How to Plant Astilbe Bulbs

Astilbe is a summer-blooming perennial that can be propagated by dividing the root clumps or rhizomes. These ‘bulbs’ can be purchased. You can divide your own plants and get pieces of the rhizome that have three or more eyes to the rhizome piece. These eyes are the areas where the plant will start to sprout.

Materials You’ll Need

• Container


• Water


• Shovel


• Garden Fork


• Compost


• Rake

1.  Take the astilbe rhizome bulb and place into the container of water. Soak for three hours if the bulb is not fresh from division, or if it is freshly divided skip this step.


2. Dig a garden plot 12 inches down, breaking up soil with a garden fork. This garden patch should be in a place of partial shade.


3. Put in two to three inches of compost, mixing it into the soil with the garden fork.


4. Rake the compost and the soil mixture to a level line. The soil and compost mixture should be mixed thoroughly for the best results.


5. Dig holes one to two feet apart and one to two inches down. Place the rhizome bulb from the astilbe plant into each of these holes and cover back up with the soil/compost mixture.


6. Water gently, keeping the soil moist while it is germinating. After it has been established in the location, you may water less frequently.


7. After the plant is growing, mulch can be put around the plant to keep the soil cool and the moisture in. The mulch can be wood-based so that when it breaks down it can be tilled back into the soil to increase the nutrient base of the garden plot.