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BogsHerbaceous Perennial

Astilbe chinensis var. pumila 'Serenade'

dwarf Chinese astilbe 'Serenade'

Clump-forming perennial to 45cm tall, with glossy, dark green, divided leaves with dark red stems. Neat, conical plumes of rose-pink flowers are produced in mid- to late summer

Synonyms
Astilbe 'Serenade'
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Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
2–5 years
Ultimate spread
0.1–0.5 metres
Growing conditions
Clay
Loam
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Poorly–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Red Green
Summer Red Pink Green
Autumn Red Green
Winter
Position
  • Partial shade
Aspect

West–facing or East–facing or North–facing

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H7
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 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
  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Rock garden
  • Flower borders and beds
Pruning

Can cut back after flowering, or delay until spring as faded flower spikes can remain attractive in autumn and winter

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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