Astilbe Saxosa - Smooth rock astilbe

Astilbe Saxosa, nicknamed the Smooth Rock Astilbe is one of the smallest species in this genus. This adorable miniature perennial plant, which develops slowly from its crown, has glossy, finely cut, slightly crisped, bronze-green leaves with a touch of red. The pure white flower spikes that turn into seashell pink are infinitely graceful, and they bloom for several weeks in summer. Plant it in a shady rockery, in moist soil with small ferns and the beautiful Saxifraga stolonifera 'Cuscutiformis', for example.

Astilbe Saxosa (synonyms Astilbe japonica 'Saxosa', Astilbe glaberrima saxosa minor) belongs to the saxifrage family. It is a relatively rare form of Astilbe glaberrima, native to Yakushima Island, Japan. It is a small rhizomatous perennial plant that forms clumps about 10 cm (4in) tall and 20 cm (8in) wide. Its deciduous foliage emerges in spring and consists of deeply divided, shiny, finely crisped leaves. The flowering period occurs between June and late August and lasts for over 2 months. The flower spikes rise 10-15 cm (4-6in) above the foliage with tiny, tousled flowers with protruding stamens grouped in spikes about 10 cm (4in) long on reddish stems. They are white when they bloom and turn pale mauve pink as they mature. The above-ground vegetation dries up in autumn.

Astilbe Saxosa is a collector's plant that will delight enthusiasts of Asian woodland plants. This species is less cold-resistant than classic astilbes (Astilbes chinensis or A. arendsii) but still hardy down to -15°C (5°F). It thrives particularly well in humid and temperate climates, between stones, in a non-scorching exposure. For example, associate it with saxifrages, Corydalis, an elegant capillary, and other small gems that thrive in the same conditions.