When to Plant Astilbe in Yoder, WY
Your June game plan for Goshen County, Wyoming
Your garden in Goshen County, Wyoming is working on a schedule, even when you're not. Here's where you should be this June.
July will be here before you know it — start on
- Starting indoors: astilbe
Astilbe (Astilbe x arendsii) is a premier perennial for shaded, moist gardens, producing feathery plume-like flower spikes in shades of pink, red, white, and lavender above deeply cut, ferny foliage. Originating in Asia and naturalized in shade gardens worldwide, astilbe thrives where many sun-lovers fail: under trees, beside water features, or in persistently moist woodland borders. The dried flower plumes remain attractive through fall and winter. Different cultivars extend the bloom season from early summer through early fall when several varieties are combined.
Yoder, Wyoming is in USDA Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is May 13 and the first fall frost is September 29, giving you a growing season of approximately 139 days.
At an elevation of 5,820 feet, Goshen County receives approximately 15.7 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 84°F, so choose short-season varieties of Astilbe to ensure they mature before fall. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Astilbe successfully. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture.
Yoder Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.7-8.4
Drainage
Well Drained
Astilbe Planting Risk Windows
Percentages indicate frost risk at transplant. The 70% safe window means there is a 30% chance of frost after transplant — suitable for cold-hardy crops or gardeners with frost protection. The 90% safe window is best for tender plants.
Soil Compatibility in Yoder
How your county's soil matches Astilbe's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.7–8.4) overlaps with Astilbe's range (6.0–8.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Goshen County is excellent for Astilbe — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.9%). Annual compost additions will help Astilbe.
How to Plant Astilbe
Succession Planting Astilbe
Sow every 8 weeks. Last sowing by Jun 21 to harvest before frost.
Astilbe Water Budget
Water stress score is 6/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Monthly Watering Guide for Astilbe
Astilbe needs approximately 1.5 inches of water per week (6.5" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Astilbe Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 1.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 6.5" | 1.6" | 4.9" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jun | 6.5" | 1.1" | 5.4" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 6.5" | 1.3" | 5.2" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Aug | 6.5" | 1.5" | 5" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Sep | 6.5" | 1.1" | 5.4" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Oct | — | 1.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Nov | — | 1.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Sep in Goshen County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Astilbe Heat Requirements (GDD)
What are Growing Degree Days (GDD)?
Growing Degree Days measure the total warmth your plants receive during the growing season. Think of it as a "heat bank" — every day above 50°F deposits warmth that helps your plants grow.
Each plant needs a certain amount of accumulated heat to mature. If your county provides more GDD than the plant needs, it's a great fit. If it's close, you may want to choose faster-maturing varieties or start seeds indoors to get a head start.
Astilbe Planting Timeline — Yoder, WY
Astilbe Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 11 | Mar 11 – Mar 25 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 27 | May 27 – Jun 10 |
| Bloom | August 12 | Aug 12 – Oct 14 |
Plant 1.5" deep · 18" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | — |
| May | Transplant Outdoors |
| June | Transplant Outdoors |
| July | — |
| August | Bloom |
| September | Bloom |
| October | Bloom |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Partial Shade (3-6 hours)
💧 Water
1.5"/week · 2-3 times/week
📅 Days to Maturity
70–100 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–8 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 5a
📆 Growing Season
139 days in Goshen County
Growing Tips for Astilbe in Yoder
Direct sow Astilbe outdoors after May 13 in Goshen County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Goshen County receives only 16" of rain annually. Astilbe needs consistent moisture — install drip irrigation or water deeply 2-3 times per week.
General growing tips
Plant bare-root crowns in spring as soon as the ground is workable, setting eyes 1–2 inches below soil level. Fall planting (Zones 4+) is equally effective. Consistent moisture is non-negotiable — astilbe will wilt and scorch in drought. Amend with generous compost to improve moisture retention. Partial shade (morning sun, afternoon shade) is ideal; deep shade reduces bloom but foliage remains. Fertilize lightly in spring with a balanced slow-release granular. Divide every 3–5 years in early spring as clumps become congested. Leave plumes standing through winter for ornamental interest and wildlife value. Year 2+ plants produce the fullest bloom spikes; first-year crowns may flower lightly or not at all.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Astilbe in Other Locations
Your Goshen County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Goshen County (Zone 5a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.