Overview
Astilbe 'Sugar Plum' (_simplicifolia_ hybrid) is a clump forming herbaceous perennial in the genus Astilbe, part of the Saxifragaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Astilbe 'Sugar Plum' (_simplicifolia_ hybrid) grows best in partial shade, and tolerates loam soils and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. Suggested uses include bog gardens, damp borders and containers.
About
Astilbe 'Sugar Plum' is a herbaceous perennial cultivar of the Astilbe genus, known for its clump-forming habit and deciduous, dissected leaves with a ternate structure. This plant thrives in partial shade and prefers moist but well-drained loam soil with a neutral pH, ideally in a sheltered position. It is hardy to UK zone H7 and is suitable for bog gardens, damp borders, and containers. 'Sugar Plum' offers seasonal interest in spring and summer, producing upright panicles of small flowers typical of Astilbe species.
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
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Astilbe
- Sunlight
- Partial shade
- Soil type
- Loam
- Soil pH
- Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- North-facing, East-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H7
Plant details
Astilbe 'Sugar Plum' (_simplicifolia_ hybrid) size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Herbaceous Perennial
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Suggested uses
- Bog gardens, Damp borders, Containers
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Astilbe 'Sugar Plum' (_simplicifolia_ hybrid)
- Propagation
- Division in late winter or early spring
- Pest resistance
- Susceptible to vine weevil
- Disease resistance
- Susceptible to powdery mildew
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Astilbe 'Sugar Plum' (_simplicifolia_ hybrid)?
Astilbe 'Sugar Plum' (_simplicifolia_ hybrid) prefers partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Astilbe 'Sugar Plum' (_simplicifolia_ hybrid) need?
Astilbe 'Sugar Plum' (_simplicifolia_ hybrid) grows best in loam soil. It prefers neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
Is Astilbe 'Sugar Plum' (_simplicifolia_ hybrid) hardy in the UK?
Astilbe 'Sugar Plum' (_simplicifolia_ hybrid) 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 'Sugar Plum' (_simplicifolia_ hybrid)?
Division in late winter or early spring.
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