Astilbe longicarpa -

Family:	Saxifragaceae
Habit:	Perennial
Height:	1
Synonyms:
Range:	E. Asia - Taiwan.

Astilbe longicarpa () is a Perennial which grows to a height of 1m . It has a hardness rating of 0.
Astilbe longicarpa will flower in January to April. the seeds ripen from February to May
The flowers from this plant are hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and they are pollinated by Insects

Soil Information

Astilbe longicarpa 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 longicarpa prefers moist soils

Ideal Planting Locations

Not known

Planting places suited to this plant described below.

• Grows within a woodland garden
• Works within dappled Shade

Cultivation Details

We have very little information on this species and do not know if it will be hardy in Britain. The following notes are based on the general needs of the genus. Succeeds in a rich garden soil if this stays reliably moist in the summer[1]. Prefers a pH in the range 5.5 to 7[200]. Prefers partial shade[200]. Plants are hardy to about -20°c[187]. Members of this genus are rarely if ever troubled by browsing deer or rabbits[233].

Edible Uses*

* See disclaimer
Edible Rating: 1/5
The fruiting parts are eaten fresh[177]. No more details are given.

• Seedpod - things such as Okra, French and Runner beans.

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

None known

Cultivars

no recorded cultivars

References

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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