perennial · design plant record
Astilbe japonica
Japanese astilbe
Flower plumes bring an early-summer vertical accent to a shaded bed.
- Height at maturity
- 0.46–0.77 m (1.5–2.5 ft)
- Spread at maturity
- 0.46–0.77 m (1.5–2.5 ft)
- Light
- Part shade / Shade
- Moisture
- Moist, draining soil
- Source-reported USDA zones
- 4–9 · verify subzone and cultivar
- Principal seasonal role
- Spring, Summer
Fit it to the site
Rich, moist, draining soil in partial to full shade.
Reject a dry root zone. A range of astilbe flowering seasons does not mean this species flowers continuously until autumn.
Keep the care in the decision
Keep moisture reliable and inspect crowns as clumps expand. Division can renew crowded groups. Confirm the flowering period of the named cultivar.
Origin & safety checks
Japan. Garden cultivars vary.
Toxicity not assessed; no edible-use or pet-safety certification.
Check current invasive restrictions with your local plant-health or extension authority. For pets, use the exact botanical name in a veterinary toxicity reference; for potential ingestion or exposure, get appropriate professional advice rather than relying on a design guide.
Factual source · checked 8 October 2026
NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox: Astilbe japonica
RHS: astilbe groups, moisture and care
Ranges are rounded metric conversions of the source's dimensions. Growth varies with cultivar and conditions. Linked source photographs can help verify identity; our concept garden images cannot.
See this plant in a measured design
- An early-summer shade border you can reach to care for — Partial shade · rich, moist draining ground · dependable establishment and summer care · access outside the drawing is additional.
These layouts show the plant’s allocated space and neighbours. Each plan still needs a local site check.