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perennial flower

Fanal astilbe

Does best with steady moisture; dry shade will reduce bloom and leaf quality.

Zones 4a-8a
First output 1-2 yrs
Spacing 1-3 ft apart
Output 3-8 weeks of bloom/display/year
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moist shade perennialfernlike foliage

Growing Profile

Hardiness
Zones 4a-8a
Sun
PartialShade
Soil
LoamClay
Water
High
Planting depth
Set the crown at the same level it grew in the nursery pot.
Container min
2+ gal (good)
Goals
Curb appeal & colorPollinators & wildlife

Harvest & Use

Window
red plumes in early summer
Output
3-8 weeks of bloom/display/year
First output
1-2 yrs
Best for
Curb appeal & colorPollinators & wildlife

Timing: red plumes in early summer. This profile tracks 3-8 weeks of bloom/display/year with a harvest or display window of 2-5 weeks where defensible.

Source listing: Amazon Search Amazon

Plant photos

What it looks like in the garden

Use these photos to compare the plant's leaves, stems, flowers, fruit, and overall habit before you buy or plant.

Astilbe flower plumes above fernlike foliage.
Plant photo Astilbe flower plumes above fernlike foliage.

Photos show a representative plant in the garden. Fruit color, size, and growth habit can vary by cultivar, season, nursery stock, and site.

Photo sources: LavaLampBamboo / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)

Quantitative Profile

Full output
2-3 yrs
Mature size
1-4 ft H x 1-3 ft W
Spacing
1-3 ft apart
Planting depth
Set the crown at the same level it grew in the nursery pot.
Container min
2+ gal (good)
Productive life
3-10 yrs
Difficulty
2/5
Reliability
4/5
Data quality
Medium profile, No pound-yield source

Pound return is the stock-style yield metric. These are planning ranges for comparing plants, not guarantees. Cultivar, rootstock, climate, soil, pruning, pest pressure, and wildlife can move actual results.

Planting Checklist

8 items

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  • Right-size container with drainage

    Containers / Before planting

    Use a container large enough for mature roots, with open drainage holes to prevent root rot.

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  • Expanding container potting mix

    Containers / Before planting

    Use a lighter container medium instead of dense garden soil in pots and grow bags.

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  • Hose timer

    Watering / Install at planting

    Keep new plantings and containers from drying out during establishment.

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  • Drip irrigation kit

    Watering / Install at planting

    Deliver steady root-zone moisture with less leaf wetness and less water loss.

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  • Organic mulch

    Soil / After planting

    Hold soil moisture, suppress weeds, moderate soil temperature, and protect shallow roots.

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  • Hand trowel

    Tools / Planting day

    Plant starts, herbs, flowers, bulbs, and smaller container plants at the right depth.

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  • Shade cloth

    Protection / Heat waves

    Reduce heat stress for cool-season greens, tender transplants, and containers in hot sun.

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  • Finished compost

    Soil / Bed prep

    Improve bed structure and organic matter before planting annuals, perennials, shrubs, and trees.

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Planting Strategy

  • Planting depth: Set the crown at the same level it grew in the nursery pot.
  • Container minimum: 2+ gal (good). Use 2+ gal per plant, or wider mixed containers with similar water needs.
  • Start with one plant when testing fit in a new bed or container.
  • Use the pairing map below to choose nearby companions or compatible varieties.

Risk Factors

  • Match the site first: partial, shade light, loam, clay soil, and high water.
  • Use 1-3 ft apart as the first spacing model; adjust for hedges, trellises, containers, or local guidance.
  • Plan around mature size: 1-4 ft H x 1-3 ft W.
  • Local drainage, pests, chill hours, wildlife pressure, and microclimates can change the result.

Related Planning Guides

Comparable Plants

Companion Plants & Pairings

Plant Nearby

Sources & Methodology

This guide combines hardiness range, light, soil, water, harvest timing, traits, source listings, plant relationships, and quantitative planning metrics. Pairings are screened for practical garden fit.

Quantitative values use extension and botanical-reference ranges where available. For less-studied cultivars, similar crops fill gaps conservatively. Ranges are intentionally broad so the profile stays useful without pretending to be exact.

Source listing: Amazon. Search links are not paid placements unless explicitly marked; affiliate listings may earn a commission. Last reviewed: 2026-05-24.