Cultivating Astilbe and Aubrieta: Shade Perennials and Sun-Loving Rock Stars

Astilbe (false spirea) and Aubrieta (rock cress) occupy opposite niches—one thrives in moist shade, the other basks on sunny, limey slopes. Both deliver weeks of color with minimal fuss.

Astilbe: Feathery Plumes for Damp Shade

• Soil: Rich, moist, humusy. Never let dry out.
• Light: Part to full shade. Morning sun OK if soil stays wet.
• Planting: Spring or fall. Space 18–24″. Crown at soil level.
• Care: Mulch heavily. Water in drought. Divide every 3–4 years in spring.
• Forcing: Pot hybrids in fall, plunge outdoors for root growth, bring in for early greenhouse flowers.
• Propagation: Division (spring/fall). Seed—slow, variable.

Aubrieta: Carpets of Color on Dry Slopes

• Soil: Gritty, alkaline, sharply drained. Add lime/chippings if acidic.
• Light: Full sun.
• Planting: Oct, Mar, Apr. Space 12–15″.
• Care: Shear after bloom to keep compact. Avoid wet winter crowns.
• Propagation: Cuttings (June–July) in sandy soil, cold frame. Seed—easy, but hybrids don't breed true.

Design Pairings

Astilbe with hostas, ferns, heucheras. Aubrieta spilling over walls, paired with alyssum, phlox subulata, sedums.