Horticulture Magazine

Astilbe ‘False Goats Beard’

astilbe flowers bloom in a garden
By APRIL FOOT
April Foot, BA (Hons) - Gardener

April is a writer specialising in gardening and the environment. She is an avid wildlife-enthusiast and adventure-seeker, and feels happiest when in the Great Outdoors. April graduated from the University of Southampton in 2013 with a BA (Hons) degree in English.

/ Updated May 22nd, 2023
Reviewed By ROY NICOL

Roy is a Professional Gardener and Horticultural Consultant, specialising in large garden year-round maintenance and garden development. He is an RHS Master of Horticulture and uses his research in the application of no-dig methods in ornamental garden settings. Roy has been a Professional Gardener for more than six years and is a member of the Chartered Institute of Horticulture, Professional Gardener's Guild and Association of Professional Landscapers (Professional Gardener).

/ Meets Our Editorial Guidelines

The Astilbe plant is a herbaceous perennial, characterised by its divided leaves and erect feathery plumes of tiny flowers in white, pink or red during the summer season.

Some varieties of Astilbe are also known as ‘False goat’s beard’ – for example Astilbe ‘Fanal’ x arendsii, which has serrated, dark green foliage and deep red-coloured flowers.

This fluffy rhizomatous plant will not only add colour to your garden, but also depth and texture, as a result of the unusually shaped plumes.

Overview

Botanical NameAstilbe
Common Name(s)False Goat’s Beard
Plant TypeHerbaceous Perennial
Native AreaNorth America and Asia
Hardiness RatingH7
FoliageTernately divided leaves
FlowersErect plumes of tiny white, pink or purple flowers
When To SowMarch, April, May
Flowering MonthsJune, July, August
When To PropagateDecember to April by division
Sunlight

Preferred
Partial Shade

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered

Size

Height
0.3 – 1.2M

Spread
0.1 – 1M

Bloom Time
June – August

Soil

Preferred
Chalk, sand or loam

Moisture
Moist but well-drained, poorly-drained

pH
Any

As a very hardy plant, Astilbe grows well in a UK climate and I find it to be an ideal choice for areas where less tolerant plants might struggle – such as shaded locations or waterlogged soils.

The fern-like appearance of the plumes looks particularly great in garden borders, alongside grasses and ferns.

a large border with hostas, astilbe and other shade loving plants with woodland in the background

If you’re considering adding Astilbe to your plant collection, read on for our full care and growing guide, and discover the truth about what it takes to grow False goat’s beard in a UK garden. 

Why Grow Astilbe?

Astilbe originates from parts of North America and Asia, and is a member of the Saxifragaceae family.1Nardozzi, B. C. (2022, July 27). All About Astilbe. American Meadows. Retrieved March 10, 2023, from https://www.americanmeadows.com/perennials/astilbe/all-about-astilbe

There are at least 25 different varieties of Astilbe, and many more hybrids.2Astilbes. (n.d.). Iowa State University. Retrieved March 10, 2023, from https://hortnews.extension.iastate.edu/2000/7-14-2000/astilbes.html

Each variety has a different height, flowering time and flower colour; colours vary from white and pink, to red and lavender.

astilbe varieties Montgomery, Kvele and Mont Blanc with pink and white flowers growing in a herbaceous border

Some varieties are commonly referred to as ‘False goat’s beard’, including A. ‘Fanal’ (x arendsii), which produces deep red flowers in early summer, and A. chinensis (Chinese Astilbe), which originates from China and Japan, and has pale pink flowers.

As well as False goat’s beard, another name for Astilbe is False Spirea.

plumes of yellow astilbe flowers growing in a shaded spot under some trees

These names come about because the feathery clusters of Astilbe give it a similar appearance to the true Goat’s-beard (Aruncus dioicus), and Spiraea plants.

Astilbe is a popular choice for shaded gardens, and works well with other shade-tolerant plants, such as rodgersias and hostas, as well as grasses and ferns.

It is often planted as part of a border, with several varieties of differing heights, and will add long-lasting colour and texture to your garden.

Different colours and heights of Astilbe planted together

Another common home for Astilbe is around a garden pond or stream, thanks to its fairly rare preference for waterlogged soil.

Astilbe is a very low-maintenance plant, with few common pests, and is therefore one of the easiest perennials you can add to your garden.

Habitat & Growing Conditions

Astilbe’s natural habitat is the valleys, mountain ravines and woodlands of North America and Asia, where it often grows in shaded and boggy conditions.

As a result, the plant does well in partial shade and favours moist or waterlogged soil.

It does not like full sun or high temperatures.

Astilbe growing naturally next to a lake

Ideally, Astilbe prefers soil that’s loamy and humus-rich, although it will grow in pretty much all soil types and pHs.

Just make sure the soil doesn’t dry out, as Astilbe will not tolerate this.

This is especially important if it’s in a sunny location, in which case lots of watering will be required.

