Astilbe 'Pink Lightning'PBR (_simplicifolia_ hybrid)
astilbe 'Pink Lightning'
Compact, clump-forming perennial about 30cm tall, with finely dissected, glossy, dark green leaves, and loose, arching sprays of airy, pale pink flowers, in early summer
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 | Green | ||
Autumn | Green | |||
Winter |
Position
- Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or North–facing or West–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
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 affected by leaf scorch in hot sun. Good for waterside planting. See Astilbe cultivation
Propagation
Propagate by division in spring
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- City and courtyard gardens
- Cottage and informal garden
- Patio and container plants
- Flower borders and beds
Pruning
Cut down all stems and leaves before the new spring growth emerges
Pests
May be susceptible to vine weevil
Diseases
May be susceptible to Powdery mildews and leaf scorch in hot sun
Get involved
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