Chinese astilbe and Siberian bugloss are often considered for the same spot in the garden (flowers, ground cover). 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…
Brunnera macrophylla 45 cm × 60 cm after 10 years
A shade-loving perennial with large, rough, heart-shaped leaves that carries a haze of tiny sky-blue, forget-me-not-like flowers above the foliage…
Chinese astilbe grows larger: 60 cm × 50 cm after ten years, against 45 cm × 60 cm for Siberian bugloss.
Siberian bugloss is hardier: down to -40 °C, against -34 °C for Chinese astilbe.
Chinese astilbe is cheaper: about €7 at the size usually planted, against about €13 for Siberian bugloss.
|
Feature
|
Chinese astilbe
|
Siberian bugloss
|
|---|---|---|
| Group | Perennial | Perennial |
| Size after 10 years | 60 cm × 50 cm | 45 cm × 60 cm |
| Ultimate size | 0.2–1.2 m × 25–60 cm | 30–45 cm × 45–75 cm |
| Growth rate | Medium | Medium |
| Light | Part shade, Shade | Part shade, Shade |
| Soil | Average garden soil, Clay | Average garden soil, Clay |
| Hardiness | down to -34 °C (USDA 4, RHS H7) | down to -40 °C (USDA 3, RHS H7) |
| Foliage | Deciduous | Deciduous |
| Flowering | June–September, pink, purple | April–May, blue |
| Water need | Medium | Medium |
| Drought tolerance | Low | Low |
| Maintenance | Low | Low |
| Planting distance | 40 cm | 40 cm |
| For dogs | Non-toxic (uncertain) | Non-toxic (uncertain) |
| For cats | Non-toxic (uncertain) | Non-toxic (uncertain) |
| For children | Non-toxic | Non-toxic (uncertain) |
| Typical price | approx. €7 | approx. €13 |
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 8, 2026
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