Ostrich Plume Astilbe
Ostrich Plume Astilbe
Gracefully Arching Coral-Pink Plumes for the Shade
Ostrich Plume Astilbe (Astilbe × arendsii 'Ostrich Plume') stands out from upright astilbes with its distinctive nodding, gently arching plumes of soft coral-pink that sway above ferny green foliage in mid to late summer. It brings graceful movement and reliable color to the shady, moist spots where so many flowering plants struggle, and it asks for little beyond steady moisture. A deer-resistant, pollinator-friendly favorite for Edina, Maple Grove, and Woodbury shade gardens.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Botanical Name | Astilbe × arendsii 'Ostrich Plume' |
| Mature Size | 3–4 ft tall, 2–3 ft wide |
| Hardiness Zone | Zone 4–8 (hardy across most of Minnesota) |
| Light | Part shade to shade; full sun only with constant moisture |
| Bloom Time | Mid to late summer |
| Flower Color | Arching coral-pink plumes |
| Soil | Rich, consistently moist; does not tolerate drought |
Landscape Uses
Use Ostrich Plume in shaded borders, woodland gardens, rain gardens, and along pond edges. Its tall, arching plumes make a beautiful cut or dried flower, and it pairs naturally with hostas, ferns, and heuchera.
Best Time to Plant
Plant in spring or early fall, when cooler weather and steady moisture help roots establish. Avoid planting in the heat of midsummer.
How to Plant
Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and just as deep. Set the crown level with the soil surface, backfill with compost-enriched soil, water thoroughly, and mulch 2–3 inches deep to conserve moisture.
Watering
First Year: Keep the soil consistently moist, watering 2–3 times per week. Astilbe will not tolerate drying out.
After Year One: Continue regular watering, especially in heat. Never let it bake dry.
Drip Irrigation: A soaker hose or drip line is ideal for the steady moisture astilbe demands.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will Ostrich Plume grow in shade?
Yes. Part to full shade is ideal; it only handles full sun where the soil stays reliably moist.
Is it hardy in Minnesota?
Yes, it's hardy to Zone 4 and overwinters reliably across most of the state.
Is it deer resistant?
Yes, astilbe is generally avoided by both deer and rabbits.
What makes Ostrich Plume different?
Its plumes arch and nod gracefully rather than standing stiffly upright, giving a softer, more elegant look.
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Pair Ostrich Plume with our other astilbes, hostas, and shade perennials for a layered, moisture-loving woodland border.