Montgomery Japanese Astilbe (Astilbe japonica 'Montgomery')

Montgomery Japanese Astilbe (Astilbe japonica 'Montgomery') is a mounding herbaceous perennial with deeply divided, fern-like foliage. New leaves emerge bronze-red before maturing to dark green. Tight, triangular panicles of crimson-red flowers form feathery tufts above the foliage in late spring into summer.

It flowers best in part shade and rich, moist soil. Astilbes offer deer and rabbit resistance.

Growing details

• Plant type: Herbaceous perennial
• Mature size: 1.5–2 feet tall and wide
• Spacing: Approximately 1.5 feet apart
• Hardiness: USDA zones 4–9
• Light: Part sun to full shade; flowers best in part shade
• Soil: Rich, moist soil
• Flowers: Tight, triangular crimson-red panicles
• Bloom season: Late spring into summer
• Foliage: Deeply divided leaves, emerging bronze-red and maturing to dark green
• Additional traits: Deer and rabbit resistance

Care and garden use

Water regularly and keep soil moist to help prevent foliage burn or decline. Watch for powdery mildew, wilt, and Japanese beetles.

Use as an accent or in grouped plantings, borders, woodland gardens, naturalized areas, wildlife gardens, foundation plantings, or containers where its moisture needs can be met. Pair with heuchera, Lenten rose, or azalea for contrasting foliage and seasonal flowers.

Image credits: Photo by Proven Winners, Montgomery Astilbe; photo by Bernard Blanc, Astilbes "Montgomery", jardins de Dunvegan castle, île de Skye, Ross and Cromarty, Highland, Ecosse, Grande-Bretagne, Royaume-Uni. Plants naturally vary in appearance and may differ from the images shown.