Chinese Astilbe Astilbe chinensis var. taquetii 'Superba'
ABOUT
Astilbe, specifically the variety known as 'Superba', is a highly ornamental plant with distinctive features that make it a favorite among gardeners. It boasts plume-like flowers that form feathery, erect spikes, which give a fluffy appearance and can range in color from a rich, deep pink to purple hues. These showy flower clusters create a dramatic visual impact when they bloom in mid to late summer. The foliage of the Astilbe 'Superba' also adds to its appeal with its fern-like quality. The leaves are lush and deeply dissected, providing a textural contrast to the soft flower spikes. Deeply veined, the leaves typically have a glossy appearance and can have a bronze-green shade that provides a beautiful backdrop for the vibrant flowers. This Astilbe variety forms an attractive mound of foliage before the blooming period, signaling the full display of colors that will follow. It has a bushy and robust habit, making it a lush addition to any garden space. The overall impression is of a plant that combines both striking floral displays with graceful and refreshing greenery. Astilbe 'Superba' is a popular choice for adding a touch of elegance to shaded garden areas, where its blooms and foliage contrast well with darker surroundings. Given its attractive and distinctive presence, it's a commonly sought-after variety for gardeners looking to create visually appealing landscapes with varying textures and colors.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Saxifragaceae
Synonyms
Chinese Astilbe, False Goat's Beard, False Spirea
Common names
Astilbe chinensis var. purpurascens 'Superba', Astilbe 'Superba'.
ToxicityTo humans
The Chinese Astilbe is generally considered non-toxic to humans. It is not associated with any significant poisonous qualities, and accidental ingestion is unlikely to cause any harm. However, as with any plant not intended for consumption, individuals may have varying sensitivities, and eating plant material might cause mild discomfort or an allergic reaction in some cases. It is always recommended to avoid eating ornamental plants and to seek medical advice if any adverse reaction occurs after handling or ingesting plant matter.
To pets
Chinese Astilbe is also generally recognized as non-toxic to pets. It does not contain any known toxic substances that would pose a risk to dogs or cats if ingested. As with humans, individual animals might have specific sensitivities, and consumption of plant material could potentially lead to mild gastrointestinal upset. It is always advisable to prevent pets from eating non-food plants, and if any signs of distress are observed after ingestion, it is best to consult a veterinarian.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Pink
Height
3-4 feet (90-120 cm)
Spread
2 feet (60 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
4
Native area
Asia
Benefits
General Benefits- Attractive Flowers: Astilbe 'Superba' produces tall plumes of rich, purple-pink flowers that add a striking visual appeal to any garden.
- Shade Tolerance: This plant is well-suited for shaded areas where many other flowering plants may struggle to thrive.
- Ease of Care: Astilbe 'Superba' is known for being low-maintenance, requiring minimal care once established, which makes it ideal for both novice and experienced gardeners.
- Long Blooming Period: The flowering period of Astilbe 'Superba' can last for several weeks, providing a long-lasting display of color.
- Resistance to Pests: Generally, Astilbe 'Superba' is resistant to many pests, reducing the need for chemical interventions.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, Astilbe 'Superba' can tolerate periods of dryness, though it prefers moist conditions.
- Soil Adaptability: It can grow in a variety of soil types, as long as the soil is well-draining.
- Textural Contrast: The fern-like foliage offers textural contrast to other garden plants, which can be used effectively in landscape design.
- Attracts Pollinators: While in bloom, Astilbe 'Superba' can attract butterflies and other pollinators to the garden.
- Winter Interest: The dried flower stalks and seed heads can provide visual interest in the garden during the winter months.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Artistic Inspiration: Astilbe 'Superba' with its feathery plumes can inspire artists and photographers, serving as a subject for paintings, drawings, and photographic compositions.
- Fabric Dyeing: The flowers and leaves of the plant can be used to naturally dye fabrics, providing a range of subtle colors.
- Wedding Decor: Because of their delicate and romantic appearance, these flowers are often used in bridal bouquets and as part of wedding venue decorations.
- Garden Borders: Astilbe 'Superba' serves as an excellent border plant that can add color and texture to garden edges.
- Education: This plant can be used in educational gardens to teach about plant biology and the variety within plant families.
- Dry Flower Arrangements: Once dried, the flower plumes retain their shape and color, making them suitable for dry floral arrangements.
- Habitat for Wildlife: These plants can provide cover and forage for small wildlife in a garden setting.
