Astilbe chinensis 'Purple Candle'

Sizes available: #1 (Trade gallon)

Basics: zones 4-8, 24-48" x 18-24", part sun (with enough moisture) to part shade, hefty plumes of reddish purple flowers high above ferny green foliage in mid summer, prefers consistent moisture and nutritious soils. Astilbe chinensis is the most tolerant of drought of the astilbes, however, it still prefers not to dry out.

Common names: Astilbe, Chinese Astilbe, False Goat's Beard, Tall False-buck's-beard

Synonyms: Astilbe chinensis 'Purpurkerze'

Family: Saxifragaceae

Origin/Distribution: A. chinensis is native to eastern China, the Japanese archipelago, and Korea.

Habitat: shady stream or river edge, damp deciduous forest margin or clearing

More: Good cut flower, pollinator attractor, deer and rabbit resistant, juglone tolerant, excellent at a damp pond edge or in a partly shaded border

Nursery: Van Berkum

Image credits: Van Berkum Nursery