Astilbe vs Red Maple

Side-by-side plant comparison — which is right for your garden?

Astilbe

Astilbe × arendsii

Saxifragaceae · flowers

Deer ResistantLow Maintenance

Red Maple

Acer rubrum

Aceraceae · trees

Deer ResistantLow Maintenance

Hardiness Zone Range

Astilbe (Zones 4-8)

Red Maple (Zones 3-9)

Overlap: Both grow in zones 4–8

Detailed Comparison

Feature	Astilbe	Red Maple
Scientific Name	Astilbe × arendsii	Acer rubrum
Family	Saxifragaceae	Aceraceae
Category	flowers	trees
Sun	⛅ Part Shade	☀️ Full Sun to Part Shade
Water	💧💧 Medium to High	💧💧 Medium
Soil	Rich, Moist	Adaptable
Height	3'	70'
Spread	2'	40'
Bloom Season	Summer	Spring
Bloom Color	Red, Pink, White, Purple	Red
Growth Rate	Medium	Fast
Native Region	East Asia	Eastern North America
Maintenance	Low	Low

Special Traits

Astilbe

No — EdibleYes — Deer ResistantNo — Drought Tolerant

Red Maple

No — EdibleYes — Deer ResistantNo — Drought Tolerant

Care Tips

Astilbe

✓Must have consistently moist soil — wilts quickly if dry.
✓Divide every 3-4 years.
✓Leave dried flower heads for winter texture.
✓Feed in spring with balanced fertilizer.

Red Maple

✓Tolerates a wide range of soils.
✓Surface roots can be problematic in lawns.
✓Prune in summer to avoid bleeding sap.
✓Fast growing — 13-24 inches per year.

Which Plant Is Right for Your Garden?

Choose Astilbe if you want a low-maintenance plant, and want deer resistance. It thrives in part shade with medium to high water in zones 4–8.

Choose Red Maple if you want a low-maintenance plant, and want deer resistance. It thrives in full sun to part shade with medium water in zones 3–9.

Plant them together? Both overlap in zones 4–8. However, they have different sun needs, so plan your garden layout carefully.

View AstilbeProfile →View Red MapleProfile →

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Astilbe and Red Maple grow in the same hardiness zone?

Astilbe grows in USDA zones 4-8, while Red Maple grows in zones 3-9. Both plants can grow together in zones 4 through 8.

Do Astilbe and Red Maple have the same sun and water needs?

Astilbe needs part shade and medium to high water, while Red Maple needs full sun to part shade and medium water. Their differing requirements mean you may need separate garden areas for each.

Which grows taller, Astilbe or Red Maple?

Red Maple grows taller at 70' compared to Astilbe at 3'. Red Maple spreads 40' while Astilbe spreads 2'.

Are Astilbe and Red Maple deer resistant?

Yes, both Astilbe and Red Maple are considered deer resistant, making them excellent choices for gardens in areas with deer pressure.

Which is easier to maintain, Astilbe or Red Maple?

Both Astilbe and Red Maple have low maintenance requirements. They need a similar level of care including regular attention to watering, pruning, and soil health.

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Detailed Comparison

Feature	Astilbe	Red Maple
Scientific Name	Astilbe × arendsii	Acer rubrum
Family	Saxifragaceae	Aceraceae
Category	flowers	trees
Sun	⛅ Part Shade	☀️ Full Sun to Part Shade
Water	💧💧 Medium to High	💧💧 Medium
Soil	Rich, Moist	Adaptable
Height	3'	70'
Spread	2'	40'
Bloom Season	Summer	Spring
Bloom Color	Red, Pink, White, Purple	Red
Growth Rate	Medium	Fast
Native Region	East Asia	Eastern North America
Maintenance	Low	Low

Care Tips

Astilbe

✓Must have consistently moist soil — wilts quickly if dry.
✓Divide every 3-4 years.
✓Leave dried flower heads for winter texture.
✓Feed in spring with balanced fertilizer.

Red Maple

✓Tolerates a wide range of soils.
✓Surface roots can be problematic in lawns.
✓Prune in summer to avoid bleeding sap.
✓Fast growing — 13-24 inches per year.

Which Plant Is Right for Your Garden?

Choose Astilbe if you want a low-maintenance plant, and want deer resistance. It thrives in part shade with medium to high water in zones 4–8.

Choose Red Maple if you want a low-maintenance plant, and want deer resistance. It thrives in full sun to part shade with medium water in zones 3–9.

Plant them together? Both overlap in zones 4–8. However, they have different sun needs, so plan your garden layout carefully.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Astilbe and Red Maple grow in the same hardiness zone?

Astilbe grows in USDA zones 4-8, while Red Maple grows in zones 3-9. Both plants can grow together in zones 4 through 8.

Do Astilbe and Red Maple have the same sun and water needs?

Astilbe needs part shade and medium to high water, while Red Maple needs full sun to part shade and medium water. Their differing requirements mean you may need separate garden areas for each.

Which grows taller, Astilbe or Red Maple?

Red Maple grows taller at 70' compared to Astilbe at 3'. Red Maple spreads 40' while Astilbe spreads 2'.

Are Astilbe and Red Maple deer resistant?

Yes, both Astilbe and Red Maple are considered deer resistant, making them excellent choices for gardens in areas with deer pressure.

Which is easier to maintain, Astilbe or Red Maple?

Both Astilbe and Red Maple have low maintenance requirements. They need a similar level of care including regular attention to watering, pruning, and soil health.