Astilbe are easy to grow provided you plant them in a partially shaded spot in a soil that retains it’s moisture, but is free draining. They can tolerate being planted in a sunnier position, as long as the soil does not dry out at any point. During the first season water generously three times per week, until they die down for the winter. Do not let the soil dry out and water more frequently if planted in a container. Add a layer of organic bark mulch in the spring. Astilbe’s don’t like to dry out, so the mulch will help maintain the soil moisture, it also prevents weed growth. Apply a slow release fertiliser in spring to help your Astilbe flourish. Removing faded flowers will give a neater appearance, but isn’t essential. Cut plants to ground level in autumn, this will give you the best chance of growing a healthy plant the following season. Astilbes do best when divided every three years – do this by digging the plant up and and cutting the root ball into several pieces.