Montgomery Astilbe

Astilbe japonica 'Montgomery'

Nature Hills Nursery

Deep Red Flower Plumes on Bronze-Red Foliage Create Stunning Color Contrast
Thrives in Zones 4-9
Grows 1-2 ft Tall and Wide
Showy Red Blooms From Early Summer to Late Summer
Deer Resistant, Rabbit Resistant

$31⁴⁰

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Plant Size

#1 Container

Product variants

Planting & Care

Where to Plant

Sunlight: These perennials thrive in full to partial shade, requiring about 2 to 4 hours of filtered light. In hotter climates, protect them from harsh afternoon sun to prevent the deep red plumes and foliage from scorching or drying out prematurely.
Soil: They prefer rich, organic soil that stays consistently moist but never soggy. If you have heavy clay, mix in plenty of compost or peat moss to improve drainage while retaining the moisture these plants crave.

Watering Requirements

For the first year, water your Montgomery Astilbe two or three times a week to ensure the roots settle into their new home. Once established, they need about one inch of water per week, as they have zero tolerance for drought and will wilt quickly if the soil dries out. If they do not get enough water, you will notice the leaf edges turning brown and the flower spikes becoming stunted.

Pruning Tips

Since these bloom on new wood produced during the current growing season, you should wait until early spring to cut the old foliage back to the ground. Leaving the dried flower heads and leaves through winter provides a natural mulch that protects the crown from freezing temperatures. Think of it like a winter coat that you only remove once the threat of a hard frost has passed.

Fertilizer Needs

Apply a balanced, slow release fertilizer in early spring just as the new green shoots begin to emerge from the soil. Avoid using high nitrogen fertilizers late in the summer because this encourages tender new growth that will be easily killed by the first frost. A single application of a general purpose food is usually enough to fuel those brilliant crimson blooms.

Delivery and Shipping

Shipping Rates

Ships in 7-10 business days • Tracking provided • Weather protected

Under $50	$9.99
$50 - $99.99	$14.99
$100 - $149.99	$16.99
$150 - $198.99	$24.99
$199+	FREE

✓ Zone-specific timing • ✓ Professional packaging • ✓ Health guarantee

Understanding Our Container Sizes

At Nature Hills, our plants are sold in industry-standard nursery containers. You will notice we use the word "container" rather than "gallon." Container numbers follow a nursery trade size standard, not liquid volume. The number tells you the plant's size category and general maturity level. A larger container means a more established plant with a stronger root system.

Container Sizes

Quart

Plant age: 6 months to 1 year
Best for: Ground covers, perennials, ornamental grasses
What to expect: Our smallest and most affordable size. Well-suited for planting in multiples across a large area. Allow 1 to 2 seasons for full establishment.

#1 Container

Plant age: 1 to 2 years
Best for: Shrubs, perennials, smaller trees
What to expect: About the size of a large coffee can. A well-developed root system in a manageable size. Good value choice when you have time to let the plant grow into the space over a season or two.

#2 Container

Plant age: 2 to 3 years
Best for: Shrubs and trees where you want faster establishment
What to expect: A noticeable step up from a #1 in both plant size and root development. Good choice when you want visible presence without going to a larger size.

#3 Container

Plant age: 3 to 4 years
Best for: Most plants, most situations — flowering trees, shade trees, evergreen shrubs
What to expect: Our most popular size. Strong, developed root system. Plants in a #3 container make an immediate visual impact from day one. If you want a head start rather than waiting seasons for a plant to fill in, this is typically the right choice.

#5 Container and Larger

Plant age: 4 to 5+ years
Best for: Specimen plants, privacy screens, maximum instant impact
What to expect: Large, mature plants ready to make an immediate statement in your landscape. We also carry #7 and larger sizes for select varieties.

Why "Container" and Not "Gallon"?

Nursery container sizes follow an industry trade standard established for the nursery and horticulture industry. The number is a size designation, not a measurement of liquid volume. Actual soil volume varies by plant type, root mass, and growing medium. Using "container" is the accurate industry term. When you see #1, #2, or #3, think of it as the plant's size tier, not a gallon measurement.

Root Pouch Containers

Some Nature Hills plants arrive in a Root Pouch, a breathable fabric container made from 100% recycled materials. Root Pouches encourage denser root development through air pruning, which discourages root circling and promotes a stronger, more fibrous root ball at the time of planting.

Plants growing in Root Pouch fabric containers, showing the breathable woven fabric construction

There are two types. Knowing which one you have changes how you plant:

Degradable (brown or tan fabric): Plant the entire pouch directly in the ground. The fabric breaks down naturally in the soil over time.
Non-degradable (black or gray fabric): Remove the pouch before planting. Cut the bottom open with scissors, then peel the sides away. The fibrous root ball will hold its shape.

Not sure which type you have? Check the tag on your plant or contact us and we will confirm.

Full Root Pouch planting guide

Choosing the Right Size

Size	Plant Age	Best For
Quart	6 mo to 1 yr	Ground covers, perennials, grasses. Budget-friendly for mass plantings.
#1 Container	1 to 2 yrs	Shrubs, perennials, small trees. Value choice for patient gardeners.
#2 Container	2 to 3 yrs	Shrubs and trees where you want faster establishment.
#3 Container	3 to 4 yrs	Most plants. Immediate visual impact. Our most popular size.
#5 and larger	4+ yrs	Specimen plants, privacy screens, maximum instant impact.

