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Astilbe chinensis ‘Milk and Honey’ (Chinese Astilbe)

Chinese Astilbe 'Milk and Honey', False Spirea 'Milk and Honey', False Goat's Beard 'Milk and Honey', Astilbe 'Milk and Honey'

Chinese Astilbe 'Milk and Honey', False Spirea 'Milk and Honey', False Goat's Beard 'Milk and Honey', Astilbe 'Milk and Honey', White Astilbe, White False Spirea, White False Goat Beard
Chinese Astilbe 'Milk and Honey', False Spirea 'Milk and Honey', False Goat's Beard 'Milk and Honey', Astilbe 'Milk and Honey', White Astilbe, White False Spirea, White False Goat Beard
Chinese Astilbe 'Milk and Honey', False Spirea 'Milk and Honey', False Goat's Beard 'Milk and Honey', Astilbe 'Milk and Honey', White Astilbe, White False Spirea, White False Goat Beard

Very floriferous, Astilbe chinensis ‘Milk and Honey’ (Chinese Astilbe) is a compact, clump-forming perennial boasting creamy-white flowers held in dense, graceful plumes. Blooming in mid-summer, the blossoms turn light pink as they age. Each plume consists of hundreds of densely packed tiny flowers opening in succession for a long-lasting floral display. They are held on sturdy stems and rise above an attractive mound of fern-like, slightly marbled leaves. The bushy foliage appears slightly variegated with green and silver when young, then turns solid green as it matures. This robust Astilbe is relatively trouble-free, requires little maintenance, is heavy shade tolerant, and attracts butterflies but is deer and rabbit resistant. The perfect perennial for a shady border with dappled light.

  • Grows up to 30 in. tall (75 cm) and 18-20 in. wide (45-50 cm)
  • Part shade to full shade lover, this Astilbe thrives in organically rich, evenly moist, well-drained soils. Don’t let the soil dry out! Mulch should be added to reduce water evaporation and maintain moisture. 
  • May be planted in full sun in areas with cool summers with adequate moisture. In hot summer areas, shade is important.
  • Provides a spectacular flower show, whether planted in perennial borders, woodland gardens, or in containers. Plant in groups for better visual effects.
  • Plumes make excellent fresh-cut flowers and are great for drying in natural bouquets.
  • No serious pest or disease issues. Keep an eye out for powdery mildew.
  • No deadheading is required unless you do not like the look of the faded flower stalks. If allowed to remain, the dried seedheads will provide additional interest later in the season.
  • Should be divided about every 4 years to assure the maximum number of blooms.
  • Propagate by division.

Requirements

Hardiness 4 - 9
Heat Zones 2 - 8
Climate Zones 1, 1A, 1B, 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, A2, A3
Plant Type Perennials
Plant Family Saxifragaceae
Genus Astilbe
Common names False Spirea, Astilbe
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun, Shade
Season of Interest Summer (Mid, Late)
Height 2' - 3' (60cm - 90cm)
Spread 1' - 2' (30cm - 60cm)
Spacing 18" - 20" (50cm - 50cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Average
Soil Type Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained
Characteristics Dried Arrangements, Cut Flowers, Showy
Tolerance Full Shade, Deer, Rabbit
Attracts Butterflies, Bees
Garden Uses Beds And Borders, Patio And Containers, Rain Gardens
Garden Styles Informal and Cottage
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Alternative Plants to Consider

Astilbe ‘Erica’ (Arendsii Hybrid)
Astilbe ‘Peach Blossom’ (Japonica Hybrid)
Astilbe Younique Pink (Japonica Hybrid)
Astilbe Ostrich Plume (Thunbergii Hybrid)
Astilbe thunbergii ‘Chocolate Shogun’
Astilbe chinensis ‘Vision Inferno’ (Chinese Astilbe)

Recommended Companion Plants

Heuchera ‘Obsidian’ (Coral Bells)
Hosta crispula (Curled Plantain Lily)
Salvia nemorosa ‘Caradonna’ (Sage)
Artemisia ‘Powis Castle’

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While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.
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Requirements

Hardiness 4 - 9
Heat Zones 2 - 8
Climate Zones 1, 1A, 1B, 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, A2, A3
Plant Type Perennials
Plant Family Saxifragaceae
Genus Astilbe
Common names False Spirea, Astilbe
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun, Shade
Season of Interest Summer (Mid, Late)
Height 2' - 3' (60cm - 90cm)
Spread 1' - 2' (30cm - 60cm)
Spacing 18" - 20" (50cm - 50cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Average
Soil Type Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained
Characteristics Dried Arrangements, Cut Flowers, Showy
Tolerance Full Shade, Deer, Rabbit
Attracts Butterflies, Bees
Garden Uses Beds And Borders, Patio And Containers, Rain Gardens
Garden Styles Informal and Cottage
How Many Plants
Do I Need?
Explore Great Plant Combination Ideas
Astilbe
Guides with
Astilbe
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