Overview
Astilbe chinensis is a clump-forming, upright plumes above a mound of foliage perennial in the genus Astilbe, part of the Saxifragaceae family, with deciduous; deeply divided and toothed, often bronze-tinted when young foliage. It typically grows around 0.7 m tall. Astilbe chinensis grows best in partial shade; full sun only where the soil stays reliably wet, and tolerates fertile loam or clay enriched with organic matter soils and neutral to slightly acid pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. Suggested uses include shade gardens, woodland gardens, borders and near water features. It is native to China and Japan.
About
Astilbe chinensis is a clump-forming perennial that bears upright flower plumes above a mound of divided foliage. Native to China and Japan, it flowers in the UK from June to August. The foliage is deciduous, deeply divided and toothed and is often bronze-tinted when young, the plant growing to about 0.7 m. It favours partial shade and reliably moist to boggy soil and will not tolerate drought.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Astilbe chinensis
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
In the garden
Astilbe chinensis belongs to the saxifrage family and forms neat clumps topped by erect plumes of flowers through June to August. It is native to China and Japan and suits sites that mimic its wetter, sheltered origins rather than dry, exposed beds. Select a north, east or west-facing position with shelter from strong winds and soil that remains reliably moist to boggy. It prefers fertile loam or clay enriched with organic matter and a neutral to slightly acid pH. Plant where water will not be limiting: it will tolerate full sun only where the soil stays reliably wet, otherwise give it partial shade. Hardiness rating H7 (fully hardy) means it survives normal UK winters when given a sheltered spot and adequate moisture. Use Astilbe chinensis in shade and woodland plantings, along streams or borders where consistent soil moisture can be maintained. At roughly 0.7 m tall it works well as a mid-border accent and beside water features. Its deeply divided, toothed leaves — often bronze-tinted when young — give textural contrast beneath the summer flower plumes.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Astilbe
- Sunlight
- Partial shade; full sun only where the soil stays reliably wet
- Soil type
- Fertile loam or clay enriched with organic matter
- Soil pH
- Neutral to slightly acid
- Soil moisture
- Reliably moist to boggy; will not tolerate drought
- Aspect
- North, east or west facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H7
Plant details
Astilbe chinensis size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Perennial
- Habit
- Clump-forming, upright plumes above a mound of foliage
- Foliage
- Deciduous; deeply divided and toothed, often bronze-tinted when young
- Height
- 0.7 m
- Suggested uses
- shade gardens, woodland gardens, borders, near water features
- Native to
- China, Japan
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Astilbe chinensis
- Cultivation
- Moisture is everything - an astilbe that dries out scorches at the leaf margins and the plumes shrivel before they open. Plant in ground improved with plenty of organic matter, mulch generously each spring, and site out of hot afternoon sun unless the soil is genuinely wet. They are excellent in the damp shade where little else thrives.
- Pruning
- No pruning needed. Leave the spent plumes standing for winter structure and cut the whole clump down in late winter before new growth begins.
- Propagation
- Divide congested crowns in early spring; the woody rootstock may need a spade or a saw. Species can be raised from seed but cultivars will not come true.
- Pest resistance
- Largely trouble-free, though vine weevil grubs attack the roots of container plants.
- Disease resistance
- Healthy in suitable conditions. Powdery mildew appears on plants under drought stress, which is a symptom of the wrong site rather than of disease pressure.
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Astilbe chinensis?
Moisture is everything - an astilbe that dries out scorches at the leaf margins and the plumes shrivel before they open. Plant in ground improved with plenty of organic matter, mulch generously each spring, and site out of hot afternoon sun unless the soil is genuinely wet. They are excellent in the damp shade where little else thrives.
Where is the best place to plant Astilbe chinensis?
Astilbe chinensis prefers partial shade; full sun only where the soil stays reliably wet. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Astilbe chinensis need?
Astilbe chinensis grows best in fertile loam or clay enriched with organic matter soil. It prefers neutral to slightly acid soil. Aim for soil that stays reliably moist to boggy; will not tolerate drought.
How do I prune Astilbe chinensis?
No pruning needed. Leave the spent plumes standing for winter structure and cut the whole clump down in late winter before new growth begins.
How big does Astilbe chinensis grow?
Astilbe chinensis reaches a height of 0.7 m.
Is Astilbe chinensis hardy in the UK?
Astilbe chinensis has an RHS hardiness rating of H7, meaning it is fully hardy throughout the UK, tolerating temperatures below -20°C.
How do I propagate Astilbe chinensis?
Divide congested crowns in early spring; the woody rootstock may need a spade or a saw. Species can be raised from seed but cultivars will not come true.
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