Astilbe 'Heart and Soul'

Astilbe chinensis 'Heart and Soul': A Blush of Romance in the Woodland

Soft and uplifting, Astilbe 'Heart and Soul' features delicate bicolour plumes that open blush-pink and fade to soft white, creating a gentle ombré effect that brightens the midsummer shade. The finely textured, deep green foliage provides a clean backdrop for the airy blooms, which stand on strong, upright stems. A chinensis-type astilbe, it offers good drought tolerance once established, along with a compact form and exceptional garden presence.

Plant Characteristics:

• Height: 45–60 cm
• Spread: 45–60 cm, forming a bushy, upright clump
• Flower Colour: Blush pink fading to soft white
• Flowering Period: Mid to late summer
• Foliage: Dark green, finely divided, slightly glossy
• Sunlight Requirements: Part shade to full shade
• Soil Requirements: Moist, rich, well-drained soil; more tolerant of dry conditions than other types

Uses and Benefits: Astilbe 'Heart and Soul' brings softness and light to shady borders, woodland paths, and moisture-loving perennial groupings. Its unique flower colour adds a romantic element, while its tidy habit makes it ideal for massing or tucking into tight spaces. Pollinator-friendly, deer-resistant, and reliable even in warm, dry summers, it’s a graceful and adaptable choice for layered shade compositions.

Companion Plants: Pair with the coral-tinted blooms and spotted foliage of Pulmonaria 'Shrimps on the Barbie', the rich red-brown tones of Heuchera 'Cherry Cola', and the cool green structure of Dryopteris marginalis for a planting full of colour, texture, and seasonal harmony.

Care Instructions: Grow in part to full shade in moist, humus-rich soil. Water regularly during dry periods, especially in the first season. Mulch annually to retain soil moisture and improve structure. Deadhead for a tidier look or leave blooms standing for late-season texture. Divide every 3–4 years in spring to keep clumps vigorous.

History: A refined cultivar in the chinensis group, 'Heart and Soul' was bred for its distinctive bicolour blooms and improved tolerance to summer dryness—ideal for evolving shade gardens where beauty and resilience must go hand in hand.

Final Thoughts: Light, graceful, and full of character, Astilbe 'Heart and Soul' brings a touch of romance and enduring charm to every shaded corner it graces.