Astilbe chinensis 'DIAMONDS AND PEARLS'® astilbe
Symbivit Tric (arbuscular)
Symbivit (arbuscular)Astilbe
The genus Astilbe comprises about 18 species of perennial, rhizomatous plants in the saxifrage family (Saxifragaceae), native primarily to East Asia (China, Japan, Korea, the Himalayas) and partly to North America. The first specimens were introduced to Europe in the 19th century, for example from Japan by Dutch botanist Philipp Franz von Siebold (1796–1866). Ever heard of him? A rare and beautiful summer-flowering magnolia, Magnolia sieboldii, was named in his honour.
A special position within the genus Astilbe is held by Astilbe chinensis, first described in 1859 by Russian botanist C.J. Maximowicz based on collections made by R.O. Maack in the region of today's Amur Oblast. In the wild, it inhabits mountainous areas of eastern China, Korea, and Japan—found along shaded streams as well as in sunlit sites within moist deciduous forests at elevations between 400 and 3600 meters. It is distinguished by its coarser foliage texture, rust-hairy, sturdy stems, and—above all—its greater tolerance to direct sunlight and dry conditions compared to other Astilbe species.
Do you remember a chart hit by Prince called “Diamonds and Pearls” from early 1990’s? I recon this would have been the impulse that gave the breeder an idea of how to name his beautiful invention. This astilbe was bred by Henricus G.J. Verduin, and patented in 2007 after almost 10 years of controlled breeding programme in Dutch town Heemskerk. PP19,092.
Diamonds and Pearls® is a fantastic Chinese astilbe variety with large, creamy white flowers that look like pampas grass. They come out in early July on about 50 cm tall, sturdy stems that tolerate wind and rain. Leaves are mid green, deciduous, and healthy. It forms a dense, bushy clump with more and more flowers every summer.
Grow astilbe in humus-rich soil. If planted in boggy or regularly watered bed they can sit in full sun, too, otherwise choose a semi-shaded or shaded location. They are water loving plants and require a good dose of nutrients to look their best. They will not grow in chalky or clay soil that dries out in summer.
Last update 15-07-2012
In their natural habitat, astilbes thrive in mountain ravines and damp forests, where they appreciate shade and moist soil. Thanks to their tolerance for both shade and moisture, they have become popular perennials for planting around ponds and in woodland gardens. They are not difficult to grow as long as they have proper conditions: rich, moisture-retentive soil and a preference for partial shade over full sun. However, given regular watering or a naturally damp site, they will also perform well in full sun. Good fertilization enhances both the size and quality of the blooms. Avoid overly alkaline soils and compacted clays that dry out in summer — they are not suitable. For optimal performance, divide and rejuvenate clumps every four years, removing old and dying rhizomes. Do this in early spring before new growth starts. Old foliage and flower stalks should also be cut back in early spring. Fully hardy to approximately –34 °C (USDA zone 4). Perfect for large planters, too.
