Astilbe Bloom Times: Early, Mid & Late Season Varieties
Your astilbe produces flowers for 2 to 3 weeks while your neighbor enjoys blooms from late May through early September[1]. The difference lies in strategic variety selection across bloom periods. Early bloomers begin in late May or June, mid-season varieties flower in July, and late-season types extend the display into August and early September[1][2]. Here’s how to create continuous color throughout the growing season.
💡Master comprehensive astilbe cultivation from bloom timing through seasonal maintenance with our complete astilbe guide for extended flowering displays.
Understanding Astilbe Bloom Periods
Astilbe varieties have different flowering periods based on parentage and species patterns. Different plants do not rebloom or continue to bloom during the summer months. Extended color can be achieved by combining varieties from multiple different bloom seasons. One variety ends up blooming, a different type begins, so you have long-lasting blooms in your garden.
The three categories of astilbe are classed according to the bloom season category:
- Early-season cultivars usually bloom from late May to June
- Mid-season types produce flowers in July
- Late-season cultivars bloom from late July through August and into early September
These time frames can shift by one or two weeks depending on where you live or the seasons, varying to some degree depending on climate, zone, and spring patterns.
Each flower plume contains hundreds of tiny flowers that open slowly over time, extending the display beyond what you might expect from single large blooms.
The result is that each variety blooms longer than expected for a single large flower. And the fact the pattern of them being open sequentially means that a single astilbe plant is in color for weeks instead of just a few days.
Early-Season Astilbe Varieties
Early season astilbe hybrids appear in late spring. These are usually those of the Astilbe japonica or select Astilbe x arendsii hybrids. They shine as long as they are planted in places where there is an amount of spring moisture available and in protection from late-season frost.
Characteristics of Japonica Varieties
The early spring japonica type, especially its first blooms and glossy green leaves, often show red tints when new growth emerges. Such plants yield clusters with thick, pyramidal flower plumes which rise above compact foliage mounds. The majority of japonica types are 18 to 30 inches tall.
Top Early-Blooming Cultivars
Fanal is known as one of the most dependable early bloomers. This Astilbe x arendsii hybrid generates deep crimson-red flowers above bronze-tinged leaves[5]. It is usually 24 inches tall and 18 inches wide. Fanal won the Royal Horticultural Society Award of Garden Merit in 1993 for its uniform performance and vibrant color.
Deutschland produces pure white flowers on plants from 20 to 28 inches tall[1]. This Astilbe japonica variety produces fragrant flowers that contrast beautifully with its dark green foliage. The plant performs well in zones 5 through 8 and tolerates slightly more sun than many other astilbe varieties.
Peach Blossom offers pale pink to peachy-colored plumes in May and June[3]. This japonica variety grows about 24 inches tall and 18 inches wide. The flowers retain their delicate hue during the flowering period, not fading to brown as quickly as some darker plants do.
Europa flowers are pale pink in color on compact plants that grow to 20 to 24 inches tall[5]. This arendsii hybrid flowers slightly later compared to true japonica, and it also falls into the early season section. The flowers grow into dense groups above deeply cut, deep green foliage.
Avalanche displays a vibrant scene with pure white flowers on plants reaching 24 to 30 inches[5]. This type of plant produces abundant blooms that stand out in shaded garden areas. The white color is bright all the way through flowering and does not become discolored.
Mid-Season Astilbe Varieties
Mid-season astilbe varieties represent the largest variety group. These plants bloom most commonly in July when many shade garden perennials have already finished blooming. The category that encompasses mid-season includes primarily Astilbe x arendsii hybrids, some japonica types, and Astilbe thunbergii varieties.
The Dominance of Arendsii Hybrids
The hybrids of Astilbe x arendsii were created by German nurseryman Georg Arends with crosses from several species[4]. These are a combination of the best traits of their parent plants—vigorous growth, lots of flowers, good foliage. Arendsii types account for over 95% of total astilbe sold in North America[4].
Popular Mid-Season Selections
Bridal Veil produces rich white to creamy-yellow flowers on plants that reach 30 inches tall and 18 inches wide[3]. This arendsii hybrid won the 1993 Royal Horticultural Society Award of Garden Merit. The pyramidal plumes grow gracefully over the fern-like foliage and last for several weeks before fading to caramel brown.
Montgomery displays dark red flowers above glossy green leaves that emerge with bronze tints in spring[3]. This japonica variety can grow to be 20 to 36 inches tall depending on growing conditions. The deep bloom of flowers makes a striking contrast in shaded garden spaces.
Amethyst provides lilac-pink flowers on large plants of 30 to 36 inches[3]. Its early to mid-season bloomer produces abundant plumes above dark green foliage. The plant spreads to 24 inches wide and performs consistently in zones 5 through 8.
Bressingham Beauty is also seen in bright pink flowers on plants at heights of 36 to 40 inches[1]. This arendsii hybrid yields dense clusters of flowers that are aesthetically pleasing for three to four weeks. The arched plumes contribute to a graceful flow across garden beds with their shapes.
