Pumila Chinese Astilbe (Astilbe chinensis 'Pumila')

Pumila Chinese Astilbe (Astilbe chinensis 'Pumila') is a dwarf, mounding herbaceous perennial with dark green foliage. Densely packed panicles of rich lavender-pink flowers rise above the leaves, adding soft color and texture to shaded plantings.

It flowers best in part shade and rich, moist soil. Astilbes offer deer and rabbit resistance.

Growing details

• Plant type: Herbaceous perennial
• Mature size: 0.5–1 foot tall and wide
• Spacing: Approximately 1 foot apart
• Hardiness: USDA zones 4–8
• Light: Part sun to full shade; flowers best in part shade
• Soil: Rich, moist soil
• Flowers: Densely packed lavender-pink panicles
• Foliage: Dark green leaves
• Additional traits: Deer and rabbit resistance

Care and garden use

Water regularly and keep soil moist to help prevent foliage burn or decline. Watch for powdery mildew, wilt, and Japanese beetles.

Use as an accent or in grouped plantings, borders, woodland gardens, naturalized areas, wildlife gardens, foundation plantings, or containers where its moisture needs can be met. Pair with heuchera, Lenten rose, or azalea for contrasting foliage and seasonal flowers.

Image credits: Matt, Astilbe chinensis 'Pumila'; H. Zell, Astilbe chinensis var. pumila 001, CC BY-SA 3.0; Dominicus Johannes Bergsma, Astilbe chinensis pumila. Locatie De Kruidhof, CC BY-SA 4.0; Ghislain118 (AD), http://www.fleurs-des-montagnes.net, Astilbe chinensis var pumilia, CC BY-SA 3.0; Salicyna, Astilbe chinensis var. pumila 2016-04-28 9182, CC BY-SA 4.0. Plants naturally vary in appearance and may differ from the images shown.