Astilbe japonica
false buck's beard
A clump-forming herbaceous perennial to 80cm high, with dark green leaves divided into about nine diamond shaped leaflets with toothed margins. Flowers earlier than many other species, producing branching, feathery plumes of white flowers up to 20cm long in early summer
Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.5–1 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Poorly–drainedpH
Acid, Neutral, AlkalineColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | White | Green | ||
| Autumn | ||||
| Winter |
Position
- Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or West–facing or North–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H7Botanical 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
Correct
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
Generally pest-free
Diseases
May be susceptible to leaf spot and powdery mildews
Get involved
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