Overview
Astilbe grandis 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. Astilbe grandis 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 Japan.
About
Astilbe grandis is a clump-forming perennial bearing upright, feathery plumes above a mound of finely divided leaves. It flowers from June to August, providing a summer display of dense inflorescences. The foliage is deciduous and deeply toothed, often showing a bronze tint when young. Plant where soil stays reliably moist, since it will not tolerate drought.
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
Native to Japan, Astilbe grandis forms tidy clumps topped by upright plumes that appear from June to August. The plant carries deeply divided, toothed leaves that are deciduous and frequently bronze-tinted in their early growth. In a temperate UK garden it brings vertical summer interest without needing a sheltered border fronting onto open areas. Grow it in partial shade; it will take full sun only where the soil remains reliably wet. Choose a fertile loam or clay and work in plenty of organic matter to retain moisture; the soil should be neutral to slightly acid. Aspect matters: north, east or west-facing sites with some protection from drying winds suit it best. Astilbe grandis is fully hardy (H7) in the UK provided roots are kept cool and moist. Plant in borders, woodland or shade gardens and beside ponds or other water features where boggy conditions can be maintained. It performs well in mixed perennial drifts and under trees where soil moisture is consistent. Position so the bronze-tinted young leaves catch the eye from a path or seat, as the foliage is an important part of its seasonal appeal.
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 grandis 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
- Suggested uses
- Borders, woodland gardens, shade gardens, near water features.
- Native to
- Japan
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Astilbe grandis
- 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 grandis?
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 grandis?
Astilbe grandis prefers partial shade; full sun only where the soil stays reliably wet. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Astilbe grandis need?
Astilbe grandis 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 grandis?
No pruning needed. Leave the spent plumes standing for winter structure and cut the whole clump down in late winter before new growth begins.
Is Astilbe grandis hardy in the UK?
Astilbe grandis 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 grandis?
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 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
- Astilbe × arendsii 'Bridal Veil'Bridal Veil Astilbe