As a spreading ground cover this Astilbe, a perennial for your woodland or shade garden, produces 4-6 inches tall, blooms in purple July-Aug. The flower spikes themselves reach 12 inches. Chinese astilbe, like other varieties, benefit from summer mulch but are a bit more drought and sun tolerant. These may be divided every 3-4 years or when overcrowding begins.
Pictures from Walters Gardens Inc.
Location:
Partial Sun, Shade
Size:
12 inches
Flower Color:
Purple, Pink
Bloom Time:
July, August
Special Needs:
Constant moist, fertile soil.
Soil Conditions:
Moist. Wet
Trim/Prune:
Trim to the ground in late fall after several frosts. If astilbe gets dry, cut off brown leaves and old blooms, as the roots are still alive.