Plant Type

Perennial

 

Height Range

3-6'

 

Flower Color

Pink, Purple

 

Flower Season

Summer

 

Leaf Color

Green, Dark Green

 

Bark Color

n/a

 

Fruit Color

n/a

 

Fruit Season

n/a

Sun

Half, Shade

 

Water

High

 

Growth Rate

Moderate

 

Soil Type

Loam

 

Soil Condition

Rich, Well-drained, Moist

 

Soil pH

Neutral

 

Adverse Factors

n/a

Design Styles

English Cottage, Japanese, Woodland

 

Accenting Features

Showy Flowers

 

Seasonal Interest

Summer

 

Location Uses

Entry, Perennial Border, Shrub Border, Foundation, Patio, Walls / Fences

 

Special Uses

Container, Cut Flowers

 

Attracts Wildlife

n/a

'Superba' is a bold, very tall astilbe with dark green, compound, fern-like foliage that grows in mounds to 24 inches tall and wide. Large, dense panicles of rose-purple flowers on hairy stems rise to 4 or more feet ttall in early to mid-summer. Not a low-water plant, but it is typically over-watered, and so could fit into a shady border that is watered weekly during the hottest portion of the summer.

Grow in average to loamy, medium, well-drained soils in part shade to full shade. Prefers moist, humusy, organically rich soils. If regularly watered, foliage will usually remain attractive throughout the growing season. Mulch helps retain soil moisture. Chinese astilbes are generally noted, however, for having better sun and drought tolerance than other species of astilbe. Removing faded flower stalks will not prolong bloom but may improve plant appearance, particularly if a ground cover look is desired. On the other hand, many gardeners leave the flower stalks in place after bloom because of the continuing ornamental interest of the dried seed heads. Divide clumps when overcrowding occurs (every 3-4 years). Not a low-water plant, but one of those that is habitually over-watered.