Overview
Astilbe arendsii 'Bumalda' is a clump forming perennial in the genus Astilbe, part of the Saxifragaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Astilbe arendsii 'Bumalda' grows best in partial shade and shade, and tolerates most soils and acidic and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include borders, woodland gardens, shade gardens and cut flowers. It is native to Hybrid cultivar derived from East Asian species.
About
Astilbe arendsii 'Bumalda' is a perennial cultivar of the genus Astilbe, known commonly as false spirea. This hybrid cultivar, derived from East Asian species, thrives in partial shade to full shade and prefers moist, rich, well-drained soil with an acidic to neutral pH. It is hardy in the UK (H5) and is suitable for borders, woodland gardens, and shade gardens, as well as for use as cut flowers. Cultivation involves maintaining moist, humus-rich soil and mulching to retain moisture, with regular removal of spent flower heads and division of clumps every 3-4 years.
About the genus
Astilbe is a genus of 18 species of rhizomatous flowering plants within the family Saxifragaceae, native to mountain ravines and woodlands in Asia and North America. Some species are known by the common names false goat's beard and false spirea.
Wikipedia contributors, "Astilbe", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Astilbe
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Astilbe
- Sunlight
- partial shade, shade
- Soil type
- moist, rich, well-drained
- Soil pH
- acidic, neutral
- Soil moisture
- moist
- Aspect
- North-facing, East-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H5
Plant details
Astilbe arendsii 'Bumalda' size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- perennial
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Suggested uses
- borders, woodland gardens, shade gardens, cut flowers
- Native to
- Hybrid cultivar derived from East Asian species
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Astilbe arendsii 'Bumalda'
- Cultivation
- Prefers moist, humus-rich soil in partial to full shade; mulch to retain moisture; avoid dry conditions.
- Pruning
- Remove spent flower heads to encourage tidy appearance; divide clumps every 3-4 years in spring or autumn.
- Propagation
- Division in spring or autumn; seed propagation is possible but less common.
- Pest resistance
- Vine weevil
- Disease resistance
- Powdery mildew
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Astilbe arendsii 'Bumalda'?
Prefers moist, humus-rich soil in partial to full shade; mulch to retain moisture; avoid dry conditions.
Where is the best place to plant Astilbe arendsii 'Bumalda'?
Astilbe arendsii 'Bumalda' prefers partial shade and shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Astilbe arendsii 'Bumalda' need?
Astilbe arendsii 'Bumalda' is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including moist, rich and well-drained. It prefers acidic and neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays moist.
How do I prune Astilbe arendsii 'Bumalda'?
Remove spent flower heads to encourage tidy appearance; divide clumps every 3-4 years in spring or autumn.
Is Astilbe arendsii 'Bumalda' hardy in the UK?
Astilbe arendsii 'Bumalda' has an RHS hardiness rating of H5, meaning it is hardy in most of the UK, tolerating -15 to -10°C.
How do I propagate Astilbe arendsii 'Bumalda'?
Division in spring or autumn; seed propagation is possible but less common.
More in the Astilbe genus
- Astilbe 'Bumalda'False Goat's Beard
- Astilbe grandisgrand astilbe
- Astilbe rivulariswaterside astilbe
- Astilbe taquetiiFalse Goat's Beard
- Astilbe × arendsii
- Astilbe × arendsii 'Amethyst'Amethyst Astilbe
- Astilbe × arendsii 'Bergkrystall'False Goat's Beard
- Astilbe × arendsii 'Betsy Cuperus'False Goat's Beard