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Hardiness: USDA Zone 4a: to -34.4 °C (-30 °F) USDA Zone 4b: to -31.6 °C (-25 °F) USDA Zone 5a: to -28.8 °C (-20 °F) USDA Zone 5b: to -26.1 °C (-15 °F) USDA Zone 6a: to -23.3 °C (-10 °F) USDA Zone 6b: to -20.5 °C (-5 °F) USDA Zone 7a: to -17.7 °C (0 °F) USDA Zone 7b: to -14.9 °C (5 °F) USDA Zone 8a: to -12.2 °C (10 °F) USDA Zone 8b: to -9.4 °C (15 °F) USDA Zone 9a: to -6.6 °C (20 °F) USDA Zone 9b: to -3.8 °C (25 °F)
Sun Exposure: Sun to Partial Shade Light Shade
Danger: N/A
Bloom Color: Pink Violet/Lavender
Bloom Time: Mid Summer
Foliage: Herbaceous Bronze-Green
Other details: This plant is attractive to bees, butterflies and/or birds Requires consistently moist soil; do not let dry out between waterings Very high moisture needs; suitable for bogs and water gardens
Soil pH requirements: 5.6 to 6.0 (acidic) 6.1 to 6.5 (mildly acidic) 6.6 to 7.5 (neutral)
I am happy to report that this plant survived a tougher than usual winter in our marginal Zone 5 garden.
This one was a new addition last fall. So far it looks quite healthy and has spread out somewhat. I did add plenty of mulch after the first hard freeze, so maybe that gave it somewhat of a boost.
I would like to add that this sprouted up a good two weeks after most of my other perennials made an appearance this spring. I don't know if that's typical for astilbes or not.
On Mar 19, 2007, berrygirl from Braselton, GA (Zone 7b) wrote:
ASTILBE PUMILA Chinensis - Short - 10" - Plant 12" apart. Lilac plumes over deep green foliage from July to August. Great used as ground cover, or in foreground. Spreads well.
General Information
Astilbes lend a refined grace to perennial borders. Lush deeply cut foliage is attractive for the entire season and is colored from green to bronze. Astilbes produce an airy plume in summer that moves with the slightest breeze. Effective anywhere with rich moist soil and partial shade. Deer resistant.
(FROM BLUESTONE)
On Dec 1, 2006, bluespiral from Ellicott City, MD (Zone 7a) wrote:
Would like to add to the above that, in our Maryland garden, we have never had to water this plant, and one year was so dry you could walk across a local reservoir. To qualify its drought tolerance with us, let me say that it was already established before that summer. Also, our soil does have a high, moisture-retentive clay content, lots of compost was dug in before planting and the area where it grows is mulched once a year - when we can. Apparently, the dainty looks of this plant belie its extremely versatile constitution that has such a wide range of adaptability.
On Mar 15, 2006, Malus2006 from Coon Rapids, MN (Zone 4a) wrote:
'Pumila' appear to bloom even later than the other cultivars of astilbes in my yard. It will look good in a rock garden near a pond. It has "fuzzy" flowers compare to other astilbes.
On Jun 16, 2005, InTheShade from Longmeadow, MA wrote:
This astilbe grows a bit differently than all the others I have. Instead of staying in a tight clump, it spreads forming a nice dense groundcover which is not invasive.
On Nov 12, 2004, lmelling from Ithaca, NY (Zone 5b) wrote:
A nice dwarf astilbe for moist to wet locations where you don't want a taller version, such as borders or as a graduation to taller flowers. Has lavender plumes in late summer - this one starts blooming after most of the others are done.
Great for shady locations or just as happy in full sun in northern climates. Fast growing. Divide every couple of years. Moves well to other locations after being divided. Cut flowers back after flowering.
On Aug 1, 2002, smiln32 from Oklahoma City, OK (Zone 7a) wrote:
Be sure to cut back faded flower stalks. Extra water may be needed in dry periods. Divide after 3-4 years in spring or fall. Astilbe requires a lot of nutrients, so give it some fertilizer at least once per growing season.
Regional...
This plant has been said to grow in the following regions:
Bloomington, Indiana Atalissa, Iowa Ellicott City, Maryland Longmeadow, Massachusetts Peabody, Massachusetts Pinconning, Michigan Minneapolis, Minnesota Lincoln, Nebraska Ithaca, New York Warren, Ohio Kalama, Washington Ocean Park, Washington
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