Astilbe thunbergii 'Professor Van der Wielen'

Species

1 other cultivar

‘Ostrich Plume’Ostrich Plume Astilbe

perennial

Thunberg's Astilbe Professor Van der Wielen

Astilbe thunbergii 'Professor Van der Wielen'

The Story

Plant Bio

Astilbe thunbergii 'Professor Van der Wielen' is a deciduous perennial with finely divided, fern-like foliage and elegant plume-like flower spikes in shades of pinkish-white, thriving in shaded, moist garden conditions.

This cultivar is distinguished by its particularly robust flower stems and its early flowering habit, making it a striking addition to shaded borders and woodland gardens.

Uses & Benefits:

Provides lush foliage and elegant flower plumes, adding texture and height to shaded gardens.

Helps retain moisture in shady areas and prevents soil erosion.

Supports pollinators like bees and butterflies in shaded woodland habitats.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Perennial

Height

48"

Width

30"

Light

Partial Sun, Shade

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7, 8

Water

Moist

Humidity

High

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

Japan (species)

Toxicity

Non-toxic to humans and pets

Bloom period

Mid-summer – Late summer

In flower about 2 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Tuck seeds or divisions into moist soil in early spring.
Water regularly to keep soil consistently moist.
Mist cuttings if propagating indoors during winter.
Mulch around plants to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
Fertilize in early spring with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer.
Prune back after flowering to promote healthy growth.

Pro Tip

Plant in partial shade with moist, rich soil for best results.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Water regularly to keep soil moist 🌱
Mulch annually to retain moisture
Prune after flowering to encourage new growth

Don't

Avoid dry, sunny spots ❌
Don't let soil dry out completely
Avoid heavy, waterlogged soils

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Divide
Mulch
Plant
Spring Cleanup

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Shaded woodland borderMoist shade garden with delicate textures

Companion Plants

Hostas Ferns LigulariaJapanese painted fern Astilbe 'Visions in Pink'

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Thunberg's Astilbe Professor Van der Wielen questions

What zones can Thunberg's Astilbe Professor Van der Wielen grow in?

Thunberg's Astilbe Professor Van der Wielen is hardy in USDA Zones 4–8. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Thunberg's Astilbe Professor Van der Wielen deer resistant?

Yes — Thunberg's Astilbe Professor Van der Wielen is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does Thunberg's Astilbe Professor Van der Wielen bloom?

Thunberg's Astilbe Professor Van der Wielen typically blooms in mid-summer through late summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Thunberg's Astilbe Professor Van der Wielen need full sun?

Thunberg's Astilbe Professor Van der Wielen does best in part shade.