Astilbe chinensis var. taquetii 'Superba'

Chinese Astilbe, False Spirea, Superb False Spirea

A dramatic, tall-growing Chinese astilbe prized for its large, fluffy lavender-pink flower plumes that bloom later than most astilbes, extending the season into late summer. ‘Superba’ is also noted for its excellent heat tolerance and strong vertical presence in shaded to part-sun gardens.

Key features



Width: 24–36 in (2–3 ft)



Height: 36–48 in (3–4 ft)



Flower color: Lavender-pink to soft rose



Bloom time: Late summer



Foliage: Dark green, coarse-textured, finely divided



Form: Tall, upright clump



Life cycle: Herbaceous perennial



Growing conditions



Sun: Part shade to full sun (more sun tolerant than Arendsii astilbes)



Soil: Average to moist, well-drained



Water: Moderate; more drought tolerant once established



Hardiness: USDA Zones 4–8



Landscape use



Back of shade and woodland borders



Mass plantings for vertical emphasis



Naturalized and mixed perennial gardens



Along streams and moist garden edges



Late-season color in shade gardens



Notes



Later bloom time fills the astilbe gap after early varieties finish



Generally deer resistant



Excellent performance in heat and humidity



Strong stems resist flopping



Pairs well with hostas, ferns, ligularia, and ornamental grasses

Plant type

Perennial

Height

36"-48"

Width

24-36''

Hardiness zones

3–8

Sunlight

Full Sun, Partial Shade

Growth rate

Moderate

Bloom time

Early Summer, Late Spring

Flower color

Lavender, Pink

Leaf color

Dark Green

Fall color

Dark Green

Attracts

Butterflies

Soil

Loamy

Shape

Clump, Upright

Fruit

Yes

Fragrant

Yes

Deer resistant

Yes

Drought tolerant

No