The astilbe, or false goat’s beard, is a highly popular perennial amongst American gardeners. Due to its versatility, this plant can be planted and successfully grown in a pot that is left on a patio or deck with an adequate amount of shade. Because these plants are relatively low maintenance, caring for them in a container is very simple even for beginners.
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
When choosing a container for astilbe opt for a pot that is at least 16 inches wide and 12 inches deep. 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 a quality potting mix or make your own blend with organic materials like peat moss, compost, bark chips, and perlite. 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:
-
Divisions: Mature astilbe plants can be dug up and divided. Look for sections with 3-5 growing shoots (eyes) and plant individually in pots.
-
Bare roots: Soak bare roots in water if dry upon arrival. Plant in prepared pots in holes twice the width of the roots. Cover roots with soil so the crown sits 1 inch below the surface.
-
Transplants: Plant at the same depth as the nursery container in prepared pots.
-
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:
-
Watering: Astilbe has high moisture needs. Water whenever the top 1 inch of soil is dry. Water slowly until it drains from the bottom.
-
Fertilizer: Feed with diluted liquid fertilizer every 2-4 weeks during spring and summer. Discontinue in fall.
-
Sunlight: Astilbe thrives in part shade to full shade. Provide some sun for best blooms.
-
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.
-
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:
-
Younique Verspink – Vibrant pink plumes on 12 inch plants.
-
Younique Verswhite – Large, fluffy white blooms reach 10 inches tall.
-
Vision in Pink – Dense, deep pink flowers on mounded 9 inch plants.
-
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. However, if you live in a hot climate, locate the plants in afternoon shade, as most types of astilbe won’t tolerate intense sun. 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
If you want to grow one plant, start with a container with a width of at least 16 inches and a depth of about 12 inches (30 cm.). If you want to grow more than one astilbe, look for a larger container. Fill the container with a good quality commercial potting mix, or create your own with a combination of organic material such as peat, compost, composted bark chips, perlite or sand. 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. Astilbe seeds can be difficult to germinate, but if you want to try, plant the seeds directly in the pot, and then cover them lightly 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.