Astilbe chinensis var. pumila
dwarf Chinese astilbe
Compact, clump-forming perennial about 25cm in height, with dark green, deeply cut leaves often tinted red, and dense, fluffy spikes of rosy-mauve flowers, produced in late summer
Buy this plant
Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Poorly–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green Red | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Purple Pink | Green Red | ||
| Autumn | Green Red | |||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H7Botanical details
- Family
- Saxifragaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Genus
Astilbe are rhizomatous herbaceous perennials with attractive, usually ternately divided leaves and erect plume-like panicles of tiny white, pink or purple flowers in summer. The old, brown flower-heads remain attractive in autumn
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- Tibet
How to grow
Cultivation
Good for moist or boggy situations. Are not suitable for soils that dry out.
Propagation
Propagate by division in late winter or early spring, pot divisions under glass and plant out in late spring.
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Cottage and informal garden
- Rock garden
- Patio and container plants
- City and courtyard gardens
- Flower borders and beds
Pruning
Cut back after flowering
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
May be susceptible to powdery mildews
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.