Species
Astilbe chinensisChinese Astilbe14 other cultivars
‘Visions’Visions Astilbe
‘Love and Pride’Astilbe Love and Pride
‘Vision in Pink’Astilbe chinensis Vision in Pink
‘Superba’Chinese Astilbe Superba
‘Black Pearls’Black Pearls Astilbe
‘Mighty Pip’Mighty Pip Chinese Astilbe
‘Vision Vulcano’Chinese Astilbe 'Vision Vulcano'
‘Vision in White’Vision in White Astilbe
‘Purpurlanz’Purple Lance Chinese Astilbe
‘taquetii’Chinese Astilbe Taquet Astilbe
‘Diamonds and Pearls’Astilbe 'Diamonds and Pearls'
‘Fireworks Pink’Astilbe chinensis Fireworks Pink
‘Heart and Soul’Chinese Astilbe 'Heart and Soul'
‘Amber Moon’Amber Moon Astilbe
The Story
Plant Bio
Astilbe chinensis var. pumila is a dwarf, rhizomatous perennial with fern-like foliage and dense, plume-like panicles of lilac-pink flowers.
This dwarf variety is prized for its late summer bloom, tolerance for some dryness compared to other astilbes, and its spreading habit which makes it an excellent ground cover for shady areas.
Uses & Benefits:
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Perennial
Height
12 inches
Width
18 inches
Light
Partial Sun, Shade
Zones
4, 5, 6, 7, 8
Water
Consistently moist soil
Humidity
Prefers high humidity environments
Lifespan
Perennial
Native To
China
Toxicity
Non-toxic to humans and pets
Bloom period
Late summer
In flower about 1 month of the year
Marketplace
Where to Buy
Shipping costs Year-round shipping Free shipping
Planting
How to Grow
- Select a shaded location with moist, well-drained soil.
- Tuck seeds or division material in early spring or fall.
- Water regularly to keep soil consistently moist for 6 weeks after planting.
- Mist cuttings in a humid environment until roots develop.
- Mulch around the plant to retain moisture and regulate soil temperature.
- Divide clumps every 3-4 years in early spring or fall.
Pro Tip
Ensure consistent moisture and avoid direct sunlight for best growth.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Water regularly to keep soil moist 🌱
- Mulch to retain soil moisture and suppress weeds
- Divide every 3-4 years for vigorous growth
Don't
- Avoid direct, harsh sunlight ❌
- Don't let soil dry out completely
- Skip mulching to prevent moisture loss
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Divide | ||||||||||||
| Mulch | ||||||||||||
| Spring Cleanup |
Watch Out For
Pests & Diseases
Common Pests
Common Diseases
In the Garden
Landscape Uses & Companions
Landscape Uses
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
Dwarf Chinese Astilbe questions
What zones can Dwarf Chinese Astilbe grow in?
Dwarf Chinese Astilbe 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 Dwarf Chinese Astilbe deer resistant?
Yes — Dwarf Chinese Astilbe is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.
When does Dwarf Chinese Astilbe bloom?
Dwarf Chinese Astilbe typically blooms in late summer through late summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.
Does Dwarf Chinese Astilbe need full sun?
Dwarf Chinese Astilbe does best in part shade.
More Astilbe to compare
Visions Astilbe
Astilbe chinensis 'Visions'
'Visions in Pink' Chinese Astilbe
Astilbe astilbe 'Visions in Pink'
Garden Astilbe
Astilbe astilboides 'Garden Mix'
Bridal Veil Astilbe
Astilbe astilbe 'Bridal Veil'
Rheinland Astilbe
Astilbe x arendsii 'Rheinland'
Peach Blossom Astilbe
Astilbe astilbe 'Peach Blossom'
Keep exploring
Explore the genus
Hardy in your zone?
Grow Dwarf Chinese Astilbe with confidence
See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.