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How To Use Astilbe in Cutting Gardens & Bouquets!

How to Use Astilbe in the Garden and Bouquets! - Nature Hills Nursery

Whitney Laritson |

Astilbe In Floral Arrangements: From Garden To Vase

astilbe plants for bouquets at nature hills

Astilbe may be a shade garden superstar, but Ma Nature didn't stop there!

These fluffy, feathery spires shine just as brightly in the vase as they do in the ground. With their airy texture, vibrant color range, and long-lasting form, Astilbe is a must-have for fresh-cut bouquets and dried floral creations alike!

Pairing Astilbe With Other Blooms

Astilbe plays well with almost every other cut flower thanks to its feathery form and range of colors. Here are a few winning combinations:

Astilbe's feathery plumes and lacy foliage make it one of the most versatile players in floral design. Its airy texture fills gaps and softens the look of more structured flowers, while its vertical shape adds height and movement. When choosing bouquet companions, look for blooms that either echo its softness or contrast with its texture for visual balance.

  • Roses & Spray Roses: Add timeless romance and focal-point elegance.
  • Peonies: Big, ruffled blooms that blend beautifully with Astilbe’s airy plumes.
  • Dahlias: Provide bold shapes and saturated color to anchor arrangements.
  • Ranunculus: Layers of delicate petals mirror the romantic feel of Astilbe.
  • Calla Lilies: Sleek, modern lines for a striking contrast to feathery blooms.
  • Hydrangeas: Rounded clusters that create a lush, full-bodied backdrop.
  • Lisianthus: Long-lasting, soft-petaled flowers for filler or focal use.
  • Veronica: Adds vertical spikes that complement Astilbe's plume shape.
  • Stock & Snapdragons: Bring fragrance and vertical structure.
  • Ornamental Grasses: Seed heads and plumes for vertical elements and leaves for texture
  • Ferns: Enhance the woodland, textural feel.

Whether you're crafting a romantic pastel wedding bouquet or a bold, modern centerpiece, Astilbe works harmoniously with both classic garden favorites and contemporary floral choices. The key is balancing texture, color, and form so that Astilbe's delicate presence shines without overpowering the design.

Cutting & Conditioning Tips

  1. Cut in the morning when blooms are just opening for the longest vase life.
  2. Use clean, sharp shears to prevent stem damage.
  3. Strip the lower leaves to keep them out of the vase water.
  4. Place in lukewarm water immediately after cutting.
  5. Refresh water every 2-3 days and recut stems at an angle.
  6. A small drop of bleach or hydrogen peroxide will help keep water cleaner.

Best Astilbe Varieties For Cut Flowers

While nearly every Astilbe variety works well in arrangements, here are some standout choices:

  • Peach Blossom Astilbe: Soft peachy plumes over lacy, dark green mounds bring pastel elegance to your garden and your vase.

  • Fanal Astilbe: Garnet-red flowers for bold, dramatic bouquets.

  • Bridal Veil® Astilbe: Pure white, cloud-like spires for romantic or wedding-themed arrangements.

  • Chocolate Shogun Astilbe: Striking dark foliage paired with pink-white blooms for high contrast designs.

  • Visions Series: Compact yet showy, available in red, white, pink, and purple tones.

  • Montgomery Astilbe: Deep crimson-red plumes over dark green foliage; excellent for vibrant summer bouquets.

  • Rheinland Astilbe: Soft shell-pink blooms with a graceful, airy form; perfect for cottage-style arrangements.

  • Younique™ Pink Astilbe: Abundant, fluffy bright pink blooms on compact plants; a cheerful filler for smaller bouquets.

  • Deutschland Astilbe: Pure white plumes with a delicate fragrance; an elegant touch for wedding or moon garden arrangements.

  • Hennie Graafland Astilbe: Light pink feathery blooms with a refined, airy look; ideal for pastel garden-to-vase designs.

  • Maggie Daley Astilbe: Vivid lavender-purple plumes with a compact form; adds a playful splash of color to mixed bouquets.

Drying Astilbe For Long-Lasting Décor

To dry Astilbe, gather small bundles and tie the stems with twine. Hang them upside down in a warm, dry, well-ventilated area out of direct sunlight. Once dried, the plumes can be used in arrangements, wreaths, and even holiday décor.

Astilbe plumes dry beautifully, holding their texture and much of their soft color for months. To dry them, gather small bundles of freshly cut stems and secure with twine or rubber bands. Hang the bundles upside down in a warm, dry, well-ventilated spot out of direct sunlight to prevent fading. Depending on humidity, the blooms will fully dry in about 1-3 weeks.

Once dried, you can use Astilbe in wreaths, garlands, holiday arrangements, or as filler in dried bouquets. They blend especially well with dried Roses, Lavender, Baby's Breath, and ornamental grasses for a romantic, old-world feel.

For a modern twist, try pairing dried Astilbe with bold, structural blooms like Protea or Eucalyptus pods.

The Final Flourish: Astilbe in Every Season

astilbe for your cutting garden at nature hills

Gorgeous fillers and thrillers for your bouquets, the lacy airy plumes boost the color and texture of your bouquets! Both fresh and dried, Astilbe plumes will look divine!

Even the Victorian language of flowers knew its worth, stating Astilbe symbolized patience and dedication to a loved one.

Astilbe isn't just a garden beauty; it's a floral designer's dream. Whether you prefer lush, romantic bouquets or modern, airy designs, these feathery blooms and their lacy foliage will make every arrangement feel special. Plant them in your garden and you'll have a season-long supply of elegance, right at your fingertips.

Start your own cutting garden or beef up an existing one with Astilbe's from Nature Hills today!

Happy Planting!

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