How To Grow Astilbe

Although you can plant Astilbe from seed, I’d advise that this is definitely not the easiest choice, as it can be hard to germinate.

flowers of False goat's beard that have turned to seed

Most people tend to purchase bare-rooted Astilbe plants when they are readily available in early spring, or acquire them by division.

Plant Care & Growing Tips

Sunlight

Unlike many plants, Astilbe does not need full sunlight to produce its beautiful flowers – in fact, it favours the shade.

bright pink flowers of Astilbe growing in direct sun

It will, however, benefit from a little sun, to help it produce larger blooms.

The best location to choose for it is one of partial or dappled shade, with perhaps an hour or two of sun throughout the day.

Soil Requirements

To plant your Astilbe, dig a large hole, and add some well-rotted organic compost.

Astilbe can tolerate all types of soil – including acidic – with the exception of dry soil.

sprouting foliage of False Goat's Beard plant with new growth in spring

As it needs a high moisture content, it will also do well in a boggy or waterlogged spot, where many other plants might struggle – for example by a stream or pond.

Watering & Feeding

Make sure to water your Astilbe regularly, and mulch the soil annually to help with water retention.

Astilbe is a hardy plant, and apart from watering, requires little ongoing care for it to flourish and flower each season.

a watering can being used to water the soil of an Astilbe plant, with rocks shown in the foreground

It will die back to ground level each autumn after flowering, and fresh growth will appear the following spring.

You can add a slow-release, balanced fertiliser at this time, to aid the summer’s flowering.

Common Problems

Astilbe is generally not prone to disease.

Powdery Mildew

One possible concern is powdery mildew, particularly due to Astilbe’s love of damp, shaded growing locations.

Powdery mildew is a fungal infection which can lead to a powdery white coating on your plant’s leaves and flowers, as well as distorted leaf growth.

magnified view of powdery mildew on the surface of a plant leaf

To help avoid powdery mildew, make sure not to over-fertilise the soil, and don’t plant too densely, as this will stop air from circulating around your plant, encouraging the conditions for mould.

Pruning back the centre of the plant or the division of a dense plant can also help as this will help to increase air circulation.

If your plant shows signs of infection, you can tackle it by immediately pruning the affected areas, and removing any fallen infected material on the ground.

You can also apply a fungicide.

Bacterial Leaf Spot

Another disease that may affect Astilbe is Bacterial Leaf Spot.

The most obvious symptom of this is black or brown spots on the leaves.

magnified view of bacterial leaf spot with discoloured patches

Unfortunately, it is not possible to completely eradicate Bacterial Leaf Spot once your plant is infected, but it can be controlled with the use of a fungicide.   

There are not many pests common to Astilbe plants, although vine weevil can sometimes attack with notches in leaves becoming apparent.

Tarnished Plant Bug

Occasionally, they might succumb to an infestation of tarnished plant bug – a 5mm, yellowy-brown bug, that feeds on plant tissue, sucking juices from leaves and shoots.

These bugs can be controlled using insecticides, or by applying a garlic spray to your plant, to discourage feeding.

magnified view of a Tarnished Plant Bug sat on a leaf

You should also remove weeds and dead leaves from the area around your plant, so the bugs have nothing else to feed on, and nowhere to hide over winter.

When you first plant your Astilbe, you may notice hedgehogs and rabbits nibbling on the leaves, but once the plant is established, it is generally fairly resistant to becoming wildlife fodder.

FAQs

How Big Do Astilbes Get?

Astilbe plants can grow to anywhere from 30-150cm in height, depending on the variety.

It will usually take 2-5 years for the plant to grow to its maximum height.

The flowering plumes range from 20-60cm, again depending on the variety.

Is Astilbe Deer Resistant?
a huge perennial border with red flowering astilbe and other bushy plants, as well as large trees in the background

Although no plant is completely deer-proof, the good news is that Astilbe is rarely bothered by deer, as they tend not to be too keen on the fern-like plumes and fragrant scent of the flowers.

However, bear in mind that fawns will often try anything whilst they’re young, as they’re still learning what’s good and what’s not.

Should You Deadhead Astilbe?

Astilbe plants do not need to be deadheaded.

pink false goat's beard shown in deep shade

You can still deadhead if you want to, but just be aware that doing so will not encourage new flower growth.

Many gardeners prefer to leave the dead seed heads, as the browning flowers will dry and continue to add texture, interest and an attractive look to the garden, well into the autumn months.

When Should You Cut Back Astilbe Plants?

It is not essential to prune Astilbe plants.

If you want to cut them back, the best time to do so is either in late autumn, after flowering, or in early spring, when you can remove the old growth to make way for the new.

hostas and astilbes growing together as companion plants in a dark area of the garden

If cutting back in autumn, you can take them down to 5cm above ground level, to make way for mulching.

Why Is My Astilbe Dying?

The most common reason for ill health in Astilbe plants is that the growing conditions are too hot and/or dry.

If your Astilbe is in a sunny or partially sunny location, try moving it more into the shade.

Increase the amount and frequency that you are watering the plant, and check the soil regularly to make sure it’s not drying out.

Try adding mulch to encourage it to better retain water.

References

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