Astilbe 'Montgomery'
Best shade-loving perennial for gardeners seeking low-maintenance, deer-resistant color.
Elevate your garden with Astilbe 'Montgomery', a perennial celebrated for its striking plumes of deep red to cranberry flowers that bloom throughout the summer. Its foliage emerges with a bronze hue, transitioning to rich dark green, offering visual interest. This low-maintenance variety thrives in part to full shade, preferring moist, well-drained soil. It's a long-lived, deer, and pest-resistant choice, perfect for adding vibrant color and texture to borders and containers in shaded garden spaces.
$9.95
Owner Satisfaction
4.6
/ 5
Category Rank
864
/ 3268
#864 in Landscaping & Garden Plants
Price vs Category Average
-64%
Below average
Genus
Astilbe
/ Astilbe
Who it's for
- Gardeners seeking a bold, dramatic crimson focal point
- Shade-garden owners needing reliable, high-impact color
- Busy homeowners wanting low-maintenance, pest-resistant landscaping
Who should skip it
- Gardeners in dry climates or those with poor irrigation
- Landscape designers working with full-sun exposure
- Plant lovers prioritizing long-lasting floral displays
Performance breakdown
Shade adaptability
Thrives in low-light conditions where many flowering perennials struggle to bloom.
Maintenance requirements
A reliable, low-effort plant that demands minimal intervention once established.
Pest resistance
Naturally deters deer and common garden pests for worry-free landscaping.
Visual impact
Striking cranberry plumes provide intense color contrast against dark foliage.
Pollinator appeal
Attracts beneficial insects, though less potent than native wildflower varieties.
Container versatility
Compact growth habit makes it an ideal candidate for shaded patio pots.
Key Specs
Genus
Astilbe
Species
japonica
Cultivar
'Montgomery'
Mature Height
2 Feet
Mature Width
2 Feet
Bloom Time
Early Summer to Late Summer
Sun Exposure Requirement
Partial Shade, Full Shade
USDA Hardiness Zones
Zone 4-9
Features
- Vibrant dark red/cranberry flower plumes
- Attractive bronze-tinged spring foliage
- Long-lived and low maintenance
- Tolerates shade to dappled sunlight
- Deer and pest resistant
- Attracts pollinators
- Suitable for containers
- Reliable seasonal color
What customers say
Customers consistently praise the exceptional quality of the Astilbe 'Montgomery' plants received from Wayside Gardens. Reviewers frequently note the robust size and health of the root systems upon arrival, leading to quick and reliable establishment in the garden. The deep crimson color is highly valued, performing exactly as advertised even in challenging shaded locations. Sentiment highlights the plant's dependable return and vigorous growth, confirming its status as a premium, long lasting perennial that justifies the investment.
Know before you buy
This variety performs best in partial to full shade. While it can handle dappled sunlight, it should be protected from harsh afternoon sun, which can scorch the foliage and dry out the soil.
Yes, 'Montgomery' prefers consistently moist, well-drained soil. It is not drought-tolerant, so you should monitor moisture levels during the summer months to ensure the soil does not dry out completely.
Absolutely. Its compact 2-foot size makes it an excellent candidate for containers, provided you use a high-quality potting mix and ensure the pot has adequate drainage holes to prevent waterlogging.
Astilbe 'Montgomery' is considered deer and pest resistant, making it a reliable choice for gardens where wildlife pressure is a concern. While no plant is entirely deer-proof, it is rarely a preferred snack for them.
The foliage provides seasonal interest by starting with a distinct bronze hue in the spring. As the season progresses, it transitions into a lush, rich dark green that serves as a beautiful backdrop for the red flower plumes.
Yes, 'Montgomery' is a hardy perennial suitable for USDA Zones 4 through 9. It is well-adapted to survive cold winters within these zones, returning reliably each spring.
Still have a question?
Ask Hayley anything about this product before you decide.
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$10