About
Astilbe simplicifolia 'Pretty in Pink' is a low-growing perennial that reaches heights of 30-40 cm. It features rosettes of serrated, oval leaves in a deep green hue. During mid to late summer, this plant produces airy, arching flower plumes that showcase a blend of pale and mid-pink shades atop dark stems, extending up to 30 cm in height.
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
- East-facing, North-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H5
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 or boggy soil in dappled shade, where the soil never dries out and remains moisture-retentive in summer. Drought intolerant, and may be scorched in direct sun. Good for waterside and woodland planting. See Astilbe cultivation
- Pruning
- Flowering stems can be tidied and cut back when flowers fade, but can also be left for winter interest and wildlife habitat
- Propagation
- Propagate by division in late winter to early spring; replant immediately or pot up and grow on under glass to plant out in late spring when plants are re-established
- Pest resistance
- May be susceptible to vine weevil
- Disease resistance
- May be susceptible to leaf spot weather damage and powdery mildews