Overview
Astilbe taquetii 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 taquetii 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 ideal for shaded borders, woodland gardens and and alongside ponds or streams where soil remains moist.. It is native to Korea.
About
Astilbe taquetii is a clump-forming perennial with upright plumed flower stems rising above a mound of deeply divided, toothed leaves. The foliage is deciduous and often shows a bronze tint when young. It favours partial shade and reliably moist to boggy soil, and will not tolerate drought. Flowering occurs June to August.
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 taquetii belongs to the Saxifragaceae and originates from Korea. It forms neat clumps of divided, toothed leaves with upright, feathery plumes held above the foliage. Young leaves frequently carry a bronze tint before maturing. Plant where the soil remains reliably moist to boggy; this species will not tolerate drought. It prefers fertile loam or clay enriched with organic matter and a neutral to slightly acid pH. Position plants in partial shade — full sun is acceptable only where the soil stays consistently wet. Choose a north, east or west facing, sheltered spot to reduce stress from drying winds. Astilbe taquetii is fully hardy (H7) in UK conditions and suits shaded borders, woodland gardens and the margins of ponds or streams where moisture is persistent. Its upright plumes provide summer vertical interest and work well grouped in drifts or paired with other moisture-loving perennials. The flowers appear June to August and remain above the foliage, giving a clear summer display distinctive to this species.
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 taquetii 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
- Ideal for shaded borders, woodland gardens, and alongside ponds or streams where soil remains moist.
- Native to
- Korea
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Astilbe taquetii
- 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 taquetii?
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 taquetii?
Astilbe taquetii prefers partial shade; full sun only where the soil stays reliably wet. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Astilbe taquetii need?
Astilbe taquetii 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 taquetii?
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 taquetii hardy in the UK?
Astilbe taquetii 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 taquetii?
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 × arendsii
- Astilbe × arendsii 'Amethyst'Amethyst Astilbe
- Astilbe × arendsii 'Bergkrystall'False Goat's Beard
- Astilbe × arendsii 'Betsy Cuperus'False Goat's Beard
- Astilbe × arendsii 'Bridal Veil'Bridal Veil Astilbe