♦ Zones:  4 - 8     Height:  9 - 12"     Exposure:  Full shade to Part Shade ♦

Astilbe chinensis ‘Pumila’ is a dwarf plant which spreads more quickly than most other Chinese astilbes.  It features a foliage mound of dark green leaves and thick, stiff panicles of lilac-pink flowers on tall stems in early to mid-summer.  Astilbes are mainstays of shade and woodland gardens.  It is easily grown in average, medium, well-drained soils in part shade to full shade and prefers moist, rich soils.  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).  This astilbe has no serious insect or disease problems.  Mass or group in shade gardens, woodland gardens and shaded areas of border fronts or cottage gardens. Drought tolerance and dwarf size facilitate use in shaded areas of rock gardens.  Excellent spreading ground cover or edging plant for shady areas.  Also effective on pond or stream banks.