Astilbe chinensis -

Family:	Saxifragaceae
Habit:	Perennial
Height:	0.7
Width:	0.5
Synonyms:
Range:	E. Asia - E. China, Japan, Korea.

Astilbe chinensis () is a Perennial which grows to a height of 0.7m and a width of 0.5m . It has a hardness rating of 5.
Astilbe chinensis will flower in January to February. The flowers from this plant are hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and they are pollinated by Insects

Soil Information

Astilbe chinensis will grow in light (sandy),medium (loamy),hard (clay) soil. It is not necessary for the soil to be well drained.
The soil prefers the following PH / acid levels :
- pH of less than 6, Acidic soils
- pH between 6 and 8, Neutral soils
- pH greater than 8, Basic soils
Astilbe chinensis prefers soils

Ideal Planting Locations

Damp woods and along shady streams[187]. Open broadleaved forests, forest edges and amongst shrubs[74].

Planting places suited to this plant described below.

Grows within a woodland garden
Works within dappled Shade
Grows in a shady edge
A bog garden plant

Cultivation Details

Prefers a rich garden soil, but succeeds in most soils so long as they stay reliably moist in the summer[1, 233]. Requires a wet or moist peaty soil in sun or partial shade[187], growing well under shrubs[233]. Prefers a pH in the range 5.5 to 7[200]. Prefers partial shade[200], especially if the soil is on the dry side[233]. Plants are hardy to about -20°c[187]. Members of this genus are rarely if ever troubled by browsing deer or rabbits[233]. There are some named varieties, selected for their ornamental value[233].

Edible Uses*

* See disclaimer
Edible Rating: 1/5
Young shoots[177]. No more details are given.

Leaves -

Medicinal Uses*

* See disclaimer
Medicinal Rating: 0/5
None known

Propagation

Seed - we have no details for this species but suggest sowing the seed in a greenhouse in early spring. Only just cover the seed. When large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in a cold frame until they are at least 20cm tall. Plant them out in the summer, or late in the following autumn. Division in spring. This is best done every 3 - 4 years in order to maintain the vigour of the plant[200]. Larger divisions can be planted straight into their permanent positions whist smaller clumps are best potted up and kept in a cold frame until they are growing away well.

Known Hazards

None known

Other Uses

A first class ground cover plant, the lower-growing cultivar 'Pumila' is particularly recommended[233].

Cultivars

'Pumila' - A dwarf form growing only 25cm tall[200], this cultivar is particularly recommended or ground cover[233].

References

Flora of the USSR.
Komarov. V. L.
Author: Komarov. V. L.
Rating:
Publisher : An immense (25 or more large volumes) and not yet completed translation of the Russian flora. Full of information on plant uses and habitats but heavy going for casual readers.
Date of Publication : 1968

The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992.
Huxley. A.
Author: Huxley. A.
Rating:
Publisher : Excellent and very comprehensive, though it contains a number of silly mistakes. Readable yet also very detailed.
Date of Publication : 1992

Flora of China

Author:
Rating: http://flora.huh.harvard.edu/china/
Publisher : On-line version of the Flora - an excellent resource giving basic info on habitat and some uses.
Date of Publication : 1994

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