About
Astilbe simplicifolia is a low-growing perennial that typically reaches heights of 20 to 30 centimeters. It features basal rosettes of serrated, oval-shaped leaves in a mid-green hue. During mid to late summer, it produces airy clusters of creamy-white flowers on stems that can extend up to 30 centimeters. This plant forms a compact clump, making it suitable for borders or shaded areas in the garden.
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, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained, Poorly-drained
- Aspect
- West-facing, East-facing, North-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H5
Plant details
- Plant type
- Bogs, Herbaceous Perennial
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- 0.1-0.5 metres
- Spread
- 0.1-0.5 metres
- Time to full height
- 2-5 years
- Suggested uses
- Cottage and informal garden, City and courtyard gardens
- Native to
- Japan
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
- Cut back stems and foliage before new growth begins in spring
- Propagation
- Propagate by division in late winter or early spring, pot divisions under glass and plant out in late spring.
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free but may be susceptible to vine weevil
- Disease resistance
- May be susceptible to powdery mildews