Chinese astilbe
Astilbe chinensis var. pumila
Overview
Chinese astilbe (Astilbe chinensis var. pumila) is an amazing perennial shade loving plant. It produces dense purple or pink panicles of flowers in summer and early autumn. This eye-catching plant can give gardens a beautiful color display in summer months. It can also be used in rock gardens or at the edge of a woodland garden. In addition, Chinese astilbe is a low maintenance plant that requires minimal watering and fertilizing. It is tolerant of a wide range of soils, but prefers damp soil and shady areas. It is a great choice for those looking to add color to their garden without having to worry about a lot of upkeep.
Care Guide
Watering
Chinese astilbes prefer moist soil and need to be kept consistently hydrated to thrive. During the growing season, water Chinese astilbes 1 to 2 times per week, providing about 1 to 2 inches of water each time. Water in the morning and avoid getting the foliage wet. During the winter, water only when the soil has become dry. In very hot, dry climates, check the soil more frequently and make sure to provide enough water so that the soil stays moist.
Light
Chinese astilbe performs best in partial shade with 4-6 hours of direct sunlight per day. This could be at any time of the day, as long as the plant is not exposed to direct sunlight for more than 6 hours of the day. Direct sunlight for more than 6 hours a day can cause the leaves of the plant to wilt and dry up, leading to plant damage or death.
Temperature
Hardiness zone 4–8.
Pruning
Chinese astilbe should be pruned in late fall/early winter after it has gone dormant. Pruning should be a light trimming, taking off about 1/3 of the plant, mainly the foliage and spent blooms. If the Chinese astilbe is overgrown, it can be cut back hard to 1/2 its size to encourage fresh growth the following season.
Propagation
Division, Cutting, Seed Propagation, Layering Propagation
Related plants
Other plants you might like if you grow Chinese astilbe.
