Astilbe Pumila

Description

Astilbe ‘Pumila’ – dwarf astilbe

Botanical name: Astilbe chinensis ‘Pumila’
Common names: Astilbe, false goat’s beard
Family: Saxifragaceae
Plant type: Herbaceous perennial
Habit: Clump-forming, spreading
Pot size: 2–3 litre pot
Eventual size: Approx. 25–30cm tall × spreading
Foliage: Ferny, divided, green foliage forming a spreading mat; deciduous
Flowers: Short, dense, fluffy plumes of mauve-pink flowers in late summer (August–September)
Scent: Not notably scented
Aspect / light: Partial shade (tolerates full sun only if the soil stays reliably moist)
Soil: Moist to wet, fertile, humus-rich; must not dry out (though this dwarf type is a little more drought-tolerant than most); any pH
Hardiness: RHS H7 (very hardy, below −20°C); USDA zones 4–8
Exposure: Sheltered
Native range: Garden form; the parent species are native to Asia
Toxicity / pet & child safety: Generally considered non-toxic to people and pets

Astilbe ‘Pumila’ is a dwarf, spreading astilbe with fluffy mauve-pink plumes in late summer over ferny foliage. Compact, later-flowering and a little more drought-tolerant, it makes superb groundcover in moist shade.

GardenAdvice notes

A superb perennial for moist shade, astilbe is grown for its handsome, ferny, divided foliage and, above all, its beautiful feathery plumes of tiny flowers in summer, which glow in a shady border and dry to attractive rusty seedheads. It is the classic plant for damp, partly shaded spots — pond and stream sides, bog gardens and moist woodland borders — where its one essential need, reliable moisture, is easily met.

Growing & planting

Plant in spring or autumn in moist to wet, fertile, humus-rich soil in partial shade — the single most important thing is that the soil never dries out, as astilbes hate drought. They tolerate full sun only where the soil stays reliably wet. Work in plenty of compost or leaf mould, and mulch. Space appropriately for size. Keep consistently moist.

Care & maintenance

Low-maintenance provided it never dries out. Keep the soil moist at all times, watering generously in dry spells. Leave the faded flower plumes standing, as they dry to attractive rusty seedheads that last through winter, then cut back in late winter or early spring. Feed and mulch in spring. Lift and divide congested clumps every few years in spring.

Propagation

• Division: Lift and divide established clumps in spring, as growth begins.

Pests & diseases

Generally trouble-free in moist soil. Its one real enemy is drought — if it dries out, the foliage scorches and browns at the edges, and the plant suffers. Powdery mildew or vine weevil occasionally occur. Kept moist, it is easy and reliable.

Uses in the garden

Superb beside ponds and streams, in bog gardens, moist and shady borders and woodland gardens, where its ferny foliage and feathery plumes bring colour and texture to damp shade; the dried seedheads give winter interest and the plumes are good for cutting.

Wildlife value

The flower plumes are attractive to bees, butterflies and other pollinating insects, and the seedheads offer some interest for wildlife.

Toxicity & safety

Astilbe is generally regarded as non-toxic to people and pets.

GardenAdvice tip

‘Pumila’ is a brilliant little dwarf astilbe that spreads to make weed-suppressing groundcover, with fluffy mauve-pink plumes late in the season when many astilbes are over. It’s also a touch more forgiving of drier soil than most astilbes, though it’s still far happier kept moist — a lovely, easy carpeter for the front of a shady, damp border.

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