Astilbe chinensis 'Purple Candles' (Chinese Astilbe)
Chinese Astilbe 'Purple Candles', False Spirea 'Purple Candles', False Goat's Beard 'Purple Candles', Astilbe 'Purple Candles', Astilbe chinensis 'Purpurkerze'
A strong color statement in the garden, Astilbe chinensis 'Purple Candles' (Chinese Astilbe) is a tall, clump-forming perennial boasting rich violet-red flowers held in dense, graceful plumes. Blooming in midsummer, each plume consists of hundreds of densely packed tiny flowers opening in succession for a long-lasting floral display. The blossoms are held on sturdy stems and rise above an attractive mound of fern-like, dark green leaves. The densely incised foliage remains attractive all season long under satisfactory growing conditions. This towering 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 42 in. tall (105 cm) and 18-24 in. wide (45-60 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 | 3' – 4' (90cm – 120cm) |
Spread | 1' – 2' (30cm – 60cm) |
Spacing | 18" – 24" (45cm – 60cm) |
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 | 3' – 4' (90cm – 120cm) |
Spread | 1' – 2' (30cm – 60cm) |
Spacing | 18" – 24" (45cm – 60cm) |
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 |