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'
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.
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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 | 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" (45cm – 50cm) |
Water Needs | Average |
Maintenance | Low |
Soil Type | Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Dried Arrangements, Cut Flowers, Showy |
Tolerance | Deer, Rabbit |
Attracts | Butterflies |
Garden Uses | Beds and Borders, Patio and Containers, Rain Gardens |
Garden Styles | Informal and Cottage |
Walters Gardens Inc
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.
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 | 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" (45cm – 50cm) |
Water Needs | Average |
Maintenance | Low |
Soil Type | Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Dried Arrangements, Cut Flowers, Showy |
Tolerance | Deer, Rabbit |
Attracts | Butterflies |
Garden Uses | Beds and Borders, Patio and Containers, Rain Gardens |
Garden Styles | Informal and Cottage |