Family
Saxifragaceae
Botanical Name
ASTILBE x rosea
Plant Common Name
Rose Astilbe, Rose False Spirea
Special Notice
This entry has yet to be reviewed and approved by L2G editors.
General Description
Feathery pastel pink flowerheads and mounds of lush foliage make rose false spirea great in woodland and shade gardens throughout the temperate regions of the world. This species is the result of crossing the taller, white-flowering Astilbe japonica with the bronze-green leaved, red or pink flowering Astilbe chinensis. Both parents are native to the cool, humid forests of east Asia and are vigorous perennials that spread slowly to form dense clumps.
Graceful mounds of dark green, twice divided, fern-like leaves grow from thick, brown rhizomes (lateral underground stems). The showy, pyramidal flowerheads appear in summer above the compact mounds of foliage. Blooms are light pink, and cultivars derived from this hybrid cross typically have pastel or softer hues upon slightly taller plants that other false spireas.
This hardy perennial is noted for its longevity and adaptability. It grows best when provided partial sun to shade and moist, humus-rich, well-drained soil. Once established, it is quite low maintenance but is always moisture-loving. The spent flowers can be removed or left to dry. Once dry, the plumes are rich brown, hold up well and add winter interest to the garden. It is at best a short-lived plant in hotter summer regions or where seasonal dryness diminishes the foliage in the shade. Deer and rabbits do not eat this plant.
This is an ideal perennial for massing as a tall woodland groundcover or sweep. It also mixes well with other perennials for moist shade such as Japanese painted fern and variegated sedges. Selection 'Peach Blossom' is a bit taller with light peachy lavender flowers; 'Queen Alexandra' is deeper medium pink.
Characteristics
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AHS Heat Zone
8 - 2
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USDA Hardiness Zone
4 - 8
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Sunset Zone
A2, A3, 1a, 1b, 2a, 2b, 3a, 3b, 4, 5, 6, 7, 14, 15, 16, 17
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Plant Type
Perennial
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Sun Exposure
Partial Shade, Full Shade
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Height
26"-36" / 66.0cm - 91.4cm
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Width
20"-24" / 50.8cm - 61.0cm
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Bloom Time
Summer, Late Summer
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Native To
Hybrid Origin
Growing Conditions
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Soil pH
Acidic, Neutral
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Soil Drainage
Average
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Soil type
Clay, Loam, Sand
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Growth Rate
Medium
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Water Requirements
Average Water
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Habit
Upright/Erect
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Seasonal Interest
Summer, Fall
Ornamental Features
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Flower Interest
Showy
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Flower Color
Light Pink
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Fruit Color
Brown
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Foliage Color (Spring)
Green, Dark Green
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Foliage Color (Summer)
Green, Dark Green
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Foliage Color (Fall)
Green, Dark Green
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Fragrant Flowers
No
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Fragrant Fruit
No
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Fragrant Foliage
No
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Bark or Stem Fragrant
No
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Flower Petal Number
Single
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Repeat Bloomer
No
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Showy Fruit
No
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Edible Fruit
No
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Showy Foliage
Yes
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Foliage Texture
Medium
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Foliage Sheen
Matte
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Evergreen
No
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Showy Bark
No
Special Characteristics
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Usage
Container, Cutflower, Feature Plant, Groundcover, Mixed Border
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Sharp or Has Thorns
No
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Invasive
No
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Attracts
Butterflies
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Self-Sowing
No
