Astilbe 'Superba'

Astilbe 'Superba': The Tall Late Bloomer of the Shade Bed

Most astilbes are fluffy little shade puffs. 'Superba' grew up, got tall and started wearing magenta to job interviews. Long, narrow spikes that stand head and shoulders above the hostas. OVERACHIEVER ENERGY.

Plant Characteristics:

• Botanical Name: Astilbe chinensis var. taquetii 'Superba'
• Common Name: Chinese Astilbe, Fall Astilbe, False Spirea
• Height: 90–120 cm (3–4 ft)
• Spread: 60–75 cm (2–2.5 ft)
• Flowers: Rosy-mauve to magenta-pink, in long, narrow, dense spikes up to 50 cm (20 in)
• Bloom Time: Late summer (August to September)
• Foliage: Glossy, dark green, divided leaves
• Features: Rabbit resistant, good cut flower, RHS Award of Garden Merit

Where to Plant: Put it at the back of a shade or part-shade border, or use it as a tall accent near water. Its upright spikes contrast well with broad leaves, and because it blooms after most of its kind, it stretches the season into September.

Companion Plants: Heuchera 'Timeless Treasure' edges the bed with pink flowers from June to early fall. Polygonatum odoratum 'Variegatum' adds arching stems and white bells in May and June. Cimicifuga 'Atropurpurea' rises to 180 cm with white spikes from August to October, right alongside the magenta plumes. All three suit shade to partial shade.

Plant Care: Plant in spring or early fall in rich, moist soil. Chinese astilbes tolerate a bit more sun and dryness than other astilbes, but they still do best in soil that never fully dries out. Work compost into clay or sand. Water deeply in dry spells, and mulch to keep the roots cool. Feed lightly with compost in spring. The dried spikes look good into winter. Cut them back in late fall or early spring. Divide in spring every three to four years if it gets crowded.

History: Astilbe chinensis is native to eastern China, Korea and the Russian Far East, and 'Superba' is the best-known selection of its taller form, var. taquetii. It holds the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit and was a parent of the popular 'Vision in Pink'.

Final Thoughts: Plant it at the back of the border and watch the short plants file a complaint. Then ignore them. SUPERBA DOESN'T TAKE MEETINGS.