Straussenfeder, also sold as Ostrich Plume, produces ornate arching magenta plumes in July and August[3]. This kind reaches 30 inches tall and 20 inches wide. The characteristic open, nodding flower clusters are distinguished from the more compact plumes of arendsii and japonica varieties. Thunbergii cultivars are recognized for their late mid-season blooms and cold weather tolerance to zone 4[3][4].
Visions flowers are fragrant raspberry-pink and are above glossy bronze-green foliage[2]. The Astilbe chinensis variety is 12 to 18 inches tall and can be placed front-of-the-border. The dwarf plants tolerate slightly drier conditions than most astilbe kinds.
Late-Season Astilbe Varieties
Late-season astilbe varieties expand the flowering show into August and early September. These cultivars are mainly found in species of Astilbe chinensis or Astilbe taquetii. Late bloomers are of paramount importance in shade gardens as they offer color when most traditional perennials have finished flowering.
Chinensis Species Characteristics
Astilbe chinensis has a later bloom time and foliage that is extensively incised, coarsely textured, and frequently has a bronze-green coloring[4]. These flowers grow in narrow branched panicles unlike the pyramidal plumes of earlier flowering plants. Chinensis species have mild drought tolerance as compared to other astilbe species, but they are most successful with consistent moisture[4].
Compact Late Bloomers
Pumila measures 8 to 10 inches tall and 10 inches wide; it is well suited for edging or use as groundcover[3]. This chinensis variety produces dense mauve to lilac plumes in July and August, and its compact size and spreading habit allow it to fill spaces between taller perennials.
Purple Candle displays dark purple plumes on tall plants reaching 2 to 4 feet tall[3]. This chinensis variety flowers in late summer and gives dramatic vertical accents in shaded borders. The plant grows to about 2 feet wide.
Vision series cultivars provide mid-size plants up to 12 to 18 inches tall and 20 inches wide[3]. These chinensis types grow dense flowers in shades of pink, red, or white over lacy foliage. Vision in Red and Vision in Pink are especially popular for compact growth as well as bright flower colors.
Tall Statement Varieties
Superba produces rose-purple plumes on exceptionally tall plants that can reach 36 to 40 inches or more[1][5]. This Astilbe taquetii variety blooms during August through September. This remarkable height can also be beneficial for back-of-border plantings or when an appropriate shade garden focuses attention on this particular form of plant.
Sprite delivers shell-pink flowers from tiny native plants that are 6 to 12 inches tall[1][5]. This Astilbe simplicifolia kind blossoms late season for its small size. This dark bronze foliage supplies some more decoration during the growing season.
Veronica Klose has purple-rose flowers that appear on plants that measure between 20 to 24 inches tall[1]. This particular chinensis variety prolongs the bloom cycle into late summer. It works well in zones 5-8.
Creating Continuous Bloom Through Variety Selection
Continuous bloom is done by using at least one variety from each bloom period.
💡Maximize your flowering window with advanced strategies from our succession planting for extended blooms guide including variety combinations and maintenance techniques.
Simple 3-Variety planting might feature Deutschland for early flowers, Bridal Veil for mid-season color, and Pumila for late-season blooms. This combo gives blooms from late May to August.
Layering Multiple Varieties
Even more elaborate plantings can include several varieties in each category:
- Early bloomers: Fanal and Peach Blossom provide variety of color in late spring
- Mid-season options: Montgomery and Bressingham Beauty extend popularity toward the end of the month and help draw more people’s interest in July
- Late bloomers: Superba and Purple Candle add color until August and into September
Color Coordination Strategies
This increased visual impact of long blooming results in colors being coordinated. Planting varieties of some type with similar flower colors but different when they bloom lends the appearance of a single long-flowering display.
| Bloom Period | Red Varieties | White Varieties | Pink Varieties |
|---|---|---|---|
| Early | Fanal | Deutschland, Avalanche | Europa, Peach Blossom |
| Mid-season | Montgomery | Bridal Veil | Amethyst, Bressingham Beauty |
| Late | Vision in Red | (Limited options) | Sprite, Visions |
For example, a blend of red-flowered Fanal, Montgomery, and Vision in Red, provides red blooms from June to August. The same goes for white plants, which grow in Deutschland, Bridal Veil, and White Gloria (all extensions of white hue all through the season).
Design Principles for Extended Blooming
The height variation gives depth and interest to astilbe plantings. When shorter varieties, such as Sprite and Pumila, were kept at the front of the border, mid height varieties, like Montgomery, were placed in the centre of the border, while tall varieties such as Superba were placed at the back, a stratified effect was achieved. In this design, every plant will be getting enough light and air circulation.
Spacing Requirements
Visual impact and bloom performance are affected by spacing considerations:
- Standard varieties: Need 18 to 24 inches between plants to reach their full size without becoming overcrowded
- Dwarf varieties: Like Pumila can be planted 12 to 15 inches apart
- Proper spacing benefits: Reduces competition for moisture and nutrients while achieving air circulation that reduces disease problems
Group Planting Guidelines
Group plantings of three or more of the same type make more striking visual effect than single pots spread through an entire garden. Odd-numbered formations seem more accurate than even-numbered arrangements. Planting in drifts or sweeps instead of straight rows is a more naturalistic way of taking in the sunlight.
