Overview
Astilbe chinensis 'Pumila' 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 'Pumila' 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 borders, woodland gardens, shade gardens and near water features. It is native to Tibet.
About
Astilbe chinensis 'Pumila' is a clump-forming perennial producing upright plumes above a mound of finely divided foliage. It reaches about 0.7 m and flowers from June to August. Leaves are deeply divided and toothed, often bronze-tinted when young, and the plant dies back in winter. It prefers partial shade and reliably moist, fertile soils.
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 'Pumila' belongs to the Saxifragaceae and originates from Tibet. It forms a neat mound of deeply divided, toothed leaves topped by upright plumed flower stems that reach roughly 0.7 m; flowering runs from June to August. The bronze-tinge to young foliage provides a subtle seasonal change before the clump falls back for winter. Give it partial shade or a north, east or west aspect with shelter from strong winds. Soil should be fertile loam or clay, enriched with organic matter, neutrally to slightly acid, and kept reliably moist to boggy; the plant will not tolerate drought. It can take full sun only where the soil remains consistently wet. In UK terms it is fully hardy (H7), so it withstands winter exposure where moisture and shelter are adequate. Use Astilbe chinensis 'Pumila' in borders, woodland or shade gardens, and beside water features where its upright plumes read well against darker foliage. At about 0.7 m tall it works well at the front of mixed shade borders or along the margins of ponds and streams, where the flower plumes form a clear vertical accent.
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 'Pumila' 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
- Borders, woodland gardens, shade gardens, near water features
- Native to
- Tibet
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Astilbe chinensis 'Pumila'
- 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 'Pumila'?
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 'Pumila'?
Astilbe chinensis 'Pumila' prefers partial shade; full sun only where the soil stays reliably wet. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Astilbe chinensis 'Pumila' need?
Astilbe chinensis 'Pumila' 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 'Pumila'?
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 'Pumila' grow?
Astilbe chinensis 'Pumila' reaches a height of 0.7 m.
Is Astilbe chinensis 'Pumila' hardy in the UK?
Astilbe chinensis 'Pumila' 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 'Pumila'?
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