Chinese astilbe
Astilbe chinensis 'Darwin's Surprise'
Overview
Chinese astilbe (Astilbe chinensis 'Darwin's Surprise') is a beautiful and hardy flower that will bring a burst of color to any garden. Its bright pink blooms adorning its delicate foliage make this plant a beautiful and eye-catching addition to any garden. 'Darwin's Surprise' is an evergreen variety and blooms late summer to fall. It is low-maintenance, drought-tolerant, and deer-resistant. Not to mention its distinctive leaves are full of texture and come in shades of green and bronze for added visual interest. All in all, 'Darwin's Surprise' is a fantastic addition to any garden and will surely bring beauty and joy for years to come.
Care Guide
Watering
Chinese astilbe (Astilbe chinensis 'Darwin's Surprise') will thrive best in moist, well-drained soil. Water once every 1-2 weeks deeply, allowing the top inch or 2 of soil to dry out between waterings. During periods of hot temperatures, Chinese astilbe may need to be watered twice a week in order to keep the soil consistently moist. It is important to monitor soil moisture levels and avoid over-watering, as this may cause root rot or fungal diseases.
Light
Chinese astilbe (Astilbe chinensis 'Darwin's Surprise') flowers best in an area of partial shade. This means it gets better flowering with some direct sunlight in the early morning hours, but the plants should be shaded from high, hot afternoon sun. Ideally, the plant should receive partial sun for 4 to 5 hours in the morning. It should be sheltered from the bright afternoon light so as not to scorch the foliage.
Temperature
Hardiness zone 4-8.
Pruning
Chinese astilbe (Astilbe chinensis 'Darwin’s Surprise') should be pruned in late winter or early spring, after the last hard freeze has passed and before new growth begins. Pruning can help keep this perennial looking tidy and encourage new growth. Cut back the previous season’s floral stalks and dead or unsightly foliage to within a few inches of the ground. This will also help ensure the new growth of buds and foliage looks its best. Pruning should be done as minimally as possible to keep the plant looking good without stressing it out.
Propagation
Division, Cutting, Seed Propagation, Layering Propagation
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