How Climate Affects Bloom Timing
Bloom timing is altered depending on climate zone and weather pattern. Gardens in warmer areas are likely to bloom earlier than counterparts in colder regions. An early-season variety may bloom late last May in zone 7 but not until mid-June in zone 4. Late springs also postpone all bloom periods by a week or two whereas warm springs get the bloom off to a faster pace.
Microclimate Influences
Temporal variation is also attributed to microclimates in single gardens:
- Warmer spots: Astilbe sown in warmer-late spring will then open sooner than cooler spots
- Heat-absorbing areas: Southern exposures and areas close to walls or paving promote flowering
- Cooler areas: Exposure in the north and low lying territories where cold air takes hold delay bloomings
Species-Based Timing Patterns
Exploring parentage of variety can help with the scheduling of blooms:
💡Understand how genetics influence flowering periods with our detailed bloom times by species covering Japonica, Arendsii, and Chinensis patterns.
- Japonica varieties and japonica-based arendsii hybrids usually bloom in the early to mid-season
- Chinensis varieties and their hybrids come about in the mid to late season bloom
- Thunbergii types fall in the mid to late-mid range
- Simplicifolia varieties generally bloom late despite their small size
Supplier databases and plant tags sometimes give conflicting bloom-time data for the same varieties due to climate variations and flexible category boundaries.
When it’s possible, study the established plants in local gardens to help identify the actual bloom timing of the plants you’ll be doing this.
Extended and Reblooming Types
Other new hybrids show elongated or cyclical blooming. These types of astilbe can bloom six to eight weeks instead of the typical two to three weeks. Although there is little reblooming, long-blooming choices can limit the number of different cultivars required for continuous coloration.
Cultural Care for Optimal Blooming
Appropriate cultural maintenance facilitates the same blooming in all varieties and seasons.
💡Troubleshoot flowering failures with our comprehensive bloom timing problems guide addressing nutrient deficiencies, light issues, and division needs.
Astilbe takes on a consistently moist, rich plant mix of organics. This dryness also causes diminished flowering and brown edges of leaf. Adding 2 to 3 inches of organic mulch helps retain soil moisture. Soil structure is also improved during the decomposition of mulch materials such as shredded bark, leaf mold or compost.
Light Requirements
Bloom abundance is affected by exposure under adequate light. Astilbe tolerates full shade, whereas plants flower more when there is partial shade or filtered sun. The best conditions are at morning and later that same day-time sites that take up a lot of the day’s shade. Too much sunshine, particularly in hot weather, quickens flowering and leaves grow hotter.
Division and Maintenance
Division retains the plant and bloom quality. Divisions are good for astilbe clumps every three to four years. Dividing when the flowering process occurs in early spring is necessary for plants to grow and to allow to set up its roots before beginning to flower. All divisions should encompass three to five growth points and a measure of the root area.
Fertilization Schedule
Planting promotes flowering in abundance during all bloom times:
- Spring application: When growth starts put a balanced fertilizer such as 10-10-10 in early spring
- Post-bloom feeding: A second, and more energy-efficient, application after flowering helps plants store energy for the coming year
- Avoid high nitrogen: Refrain from fertilizer with high nitrogen content, which are believed to encourage foliage growth over flowers
Deadheading Considerations
Deadheading, when spent flowers are cut off, is basically artistic as astilbe does not rebloom after cutting. The seed heads are sometimes neglected by gardeners because they give a pleasant caramel-brown appearance, adding some winter intrigue. If you like a clean look, cut flower stalks at the bottom after blooms fade.
Conclusion
With the plan for these continuous astilbe blooms, shade gardens also become little more than seasonal distractions rather than short color displays. Selecting and adding seasonal variation in early, mid and late bloom selections over the months (from late spring until early fall) ensures flowers throughout the year and during the spring to early fall as you plant and manage them. When you mix this seasonal variation with attention to color synchronization, elevation of the trees, color and height and cultural, a robust garden, and when this variation is balanced across time the garden becomes lively each year and new things spring up that draw interest throughout. Select your first variety according to each bloom category, and your list will grow as you see which of them performs well with respect to your conditions.
💡Explore beyond bloom timing to discover complete cultivar characteristics with our comprehensive variety selection guide covering height, color, and foliage options.
Key Sources:
[1] Growing Astilbe in Iowa | Iowa State University Extension [2] When Does Astilbe Bloom? How to Extend the Flowering Season | Gardener’s Path [3] Astilbe: False Spirea | Portland Nursery [4] Astilbe Groups | Walters Gardens [5] Bloom Time For Astilbe Plants: When Does Astilbe Bloom | Gardening Know How
Lily Morgan is a home gardener. She grows houseplants and designs small-space gardens. She shares what she learns from experience. Lily offers simple, practical tips for plant lovers. Her goal is to help others garden with confidence. She wants to help them grow, one leaf at a time.
