Overview
Astilbe koreana 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 koreana 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, near water features, and moist and shaded areas.. It is native to China and Korea.
About
Astilbe koreana is a clump-forming perennial in the Saxifragaceae with upright flower plumes above a mound of divided foliage. The leaves are deciduous and often bronze-tinted when young, with toothed, deeply divided segments. Flowering occurs from June to August, producing feathery panicles above the foliage. It suits reliably damp, sheltered, part-shade sites rather than dry, sunny spots.
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 koreana originates from China and Korea and belongs to the Saxifragaceae family. It grows as a clump-forming perennial with a mound of deeply divided, toothed leaves that are often bronze-tinted in their early growth, and it carries upright, feathery plumes in flower from June to August. Give it partial shade for best results; it will tolerate full sun only where soil remains reliably wet. Plant in fertile loam or clay that has been enriched with organic matter and aim for a neutral to slightly acid pH. The species prefers reliably moist to boggy conditions and will not tolerate drought, so choose a north, east or west-facing position that is sheltered from strong winds. Astilbe koreana is rated H7 — fully hardy in UK gardens — so it can be left outdoors through winter in an appropriate site. Use Astilbe koreana at the back of damp borders, in woodland or shade gardens, beside ponds and water features, or anywhere a moist, shaded area needs mid-summer structure. Its upright plumes rise above the foliage in June to August, so place the clump where those midsummer blooms will be visible from paths or seating areas.
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 koreana 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, and moist, shaded areas.
- Native to
- China, Korea
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Astilbe koreana
- 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 koreana?
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 koreana?
Astilbe koreana prefers partial shade; full sun only where the soil stays reliably wet. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Astilbe koreana need?
Astilbe koreana 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 koreana?
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 koreana hardy in the UK?
Astilbe koreana 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 koreana?
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