Chinese astilbe and Hosta are often considered for the same spot in the garden (ground cover, container). The data below shows where they differ: size, hardiness, care, toxicity and price.
Astilbe chinensis 60 cm × 50 cm after 10 years
A perennial with ferny, dark green leaves that sends up stiff, feathery pink or lilac plumes from midsummer, later than the garden hybrid astilbes. It…
Hosta × hybrida 50 cm × 80 cm after 10 years
Hostas are the classic foliage plants for shady parts of the garden: broad, veined leaves in green, powdery blue, gold or with white or yellow…
Chinese astilbe grows taller, Hosta spreads wider: 60 cm × 50 cm and 50 cm × 80 cm after ten years (an estimate: sources differ).
Chinese astilbe also takes heavy clay, Hosta needs a loose, free-draining soil.
Chinese astilbe needs less care than Hosta.
Chinese astilbe is cheaper: about CZK 160 at the size usually planted, against about CZK 200 for Hosta.
Chinese astilbe is the better choice if the soil is heavy clay, you have little time for care or price matters.
|
Feature
|
Chinese astilbe
|
Hosta
|
|---|---|---|
| Group | Perennial | Perennial |
| Size after 10 years | 60 cm × 50 cm (uncertain) | 50 cm × 80 cm (uncertain) |
| Ultimate size | 0.2–1.2 m × 25–60 cm | 0.1–1.2 m × 0.2–1.5 m (uncertain) |
| Growth rate | Medium (uncertain) | Medium (uncertain) |
| Light | Part shade, Shade | Part shade, Shade |
| Soil | Average garden soil, Clay | Average garden soil |
| Hardiness | down to -34 °C (USDA 4, RHS H7) | down to -40 °C (USDA 3, RHS H7) |
| Heat tolerance | Low | Medium (uncertain) |
| Foliage | Deciduous | Deciduous |
| Flowering | June–September, pink, purple | June–September, white, purple |
| Water need | Medium | Medium |
| Drought tolerance | Low | Low |
| Maintenance | Low | Medium |
| Planting distance | 40 cm | 60 cm |
| For dogs | Non-toxic (uncertain) | Toxic |
| For cats | Non-toxic (uncertain) | Toxic |
| For children | Non-toxic | no data |
| Typical price | approx. CZK 160 | approx. CZK 200 |
Prices are rounded, indicative values. Toxicity data is for information only. If your pet or child has eaten a plant, contact a vet or a doctor. Data updated: October 17, 2026
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