Astilbe chinensis Pumila

Astilbe chinensis 'Pumila' is a vigorous perennial with a long flowering period. From July onwards, its light purple-pink flowers gathered in upright and well-formed panicles brighten up the surroundings of water features, shade gardens, and wet areas in the garden. It also performs well in large containers kept moist on the terrace. Its feathery panicles remain attractive as cut flowers or in dried bouquets. The foliage takes on lovely shades in autumn.

Astilbe chinensis 'Pumila', also known as false spirea, is a dwarf rhizomatous perennial plant with a compact habit with dense and regular clumps of deciduous compound foliage with toothed leaflets, forming a beautiful ground cover from spring. It reaches 30 cm (12in) high when in flower and spreads over 30 to 40 cm (12 to 16in). It is a long-lived plant belonging to the Saxifragaceae family. The wild species from which this horticultural variety originates is native to the islands of the Japanese archipelago.

Plant Astilbe chinensis 'Pumila' in moist to damp, rich, neutral to acidic soil. It is a good choice for difficult-to-plant, heavy soil. This hybrid does not tolerate drought but is well-suited to clay soils if they are healthy and fertile. Note that Astilbes do not tolerate being flooded in winter. Plant Astilbe in partial shade or a non-scorching sunny location. In the wild, these plants grow in moist understories. Daily watering will be necessary in hot summers.

Chinese Astilbe can easily be grown in pots or troughs, flower beds and borders and used for cut flowers and dried flowers. In woodland, they can be used as low screening hedges. Combine them with Hostas, Ferns (Athyrium filix-femina), Arums, Kaffir Lilies (Schizostylis coccinea) and Meadowsweet (Filipendula) or other perennials for wet soils.