Astilbe chinensis 'SPOTLIGHT'

Chinese astilbe (false spirea) was discovered in the Amur region in 1855 by a prominent Russian-German botanist Richard Otto Maack (Richard Karlovich Maak, 1825-1886), but it was first described by his contemporary, also a significant botanist of the same origin, Karl Ivanovich Maksimovič (Carl Johann Maximowich, 1827-1891). He was fascinated by plants from the Far East and during his fruitful scientific life he introduced over 2300 new plant species. He originally named this plant Hoteia chinensis in 1859, and it was not until 16 years later that it was transferred to the Astilbe genus. There was also a controversy in 20th century as to whether this was really a new species or just another name for Astilbe rubra which was eventually wiped out. Chinese astilbe is a hardy perennial of varying height (40-90 cm), always with strong stems and attractive flowers. In 1902, in the Journal of the Royal Horticultural Society described it as the most important discovery in the field of hardy perennials in recent years. Since then, it has been a subject of crossbreeding with other astilbe species resulting in many showy varieties and until today it is a key feature of (and not only) English perennial gardens.

Spotlight astilbe does deserve its name. It is a spectacular variety with soft pink flowers that stand proudly above handsome, dark green, maroon-flushed leaves. They are deciduous, glossy, distinctly serrated at margins, and are usually unpalatable to any pests – especially slugs, making this astilbe a great choice for semi-shaded, moist beds which both snails and slugs call their home. The whole plant is dominated by purple-red stems whose colour is rich and conspicuous from the bottom to the very tip of the inflorescence. The inflorescence is more fluffy and delicate than the flowers of other Chinese astilbe varieties and flowers bloom from July until August.

Grow astilbe in humus-rich soil. If planted in boggy or regularly watered bed they can sit in full sun, too, otherwise choose a semi-shaded or shaded location. They are water loving plants and require a good dose of nutrients to look their best. They will not grow in chalky or clay soil that dries out in summer.

For best results divide the clumps every 3-4 years removing old and dead rhizomes in early spring. Also in the spring remove old leaves and last year’s flowers. If grown in poor soil you may need to cut back the entire plant after flowering to get rid of spent stems and tired foliage in order to encourage growth of new leaves. A dose of a liquid fertilizer is recommended. Fully hardy to min. -34 °C (USDA zone 4).

Last update 21-07-2024