Astilbe japonica 'Peach Blossom'

Astilbe japonica 'Peach Blossom' is an early-flowering Japanese hybrid, and from July its light pink and white flowers in gradient illuminate the garden. Planted near water features and in shady areas, or in a large pot kept cool, its feathery panicles are very attractive. They are also perfect as cut flowers or in dried bouquets. The foliage takes on lovely autumn colours.

Astilbe japonica 'Peach Blossom' is a rhizomatous perennial plant, with low and compact tufted growth and deciduous, compound, dense and glossy foliage with dentate leaflets in dark green. It will reach a height of 70cm (28in) when in flower, and spread out over 40 to 50cm (16 to 20in). A long-lived plant, it belongs to the saxifrage family. It is one of the many hybrids whose original species is native to the Japanese archipelago.

Plant Astilbe japonica in moist to damp, rich, neutral to acidic soil. This hybrid does not tolerate lack of water. The plant adapts well to clayey soils if they are healthy and well amended. Note that Astilbes do not tolerate being flooded in winter. Plant Astilbe japonica in partial shade or in a sunny but not scorching location: in nature, these plants grow in damp woodlands. Daily watering will be necessary in hot summers.

Astilbe japonica can easily be grown in containers, as an evaporative plant, in flower beds, as borders, as cut flowers and dried flowers. In woodlands, to create a screen as a hedge, and of course in flower beds. Combine them with Hostas, Ferns (Athyrium filix-femina), Arums, Kaffir Lilies (Schizostylis coccinea), and Meadowsweet (Filipendula) or other wet soil perennials.