Astilbe grandis (27/07/2013, Kew Gardens, London)
Position: Full sun to light shade
Flowering period: Summer
Soil: Moist, well drained
Eventual Height: 1.2m
Eventual Spread: 1.2m
Hardiness: 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b
Family: Saxifragaceae
Astilbe grandis is a deciduous herbaceous perennial with a clump forming habit. Its dark green leaves are pinnately compound and up to 30cm long. Its leaflets are ovate, up to 9cm long and 5cm broad. Its pale yellow flowers appear as terminal panicles, up to 40cm long and 17cm broad. Its roots are fleshy rhizomes which aids its spread.
Astilbe grandis Flower (27/07/2013, Kew Gardens, London)
Astilbe grandis, commonly known as False Goat’s Beard, is native to east and central China and Korea. In its native habitat it grows in damp forests, scrub and ravines.
The etymological root of the binomial name Astilbe is derived from the Greek a meaning ‘without’ and stilbw meaning ‘glitter’. Grandis is from the Latin meaning ‘large’.
The landscape architect may find Astilbe grandis useful as a large flowering perennial suitable for damp to wet locations.
Ecologically, Astilbe grandis flowers are attractive to pollinating insects.
Astilbe grandis prefers moist, fertile, well-drained soils. It tolerates most pH of soil.
Astilbe grandis Leaf (27/07/2013, Kew Gardens, London)
Astilbe grandis requires little maintenance. Large clumps may be divided in spring.
