Astilbe chinensis

Germination

Sow indoors Feb-Jun. or Sep-Oct. Sow directly after danger of frost has passed. Surface sow onto moist, well-drained seed compost. Just cover with a sprinkling of soil, small seeds can be simply pressed into the soil. Ideal temp. 20°C. Keep moist but not wet. Germination takes 1-3 weeks approx. Transplant seedlings when large enough to handle to 8cm pots and grow on. Acclimatise and plant out after danger of frost has passed.

Growing

Prefers a moist, fertile, humus-rich soil in partial sun where the soil is likely to dry out in summer. Avoid lime soils.

Cultivation

Plants must be divided every 3-4 years to maintain plant vigour. Propagate by division in late winter or early spring, pot up divisions under glass and plant out in late spring. Cut back after flowering.