Still not sure which size is right for your project? Our plant specialists are happy to help. Contact us and we will point you in the right direction.

Plant specifications
Plant Characteristics	Cold hardy, Low Maintenance, Flowering, Deer-resistant, Clay Tolerant, Wet Soils, Attracts pollinators, Container Friendly, Non-invasive
Hardiness Zone	4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b
Sunlight	Full sun, Partial shade
Height	1-2 ft
Width	1-2 ft
Watering Needs	Moderate
Preferred Soil	Loamy, Peaty
Growth Rate	Moderate
Growth Habit	Bushy, Compact, Spreading
Blooms In	Summer
Flower Color	Red
Foliage Color	Green
Suitable Space	Outdoors
Botanical Name	Astilbe japonica 'Montgomery'
Species	japonica
Cultivar	Montgomery
Class	Saxifragales
Does Not Ship To	AK, HI, ID, MT, PR

The Montgomery Astilbe (Astilbe japonica 'Montgomery') develops wonderfully fluffy, deep red to scarlet-red flowers, after red bronze, fern-like foliage emerges in early spring, changing to deep green.

The brilliant red flower plumes emerge in early to mid-summer, and contrast beautifully with the glossy, mounded green foliage with bronze-red tints! Pollinators galore and even hummingbirds will stop by for a visit! This will make you feel guilty when you steal a few blooms on their tall stems to use in your bouquets!

The Montgomery Astilbe reaches a mature height of up to 20 inches and a plant width of 24 inches. Hardy in heat and cold throughout USDA planting zones 4 to 9, Astilbe are so easy to grow and fill your landscape in carefree summer color!

Landscape Application:

Astilbes are must-haves in Cottage gardens, pollinator borders, mixed perennial gardens, and gorgeous additions to cut flower gardens! Plant this showy perennial for beautiful summer color in shadier areas of your landscape. You will be delighted to see how this plant forms graceful edging and facer plants in shade gardens. Mix with other shade garden plants like Hostas and Ferns, and of course, other Astilbe!

Astilbe is considered to be deer and rabbit-resistant and will attract pollinators like butterflies and hummingbirds. So plant these shade garden lovelies in your woodland gardens and en masse as large swaths of bright color that won't get mown down by hungry wildlife!

Pot Montgomery in your mixed and specimen planters around protected porches and patios, standing out as conversation pieces beneath your covered porches or back decks under awnings.

Deep, Enchanting Rosy-Red Plumes
Gorgeous Glossy Green Fine-Cut Foliage With Bronze-Red Tints
Attracts Butterflies & Hummingbirds
Ideal for Containers On Balconies & Patios!
Edge Borders & Beds, Shade Gardens & Specimens

#ProPlantTips for Care:

This Astilbe variety is most successfully grown in a shady area but can tolerate some morning sun. A moist, well-drained location is ideal for this plant, as it's best to prevent the Montgomery Astilbe from drying out, providing consistent moisture throughout the growing season. Mulch can be spread around the base of the plant to help retain soil moisture and reduce water evaporation.

In order to keep Astilbe looking its best for the next year, it's recommended to avoid cutting it back in the winter, as the old foliage helps protect the plant from winter damage. It's best to prune in early spring before the new growth begins.

Fabulous Shade Plant & Handles Part Sun
Well-Drained Organically-Rich Soil
Widely Adaptable But Needs Moist Soil
Easy To Grow & Care For
Deer & Rabbit Resistant

Order your very own Montgomery Astilbe today, to fall in love with it through the summer months! Nature Hills will ship your quality perennials to your doorstep!

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can you grow in pots?

Montgomery Astilbe thrives in containers and makes an excellent patio specimen. This 20-inch tall perennial works beautifully in mixed planters on covered porches and balconies in zones 4-9. Choose a container at least 18 inches wide to accommodate its 24-inch spread.

How tall and wide does Montgomery Astilbe grow when fully mature?

Montgomery Astilbe reaches 20 inches tall and spreads 24 inches wide at maturity. This compact size makes it perfect for front borders and container gardens. Give it adequate spacing when planting multiples, available at naturehills.com.

How often should I water Montgomery Astilbe and does it need consistent moisture?

Montgomery Astilbe thrives with consistent moisture but not waterlogged soil. Water regularly during dry spells, especially in summer when those brilliant red plumes are forming. Keep soil evenly moist but well-draining to prevent root rot.

Is Montgomery Astilbe deer resistant or will deer eat it?

Montgomery Astilbe is considered deer and rabbit resistant, making it an excellent choice for areas with wildlife pressure. The deep red plumes and bronze-tinted foliage typically don't appeal to browsing deer. Plant it in shade gardens alongside other deer-resistant perennials for reliable summer color.

What are the best companion plants to grow alongside Montgomery Astilbe?

Montgomery Astilbe pairs beautifully with Hostas and Ferns in shade gardens, creating textural contrast with its fine-cut foliage. Other shade perennials like Heuchera and Brunnera also complement its deep red plumes. Plant them together for a cohesive woodland garden that thrives in zones 4-9, available at naturehills.com.

Does Montgomery Astilbe need fertilizer and how often should it be fed?

Montgomery Astilbe typically doesn't require heavy fertilization if planted in rich, organic soil. A light application of balanced fertilizer in early spring when the bronze foliage emerges will support those stunning red plumes through summer. Feed sparingly as over-fertilization can reduce flowering.

Montgomery Astilbe

Astilbe japonica 'Montgomery'