Astilbe chinensis 'Pumila' is a compact variety that offers late season lavender pink blooms on short spikes above a dense mat of bronze tinged foliage. Unlike taller Astilbes, ‘Pumila’ serves as an excellent edging plant or groundcover.
Height & Spread: 8 - 12 in x 12 - 18 in
Bloom Time: August to September
Light Requirements: Partial shade to full shade; tolerates morning sun with adequate moisture
Soil Preference: Moist, rich, well drained to heavy soils; tolerates clay
Watering Needs: Moderate to high; prefers evenly moist soil
Deer Resistance: High; foliage is aromatic and generally avoided
NATIVE STATUS
Not native to North America. It is derived from Asian species and cultivated for ornamental use. Despite its non native status, it is a useful garden plant for structure, erosion control, and limited pollinator value in shaded, moist environments.
WILDLIFE & INSECTS
Bees
- Offers late nectar and pollen for bumblebees, small native bees, and honeybees, extending pollinator resources into early fall.
Butterflies
- Occasionally visited by skippers and small butterflies, especially in woodland corridors.
Other Insects
- Dense foliage provides cover for beneficial insects and contributes to healthy microhabitats in shady, moist beds.
SPACING & LANDSCAPE USE
Spacing Recommendations
- Space 12 - 18 in apart for groundcover effect or dense border plantings.
Landscape Placement
- Ideal for shady pathways, woodland edges, underplanting shrubs, or the front of moist, shaded borders. Works well in mass plantings to suppress weeds and stabilize soil.
COMPANION PLANTS
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Tiarella cordifolia (Foamflower) - A native groundcover that complements the form and bloom timing of ‘Pumila’.
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Carex plantaginea (Seersucker Sedge) - Adds lush texture and thrives in the same moist, shady environments.
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Phlox divaricata (Woodland Phlox) - Provides early spring bloom before ‘Pumila’ emerges.
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Viola sororia (Common Blue Violet) - Native low growing perennial that offers early nectar and blends into groundcover plantings.
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Hydrophyllum virginianum (Virginia Waterleaf) - Fills gaps with attractive foliage and flowers earlier in the season.