- Fairy Gardens: Due to their whimsical look, they make a perfect addition to fairy gardens, providing a lush, miniature forested environment.
- Food Coloring: Historically, some species of Astilbe have been used to create natural food colorings.
- Cultural Symbolism: Astilbe 'Superba' can represent patience and dedication, and may be used in cultural ceremonies or as a gift to convey this message.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Chinese Astilbe is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Chinese Astilbe is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Patient Love: Astilbe is often associated with patience and enduring love due to its nature of slowly and beautifully unfolding blooms.
- I'll Still Be Waiting: The name Astilbe itself sounds like a promise ('I'll-still-be') hinting at loyalty and a commitment to wait for someone.
- Protection: With its lush, fern-like foliage, Astilbe can also symbolize protection or a haven, suggesting the plant can keep secrets safe and offer shelter.
- Hope: Its ability to grow in shade where other flowers might not bloom represents hope and confidence in the face of adversity.
- Devotion: Given its perennial quality, returning year after year, Astilbe can symbolize lifelong devotion or commitment.
WaterChinese Astilbe 'Superba' prefers consistently moist soil and should be watered deeply once or twice a week depending on weather conditions. During hot or dry periods, water may be required more frequently to maintain soil moisture. Provide roughly one gallon of water per plant during each watering session to ensure proper saturation. Adjust the amount if the plant is in a pot, ensuring thorough watering until excess water drains from the bottom.
LightChinese Astilbe 'Superba' thrives in partial to full shade, so it's best to plant it in a spot that receives dappled sunlight or only direct morning sun. Too much bright sunlight can scorch its delicate leaves, so a location under a canopy of trees or on the north side of a building is ideal.
TemperatureChinese Astilbe 'Superba' performs well in a temperature range between 60 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. It can survive minimum winter temperatures down to about -20 degrees Fahrenheit. The ideal growing conditions are in cooler temperatures which aid in preserving soil moisture.
PruningChinese Astilbe 'Superba' should be pruned to remove spent flower stalks and encourage a tidy appearance. Pruning can be done after flowering, in late summer or fall. While not strictly necessary, cutting back the foliage in late winter before new growth starts can promote a healthier plant.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe False Spirea prefers moist, well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. For an optimal mix, combine loamy soil with compost and peat moss to enhance fertility and moisture retention. It thrives in a soil pH range of 6.0 to 8.0 but prefers slightly acidic conditions.
RepottingFalse Spirea doesn't need frequent repotting as it is often grown as a perennial in the garden. In containers, repot every 2-3 years to refresh the soil, ideally in spring before new growth begins.
Humidity & MistingFalse Spirea benefits from a moderate humidity level but is quite adaptable and can tolerate the humidity levels typically found in an outdoor garden setting with no specific humidity requirements to maintain.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Use rich, moist soil and place in bright, indirect light.
Outdoor
Plant in partial shade, keep soil moist but well-drained.
Hardiness zone
4-8 USDA
Life cycleThe life cycle of the Chinese Astilbe 'Superba' begins with seed germination, occurring when soil temperatures and moisture levels are optimal, usually in spring. Seedlings emerge and develop into juvenile plants, which mature over several weeks, forming a clump of fern-like foliage. Vegetative growth continues, with the plant increasing in size and producing larger leaves. During the summer months, tall plumes of tiny flowers on strong stems bloom, offering visual appeal and attracting pollinators. After flowering, seeds are produced, which may fall to the ground and germinate or can be collected for propagation. In autumn, the Chinese Astilbe 'Superba' enters dormancy, with foliage dying back with the onset of cooler temperatures and the plant conserving energy in its root system to survive the winter.
PropogationPropogation time
Late Spring-Early Summer
Astilbe chinensis var. taquetii 'Superba', also known as Chinese Astilbe, is most commonly propagated by division. The best time to propagate this plant is in the spring or early fall when the plant is not in active bloom. To propagate by division, carefully dig up the entire plant, making sure to keep a good amount of roots attached to each clump. Using a sharp spade or knife, divide the clump into smaller sections, ensuring that each section has at least one shoot and a portion of the root system. These divisions can then be replanted in the garden at the same depth they were originally growing, with spacing of about 18 to 24 inches (approximately 45 to 60 centimeters) apart to allow for growth. Water the new divisions thoroughly to help establish them. This technique helps maintain the health of the plant by rejuvenating it and controlling its size, as well as providing new plants for garden expansion or sharing with other gardeners.
