Astilbe

Astilbe are happy in either a sunny or semi-shaded spot outside, and will provide delicate spires of from early summer to late autumn. Can be grown in a pot on a patio or planted out in the garden and although they will naturally die back in the winter they are completely frost hardy. Whilst your Astilbe is in a pot, it will need regular watering, especially if in a warm spot. However, the compost does not need to be wet, just slightly damp and if you are going to be away for a few days it’s fine to leave it in a shallow saucer of water short term. As your plant puts on growth it can be re potted in a larger pot with a general-purpose compost or it can be planted out in the garden where it will naturally spread producing a large clump of green foliage topped by delicate flower spikes each year. Over the summer months the pink flowers will fade to delicate cream seed heads that can either be trimmed to encourage more blooms or left at the end of the season to provide winter interest.