Astilbe Milk & Honey

Astilbe ‘Milk & Honey’ is a beautifully soft and elegant perennial, loved for its creamy-white to blush-pink plumes that rise above fresh, fern-like foliage in summer. The overall effect is light, airy and romantic—perfect for brightening partly shaded borders and creating that relaxed woodland-garden feel. It’s especially lovely planted in groups, where the flowers form a gentle haze of colour, and it pairs brilliantly with Hostas, Ferns, Heucheras and other moisture-loving shade plants.

Astilbes thrive where the soil stays consistently moist, making ‘Milk & Honey’ a wonderful choice for borders that don’t dry out, or for planting near ponds and streams.

Planting Instructions

When to Plant:

Plant in spring or autumn, while the soil is moist and workable. Container-grown plants can be planted at most times of year, avoiding frozen or waterlogged conditions.

Where to Plant:
Choose a position in partial shade (or light sun if the soil stays reliably moist) with moist, fertile, well-drained soil. Astilbe is ideal for shady borders, woodland planting, along streams or ponds, and moist mixed borders. Avoid hot, baking sun and very dry soil.

How to Plant:

• Depth: Plant at the same depth as in the pot, with the crown level with the soil surface.
• Spacing: Space 35–45 cm (14–18 inches) apart to allow clumps to fill out.
• Soil Prep: Mix in plenty of well-rotted compost to retain moisture and improve fertility.

Watering:
Water well after planting and keep the soil consistently moist, especially in the first season and during dry spells. Astilbes do not like drying out.

Aftercare Tips:

• Mulch in spring to help conserve moisture.
• Deadhead spent flower plumes if you prefer a tidy look, or leave them for gentle autumn structure.
• Cut back old stems and foliage in late winter or early spring.
• Divide clumps every 3–4 years in spring or autumn to maintain vigour.

Top Tip:
The secret to great Astilbes is moisture. If you can keep the soil evenly moist, ‘Milk & Honey’ will reward you with stronger growth and more flower plumes. It also looks gorgeous paired with darker foliage plants for contrast.

Plant Details

Flowering Period:
June - August

Height:
18–24" (45–60cm)

Position:
Partial shade (sun tolerated if soil stays moist)

Hardy Perennial