Astilbe 'Sprite' is a compact award winning dwarf astilbe admired for its finely textured bronze tinged foliage and soft shell pink flower plumes that bloom in late summer. Its dense fernlike leaves form tidy mounds that remain attractive throughout the season, making it a refined accent for small shaded spaces. With excellent performance in moist environments it also tolerates heavier soils better than many other astilbe varieties.
Height & Spread: 12 - 18 in x 18 - 24 in
Bloom Time: Late summer
Light Requirements: Part shade to full shade
Soil Preference: Moist, organically rich soils
Watering Needs: Moderate to high; consistent moisture preferred
Deer Resistance: Generally resistant to deer
Native Status
This cultivar is derived from Astilbe simplicifolia, a species native to East Asia. While not native to North America, it is widely grown in ornamental shade gardens.
WILDLIFE & INSECTS
Butterflies
- Visited by butterflies such as Eastern Comma and Red Admiral, which are drawn to its late summer blooms in shady woodland gardens.
Moths
- Evening and dusk flying moths use the open plume flowers for nectar and shelter, particularly in woodland settings.
Bees
- Supports small native bees and bumblebees, which are attracted to its fluffy flower clusters for pollen and nectar.
Birds
- Spent flower stalks can provide autumn structure and attract small birds such as sparrows and chickadees for seed foraging and cover.
Spacing & Landscape Use
Spacing Recommendations
- Space 18 - 24 in apart to allow for mature foliage spread and air circulation in shaded borders or group plantings.
Landscape Placement
- Effective as a front of the border plant in shade gardens, along woodland paths, or in containers with consistent moisture. Its compact form and prolonged ornamental value make it ideal for small gardens and shaded courtyards.
Companion Plants
- Heuchera 'Palace Purple' (Coral Bells) - Offers dark burgundy foliage that enhances the bronze tinges of Astilbe 'Sprite'.
- Hosta 'Blue Mouse Ears' - Adds a bold texture with miniature blue green leaves that complement Astilbe’s fine foliage.
- Brunnera macrophylla 'Jack Frost' - Brightens shady areas with silver veined foliage and forget me not like blue flowers in spring.
- Tiarella cordifolia (Foamflower) - Features delicate spring blooms and attractive leaf shape, creating a layered woodland ground cover beneath Astilbe’s plumes.
- Ferns (Dryopteris, Athyrium) - Provide graceful arching fronds that contrast with Astilbe’s upright plumes and thrive in similar moisture conditions.