Astilbe glaberrima var. saxatilis
smooth rock astilbe
Dwarf clump-forming perennial about 8cm tall and 15cm wide, with glossy bronze-green, deeply divided leaves, red-tinted beneath, and short sprays of pinkish-mauve tinged white flowers to 10cm long appear above the foliage in summer
Synonyms
Astilbe japonica 'Saxosa'Astilbe 'Saxosa'
see moreAstilbe (_glaberrima_ × _'Saxosa')
Astilbe glaberrima saxosa minor
Astilbe glaberrima saxosa
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 | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Pink Purple White | Green | ||
| Autumn | Green | |||
| Winter |
Position
- Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or West–facing or North–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H5Botanical 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
- Plant range
- Japan
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in moist 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 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
- Flower borders and beds
Pruning
Cut back after flowering
Pests
May be susceptible to vine weevil
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.