Astilbe chinensis 'SPOTLIGHT' Chinese astilbe, false spirea
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.
Spotlight astilbe does deserve its name. It is a spectacular variety with soft pink flowers that stand proudly above handsome, dark green, maroon-flushed leaves. They are deciduous, glossy, distinctly serrated at margins, and are usually unpalatable to any pests – especially slugs, making this astilbe a great choice for semi-shaded, moist beds which both snails and slugs call their home. The whole plant is dominated by purple-red stems whose colour is rich and conspicuous from the bottom to the very tip of the inflorescence. The inflorescence is more fluffy and delicate than the flowers of other Chinese astilbe varieties and flowers bloom from July until August.
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 21-07-2024
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.
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- STANDARD QUALITY - Plants of this group are 1st class quality with number of branches and overall density adequate to their size and age, considering they were container grown.
- DE LUXE QUALITY - This label guarantees a luxurious quality of manually selected plants that, compared to their height and age, are exceptionally dense and beautiful.
- EXTRA - These plants are usually mature and bigger specimens with exceptional overall appearance.
- STANDARD (as described in the plant form) means a tree with a trunk of 190-210 cm and a crown at the top, unless specified differently. The commercial size for trees is their girth measured in the height of 1m from ground.
- HOBBY - These plants are of the same quality as our standard-quality plants but younger and therefore cheaper.
- SHRUB - a woody plant with branches growing bushy from the ground level.
- HALF-STANDARD or MINI-STANDARD - a small tree with shorter trunk, its size is usually specified.
- FEATHERED - These are trees with branches growing already from the base of the trunk and up along the stem.
- GRASSES and PERENNIALS - Sizes given usually read the diameter of the pot or the clump, as specified.
