 inches wide and 12 inches (30 cm) deep if you only want to grow one plant. ). If you want to grow more than one astilbe, look for a larger container. You can use a good commercial potting mix or make your own by mixing organic materials like peat, compost, composted bark chips, perlite, or sand together. Be sure the container has at least one drainage hole. If you want to save yourself some time, purchase starter plants at a greenhouse or nursery. It can be hard for aster seeds to sprout, but if you really want to try, plant them right in the pot and then lightly cover them with potting mix. When the astilbe are 2 to 3 inches (5 to 7. 6 cm. ) tall, thin the plants to a distance of at least 6 to 8 inches (15 to 20 cm. ) for small plants and 8 to 12 inches (20 to 30 cm. ) for larger varieties. Avoid overcrowding, which can cause rot and fungal disease.