Perennials

Astilbe chinensis var. pumila

Chinese astilbe

Astilbe chinensis var. pumila: 25 cm high and 20 cm wide, sun to partial shade. Pink, purple flowers in August-September. Zone 3; choose soil compatible with its moisture requirements.

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Exposure
Sun in partial shade
Life cycle
Hardy perennial
Hardiness
Zone 3

Discover the plant

Common nameAstilbe chinensis var. pumila
FamilySaxifragaceae
GenusAstilbe
Specieschinensis
TypeHardy perennial
Botanical nameChinese astilbe

Astilbe chinensis, known in the garden as Astilbe chinensis var. pumila, combines pink and purple blooms with a volume that is easy to place in a composition. The foliage has shades of green, to be highlighted among different textures. The usual flowering period is August-September. The clump is approximately 25 cm high and 20 cm wide; use these dimensions to place the plant at the front and bottom of a bed.

The success of Astilbe chinensis var. pumila begins with its location: sun to partial shade, in suitable soil (kept moist, clayey). For Astilbe chinensis var. pumila, regularly check the soil around the root ball: it must remain fresh. Water at the base when the surface begins to dry and adjust watering according to rainfall; this exposure (sun to partial shade) does not eliminate the need for water. A margin corresponding to its spread of 20 cm avoids having to move the clump in the first few seasons. The indicated hardiness zone is zone 3, to be assessed according to your garden conditions.

Throughout the seasons, Astilbe chinensis var. pumila benefits from timely care: monitor watering during hot weather and remove old stems when the clump regrows in spring. Drying of the root ball shortens the flowering of astilbes and can cause the edges of the leaves to brown. For associations, consider coneflowers, perennial geraniums, daylilies in varieties with similar needs. The flowering (August-September) and spread of 20 cm will serve as a guide for distributing other plants around this plant.

Astilbe chinensis var. pumila — Astilbe chinensis

Planting guide

From planting to establishment.

Spacing / density 20 cm
Best planting time Spring after the thaw or early autumn, allowing the roots time to establish before the severe cold.
Propagation Division of clumps. Sowing does not guarantee the fidelity of a named cultivar.
Growing method
Astilbe chinensis var. pumila: Spring after the thaw or early autumn, allowing the roots time to establish before the severe cold. For Astilbe chinensis var. pumila, regularly check the soil around the root ball: it must remain moist. Water at the base when the surface begins to dry and adjust watering according to rainfall; this exposure (sun to partial shade) does not eliminate water requirements. Drying out of the root ball shortens the flowering period of astilbes and can cause leaf edges to turn brown.

Soil and care

The right care,at the right time.

Soil pH

Acid to neutral to alkaline; general indication of the botanical group

Care level

Regular maintenance

Watering

For Astilbe chinensis var. pumila, regularly check the soil around the root ball: it must remain moist. Water at the base when the surface begins to dry and adjust the water supply according to rainfall; this exposure (sun to partial shade) does not eliminate the need for water.

Soil type

Kept moist, Clayey

Fertilization

Fertilizer for flowering

Moisture

Regular watering during growth

Seasonal care

Astilbe chinensis var. pumila: monitor watering during hot spells and remove old stems when the clump resprouts in spring. During its flowering period (August-September), also check for damaged stems and neighboring plants that might obscure the clump.

Container growing

A garden,within reach.

Recommended pot size

A stable, perforated container, significantly wider than the root ball; size to be adapted to the format sold and adult development.
To try Astilbe chinensis var. pumila in a container, choose a stable pot with drainage holes, suited to the root ball and its future size (20 cm). The substrate must remain moist; it will dry out more quickly than in the ground. Plan to protect the container in winter depending on your climate.
Astilbe chinensis var. pumila — Astilbe chinensis

Bloom and dimensions

Its place,in your garden.

Mature height

25 cm

Width / spread

20 cm

Flower color

Pink

Foliage color

Green

Foliage type

Null and void

Growth rate

Moderate

Growth habit

Erected

Fragrance

Not documented for this selection

Bloom period

August-September
Astilbe chinensis var. pumila — Astilbe chinensis

Garden associations

In goodcompany.

Companion plants

Associations to consider for Astilbe chinensis var. pumila: coneflowers, perennial geraniums, daylilies. Choose varieties that tolerate sun to partial shade and comparable moisture; allow enough space for each clump to reach its mature size.

Plants to avoid

Around *Astilbe chinensis* var. *pumila*, especially avoid neighboring plants that would cover its leaves or strongly compete with its root ball. Compatibility of light, water, and spread takes precedence over a list of so-called enemy plants.

Frequently asked questions

Your questions,answered.

Where to plant Astilbe chinensis var. pumila?
Expect sun to partial shade and suitable soil (kept moist, Clayey). Drying out of the root ball shortens the flowering of astilbes and can cause the edges of the leaves to brown.
Where should I plant Astilbe chinensis var. pumila?
Expect a height of around 25 cm and a width of 20 cm at maturity. Allow about 20 cm between centers, adjusting to the actual growth of the clumps. This spacing is suitable for use in low borders and at the front of beds.
When does Astilbe chinensis var. pumila bloom?
The period indicated is August-September. The flower palette is pink, purple. The exact date and duration depend on the climate, the season, and when the plant was established.
How to water and care for Astilbe chinensis var. pumila?
For Astilbe chinensis var. pumila, regularly check the soil around the root ball: it should remain moist. Water at the base when the surface starts to dry, and adjust watering based on rainfall; this exposure (sun to partial shade) does not eliminate the need for water. Monitor watering during hot weather and remove old stems when the clump regrows in spring.
Can Astilbe chinensis var. pumila be grown in pots?
To try Astilbe chinensis var. pumila in a container, choose a stable pot with drainage holes, suitable for the root ball and its future size (20 cm). The substrate must remain moist; it will dry out faster than in open ground. Plan to protect the container in winter depending on your climate.

Wildlife and pets

Life,around your plants.