Product Description
Astilbe chinensis 'Pumila' (25) Bare Root Plants
Common Name: Astilbe- Dwarf Chinese
Lilac-pink flowers on fuzzy, stiff plumes. Colorful blossoms are produced atop medium green foliage clump in late summer to early fall; one of the last Astilbes to bloom.
A member of Astilbe chinensis (Chinese Astilbe). A later blooming species useful for extending the bloom season into late summer. Foliage is deeply incised, coarsely textured, and often bronze green in color. Flowers are borne on narrow, branched panicles. Though garden performance is far superior in moist soils, members of this species are moderately drought tolerant.
Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit -- 1993
Missouri Botanical Garden Emeritus Plants of Merit
Height: 10.0 Inches
Spread: 12.0-16.0 Inches
Hardiness Zones: 4,5,6,7,8,9
Flower Color: Pink shades
Full Sun (> 6 hrs. Direct Sun) to Full Shade (< 4 hrs. Direct Sun)
Average to Consistent Water Needs
Fertile Soil Quality
Bloomtime: Late Summer - Early Fall
Bee Friendly
Deer and Rabbit Resistant
Seasonal Interest: Dried Seed Heads
Growth Rate: Medium, slow spreading, rhizomatous plants
Border Plant, Container, Cut Flower, Cut Foliage, Dried Flower, Fragrant Flowers, Mass Planting
Common Names Astilbe c. 'Pumila' is known by several common names, including:
- Dwarf Chinese Astilbe
- Astilbe Chinesis 'Pumila'
- False Spirea
- False Goat's Beard
The name 'Pumila' is derived from the Latin word for "dwarf," reflecting the plant's compact size.
Growing Conditions Astilbe c. 'Pumila' thrives in moist, well-drained soil and prefers partial to full shade. It can tolerate full sun in cooler climates but requires consistent moisture. In hotter regions, shade is essential to prevent the foliage from scorching. This variety is hardy in USDA zones 4a-8b.
This dwarf Astilbe typically reaches a height and width of 8-12 inches. It blooms from June to August, displaying plume-like clusters of lilac-pink flowers. The fall foliage maintains its deep green color, adding visual interest to the garden even after the blooms have faded.
Astilbe c. 'Pumila' prefers moist, well-drained soil and thrives in heavy shade. It has an upright growth habit, forming dense clumps of foliage. Notably, this variety is heat tolerant and blooms in summer and late summer, making it a valuable addition to gardens with warm climates.
One of the key advantages of Astilbe c. 'Pumila' is its late blooming season. It is one of the last Astilbes to bloom, typically peaking from late summer into early fall. This characteristic allows gardeners to extend the Astilbe bloom season in their gardens. Moreover, Astilbe c. 'Pumila' has better drought tolerance than other Astilbe varieties, making it a more resilient choice for gardens with varying moisture levels.
Other Details
The most important part of the plant is its root system. Healthy roots are the foundation of a healthy, vibrant plant. The type of plug container used is based on the specific needs of the plants. Perennials offered as bare root traditionally perform better when planted as bare root.Planted in a specialized mix, potted plants have well established root systems. Top growth stage will vary depending on the current life cycle and time of year when shipped. In Winter and early Spring dormant plants may be shipped. Dormant plants may be planted right away, even before the last frost date.
Most bare root varieties are field grown for at least one season, though Hemerocallis and Hosta are grown for two seasons. The bulk of the soil is removed during the harvesting process and the tops of most varieties are trimmed back to the crown. They are graded, packed in shredded aspen or sphagnum moss and stored in freezers until ready to be shipped.
See our Container Sizes and Bare Root Perennials pages for more information.
Plant information and care is provided in the Overview section, Plant Genus Page and general information is provided in the Planting Care & Guides. Additional questions can be asked on each Plant page.
Plant Spacing: Using the maximum mature spread or width of a plant to guide spacing, ensures space to grow to full size. To fill an area sooner, plant them closer together. Just remember, future thinning or transplanting may be needed.
Water: Keep a close eye on newly planted perennials, especially throughout the first growing year. Most early plant loss is due to too much or too little water!
