Originally hailing from East Asia, Astilbes (also known as False Spirea) are a staple in many gardens across the globe. Unlike some of their more delicate tropical neighbors from that region, Astilbes are actually quite hardy! However, if you’re dealing with a particularly brutal cold snap, you’ll want to make sure your plants have a little extra protection to get through the season.
Skip the Fall Pruning
The golden rule for winterizing your Astilbe is simple: put down the shears! You shouldn’t do any pruning once the growing season ends. As autumn rolls in, the foliage will naturally die back, creating its own organic “blanket” that shields the crown and roots from frost. If you cut the plant back too early in the fall, you’re essentially taking away its natural winter coat.
Winter Interest in the Garden
There’s actually another great reason to wait until spring to clean up the dead foliage: it looks beautiful! Once the flowers fade, the plumes often turn a stunning bronze color. When these dried stalks get covered in a layer of hoarfrost or a light dusting of snow, they add a magical, structural element to your winter landscape. It’s definitely worth keeping them around for the view alone.
Winter Care Tips
Even though the plant is dormant, it still needs a little love during the colder months. On days when the ground isn’t frozen, make sure to give your Astilbe a bit of water. You won’t need nearly as much as you do in the summer, but you want to prevent the root ball from drying out completely.
To give the roots an extra layer of safety, mulch the base of the plant with a thick layer of fallen leaves or evergreen brush. This is especially crucial if you’re growing Astilbe in containers. Since pots are exposed to the cold from all sides, the roots are much more vulnerable. I recommend wrapping your planters in burlap, an old blanket, or bubble wrap to keep them cozy.
To recap, here’s your checklist for a happy, healthy Astilbe come spring:
- Don’t prune in the fall.
- Keep watering occasionally during frost-free periods.
- Use leaves or brush as mulch for extra frost protection.
