Rheinland Astilbe
Rheinland Astilbe
An Early-Blooming Classic in Bright Pink
Rheinland Astilbe (Astilbe japonica 'Rheinland') is a beloved early-season variety that opens its bright, clear-pink plumes in early summer, kicking off the astilbe show ahead of most others. Its dense, feathery flowers rise over compact mounds of glossy green foliage, bringing dependable color to shady, moist beds in Eden Prairie, Plymouth, and Eagan. Deer-resistant, pollinator-friendly, and wonderful for cutting.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Botanical Name | Astilbe japonica 'Rheinland' |
| Mature Size | 2 ft tall, 1.5–2 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 | Early summer |
| Flower Color | Bright pink plumes |
| Soil | Rich, consistently moist; does not tolerate drought |
Landscape Uses
Use Rheinland in shaded borders, woodland gardens, and rain gardens, and plant it alongside later-blooming astilbes to extend the season. It pairs beautifully with hostas and ferns and makes a lovely cut flower.
Best Time to Plant
Plant in spring or early fall, when cool weather and steady moisture help roots establish. Avoid midsummer heat.
How to Plant
Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and just as deep. Set the crown level with the soil, 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 must not dry out.
After Year One: Continue regular watering, especially in heat.
Drip Irrigation: A soaker hose or drip line provides the steady moisture astilbe needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does Rheinland bloom?
Early summer, making it one of the first astilbes to flower.
Will it grow in shade?
Yes, part to full shade is ideal; full sun works only with reliably moist soil.
Is it hardy in Minnesota?
Yes, hardy to Zone 4 and reliable statewide.
Is it deer resistant?
Yes, deer and rabbits generally avoid astilbe.
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Pair Rheinland with mid- and late-season astilbes, hostas, and ferns for a long-blooming shade garden.
How Many Rheinland Astilbe Do I Need?
At 1.5–2 feet wide, space plants about 20 inches apart so the glossy mounds fill in to a continuous early-pink drift.
| Bed Run | Plants Needed (at 20 in spacing) |
|---|---|
| 5 ft | 3 |
| 10 ft | 6 |
| 15 ft | 9 |
| 20 ft | 12 |
Plant in groups of 3–5, and interplant with later-blooming astilbes to stretch the season from early summer onward.
Rheinland Astilbe Season-by-Season in Minnesota
- Spring: Compact mounds of glossy green foliage emerge and bud up earlier than most astilbes.
- Summer: Bright, clear-pink plumes open in early summer, kicking off the astilbe show.
- Fall: Foliage fades; spent plumes can be left for texture or cut for tidiness.
- Winter: Dies back to the ground; mulch 2–3 in. to protect the shallow crown.
At a Glance
✔ Pollinator-Friendly ✔ Deer-Resistant ✔ Shade-Tolerant ✔ Rain-Garden / Wet-Soil
Plant It With
- Montgomery Astilbe — a later red astilbe to carry color past Rheinland's early peak.
- Deutschland Astilbe — white plumes that pair cleanly with the bright pink.
- Razzle Dazzle Astilbe — a dwarf pink for the very front edge of the same bed.
- Japanese Painted Fern — silver fronds for cool foliage contrast.
Is Rheinland Astilbe Right for Your Yard?
It thrives in part to full shade with rich, consistently moist soil and is one of the first astilbes to bloom — great for kicking off color in a shaded border, woodland garden, or rain garden. Not a fit for hot, dry, sunny spots where the foliage will crisp without steady moisture.