Pink flowering cluster on a green, serrated-leaf shrub in a black pot against a wooden fence backdrop

Pink flowering cluster on a green shrub with serrated leaves in a garden. (foreground bloom)

Close-up of pink flowering cluster with serrated green leaves and a blurred wooden fence in the background.

Pink flowering shrub in a black pot with green serrated leaves, set against a weathered wooden fence.

Pumila Astilbe

Airy Lavender Blooms
Excellent Shade Groundcover
Fine Textured Foliage

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#1 Container

$17.00

4 in stock

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Pumila Astilbe

Sunlight
Can grow in a range from full sun to partial shade. They need at least six hours of direct, unfiltered sunlight per day.
Watering
Regular watering schedule for the first six months. Once established, rainwater should be sufficient.
Fertilizing
Regular watering schedule for the first six months. Once established, rainwater should be sufficient.

Pumila Astilbe

Pumila Astilbe is a compact, late-blooming shade perennial with ferny green foliage and soft lavender-pink flower plumes. Its low, spreading habit makes it especially useful for shaded edging, woodland paths, moist borders, and groundcover-style plantings.

Why choose Pumila Astilbe?

Choose Pumila Astilbe for late-season color in shaded spaces and a shorter habit that fits easily near the front of beds. Its airy plumes rise above attractive, finely textured foliage, adding softness without overwhelming smaller gardens. This Chinese astilbe selection is known for a spreading, clump-forming habit that can create a polished look along walkways, under open shrubs, or beside moisture-loving companions like hostas, ferns, heuchera, and ligularia.

Key Characteristics

Botanical Name: Astilbe chinensis var. pumila
Common Name: Pumila Astilbe, Dwarf Chinese Astilbe, False Spirea
Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial
Growth Habit: Compact, clump-forming, spreading

Pumila Astilbe Additional Information

Pumila Astilbe produces lavender-pink flower plumes that typically appear in late summer, giving shaded plantings a welcome boost of color after many early astilbes have finished. The blooms stand above mounds of finely divided, fern-like green foliage, creating a soft texture that works beautifully in woodland gardens, shaded borders, along paths, and near water features where soil moisture is naturally more consistent.

This perennial is deciduous in cold-winter climates, going dormant after frost and returning from the crown in spring. Its compact size and gradual spreading habit make it useful as a low edging plant or small-scale mass planting. Flower plumes may be left standing for added dried texture or removed after bloom for a cleaner appearance. For best foliage quality and flowering, provide organic-rich soil and consistent moisture, especially during warm or dry periods.

Planting & Care

1. Planting: Plant in partial shade with organically rich, well-drained soil that retains moisture. Position the crown at soil level and water thoroughly after planting.

2. Watering: Keep soil consistently moist during establishment and throughout the growing season. Supplemental watering during dry weather helps maintain vigorous growth and flowering.

3. Mulching: Apply a layer of organic mulch around plants to conserve soil moisture, regulate temperatures, and improve soil quality over time.

4. Dividing: Divide mature clumps every few years in spring or early fall to maintain vigor and encourage healthy growth.

Related Resources

FAQs

How large does Pumila Astilbe grow?
Pumila Astilbe typically reaches about 12 to 18 inches tall in bloom and gradually spreads to form attractive colonies through underground rhizomes.
When does Pumila Astilbe bloom?
This variety generally flowers in mid to late summer, often extending color in the shade garden after many other astilbes have finished blooming.
Is Pumila Astilbe a good groundcover?
Yes. Its spreading growth habit allows it to form dense colonies over time, making it an excellent choice for shaded groundcover plantings.

Shipping Details

Estimated Shipping Time: Most orders ship immediately. As noted on the website, some items are seasonal, and may only ship in spring or fall. Once your order is shipped, you’ll receive an email with a tracking number.

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Flowering
Partial Shade
Lush Foliage

Mature Height	1' - 3'
Mature Spread	0-5 ft
Growth Rate	Moderate
Botanical Name	Astilbe chinensis 'Pumila'
Bloom Time	Late Spring, Mid spring
Deer Resistant	Usually
Family	Saxifragaceae
Flower Color	Pink
Hardiness Zones	4, 5, 6, 7, 8
Light Needs	Full Sun, Partial Sun
Maintenance	Low
Size	#1 Container

Map of the United States with all states outlined and filled in dark greenli

Growing Zones 4-8 Outdoors

(Hardy down to -30)

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Mature Height	1' - 3'	25' - 40'	1' - 3'	1' - 3'	1' - 3'	1' - 3'
Mature Spread	0-5 ft	10-20 ft	0-5 ft	0-5 ft	0-5 ft	0-5 ft
Growth Rate	Fast	Fast	Fast	Moderate	Moderate, Slow	Fast
Bloom Time	Early Summer	Mid Summer	Early Summer	Early Summer	Mid Summer	Early Summer
Deer Resistant	Usually	Usually	Usually	Usually	No	Usually
Family	Lamiaceae	Lamiaceae	Asphodelaceae	Saxifragaceae	Asparagaceae	Asphodelaceae
Flower Color	Blue/Purple	Green	Yellow/Orange	Pink	Blue/Purple	Red
Hardiness Zones	4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9	4, 5, 6, 7, 8	3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9	4, 5, 6, 7, 8	3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8	3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
Light Needs	Full Sun, Partial Sun	Full Sun, Partial Sun	Full Sun, Partial Sun	Full Sun, Partial Sun	Full Sun, Partial Sun	Full Sun, Partial Sun
Maintenance	Low	Low	Low	Low	Low	Low