Prefers semi-shaded sites, will tolerate more light if the soil is kept moist. I have a group of Astilbe in a 1/2 to 3/4 day sunny spot for over 10 years and they are a show stoppers when blooming. To achieve this they are growing in a bed that is raised a few inches and the soil is naturally constantly wet.
Moisture
Needs moist soil. Plants growing in dry conditions will be small, few blooms and tend to dry up during the hotter days in the summer
Soil & Site
rich, humusy moist well-drained soils
Flowers
panicles, pink
Leaves
green, ternately compound,leaflets are coarsely serrated, dissected foliage is an attractive feature
Dimensions
24-03 inches
Maintenance
Division of the clumps every 2-3 years will help to maintain the vigor of the plant. Astilbe are heavy feeders and need to be fertilized every year in the spring and also in the early fall. Some of my Astilbe tend to heave in the winter. In the spring I cover the exposed roots with soil, mulch or dug them in. Be careful since many Astilbe are easily pulled out of the soil.
Propagation
division
Author's Notes
The main factors to get maximum performance, are proper soil moisture, division and fertilizing.