About
Astilbe japonica is a clump-forming perennial that reaches heights of up to 80 cm. Its foliage consists of dark green leaves that are divided into approximately nine diamond-shaped leaflets, each with serrated edges. This species blooms earlier than many others, showcasing branching, feathery panicles of white flowers that can extend up to 20 cm in length during early summer.
About the genus
Astilbe are perennial plants with rhizomes, characterized by their dissected leaves that typically have a ternate structure. In summer, they produce upright panicles filled with small flowers in shades of white, pink, or purple. The dried flower heads persist into autumn, adding interest to the landscape.
Growing conditions
- Sunlight
- Partial shade
- Soil type
- Clay, Loam
- Soil pH
- Acid, Neutral, Alkaline
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained, Poorly-drained
- Aspect
- East-facing, West-facing, North-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H7
Plant details
- Plant type
- Bogs, Herbaceous Perennial
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- 0.5-1 metres
- Spread
- 0.5-1 metres
- Time to full height
- 2-5 years
- Suggested uses
- Cottage and informal garden
Care notes
- Cultivation
- Grow in moist but well-drained or boggy soil in dappled shade, or in indirect sun where the soil remains moisture-retentive in summer. Drought intolerant, may be damaged in hot sun. Good for waterside planting. See Astilbe cultivation
- Pruning
- Flowering stems may be cut back when flowers fade, or left standing for winter interest
- Propagation
- Propagate by division in winter or early spring; replant immediately or pot up to plant out in spring when re-established
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- May be susceptible to leaf spot and powdery mildews