Montgomery Astilbe

Astilbe have many smaller, ground-cover varieties, but often we want something more substantial. That’s when it’s time to plant the Montgomery Astilbe. Up to 2½ feet tall, its flower spikes are slender, and really stand out because their striking flowers are the darkest of pinks, almost a true red. Flowering is later in the season, in the first half of summer. The foliage is special too, divided into many leaflets, which are glossy, making a dense foliage mound. Early growth is a striking red-bronze color, great for spring, and it gradually transforms into a deep, rich green for the rest of the season. This plant is the perfect choice when you want a taller accent in your shade beds, for planting near water, or for damp woodlands. The flower spikes can also be cut for indoors, making a charming addition to a bouquet.

• Brilliant deep pink to red flower spikes to 2 ½ feet tall
• Spring foliage is rich red-bronze, turning deep green for summer
• Excellent for summer color in shadier parts of the garden
• Enjoys damp to wet soils
• Excellent cut flower for vases and bouquets

Grow the Montgomery Astilbe in full sun in the coldest areas, and in partial sun, with afternoon shade in warmer zones. It will also grow in light, full shade – beneath deciduous trees or on the north side of a wall or fence, for example. The soil should be damp but well-drained, and this plant has only limited tolerance of drought. If leaves do brown in summer, plants generally sprout normally the next spring. Tolerates wet soil too, but only if the water in the soil is moving, such as beside a stream. Deer and rabbits don’t eat it, and it has no pests or diseases of any note. Flower spikes can be removed once they fade, or left till fall, as they continue to be attractive, especially in less-formal settings. Cut back the foliage to the ground in late fall, although it will eventually fall naturally, and can be left as mulch.