Astilbe 'Avalanche'

RHS Plant Profile
astilbe 'Avalanche'
Bogs Herbaceous Perennial

A clump-forming herbaceous perennial to 60cm high, with red-tinted stems and glossy, divided dark green leaves with toothed margins. Produces airy, branching plumes of white flowers in midsummer

Position

Partial shade

Soil Types

Clay, Loam

Max Height

0.5-1 metres

Max Spread

0.5-1 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
2–5 years
Max Spread
0.5-1 metres
Max Height
0.5-1 metres

Growing Conditions

Clay Loam
Moisture
Moist but well–drained or Poorly–drained
pH
Acid or Neutral or Alkaline

Position

Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or West–facing or North–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H7

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Saxifragaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
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
Accepted

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow in moist but well-drained or boggy soil in dappled shade, or in indirect sun where the soil remains moisture-retentive in summer. Drought intolerant, may be damaged in hot sun. Good for waterside planting. See Astilbe cultivation

Propagation

Propagate by division in winter or early spring; replant immediately or pot up to plant out in spring when re-established

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Flower borders and beds

Pruning

Flowering stems may be cut back when flowers fade, or left standing for winter interest

Pests

May be susceptible to vine weevil

Diseases

May be susceptible to leaf spot and Powdery mildews