How big does Chinese astilbe grow?

About 60 cm × 50 cm after ten years (height × width). Its ultimate size is 0.2–1.2 m × 25–60 cm.

What soil does Chinese astilbe grow in?

It tolerates these soils: average garden soil, clay.

Is Chinese astilbe hardy?

Hardy down to -34 °C (USDA zone 4, RHS H7). It gets through winter in every part of the country.

Is Chinese astilbe toxic to children?

No. Reliable sources list it as non-toxic to children.

When does Chinese astilbe flower?

Flowering: June–September, pink, purple.

How much water does Chinese astilbe need?

Water need: medium. Drought tolerance: low.

How much does Chinese astilbe cost?

It sells for roughly HUF 1,300 to HUF 7,000 in local shops, depending on size.

Chinese astilbe

Astilbe chinensis

Chinese astilbe (Astilbe chinensis) is a perennial that reaches 60 cm × 50 cm after ten years. Light: part shade, shade. Hardy down to -34 °C. Drought tolerance: low. Non-toxic to children. Sold in local shops from about HUF 1,300.

Illustration of Chinese astilbe — An illustration of the typical shape of the mature plant, not a photo.

What it's good for, and what it isn't

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 belongs in part shade or shade in moist, humus-rich soil and copes with sun and short dry spells a little better than its relatives, but the soil should never dry out. The low, slowly creeping forms make good ground cover for shade, and the dried plumes stay decorative through winter if you leave them standing.

Watch out for

In the hot, dry summers of Central Europe the leaf edges brown and the foliage collapses when the soil dries out or the plant sits in full sun, so without watering and mulch it only stays good in a shaded, moist spot. Powdery mildew can occur, and vine weevil grubs may eat the roots.

Key facts

Light: Part shade, Shade
Water need: Medium
Care: Low
Size after 10 years: 60 cm × 50 cm
Hardiness: down to -34 °C
Foliage: Deciduous
Flowering: J F M A M J J A S O N D June–September, pink, purple

Group	Perennial
Light	Part shade, Shade
Size after 10 years	60 cm × 50 cm
Ultimate size	0.2–1.2 m × 25–60 cm
Hardiness	down to -34 °C (USDA 4, RHS H7)
Soil	Average garden soil, Clay
Foliage	Deciduous
Flowering	June–September, pink, purple
Water need	Medium
Drought tolerance	Low
Maintenance	Low
Root aggressiveness	Low
Suckering	no data
Spreading	Medium
Distance from buildings	no data
Distance from paving	no data
Litter	not typical
Planting distance	40 cm
For dogs	Non-toxic (uncertain)
For cats	Non-toxic (uncertain)
For children	Non-toxic
Typical price	from about HUF 1,300

Toxicity data is for information only. If your pet or child has eaten a plant, contact a vet or a doctor.

Sizes and prices available

The same plant is sold as a small pot and as a specimen several metres tall, and the price follows. Prices are rounded and for guidance only.

Size	Typical price
size not stated	approx. HUF 1,300 – HUF 7,000

Frequently asked questions

Data updated: October 8, 2026 · How our data is made

Appears in these lists

Ground cover plants for shade Ground cover plants Plants for shade Perennials for part shade Perennials that flower all summer Perennials for clay soil Plants that are non-toxic to children Plants for containers Low-maintenance perennials

Compare with similar plants

Chinese astilbe vs Astilbe Chinese astilbe vs Hosta Chinese astilbe vs Siberian bugloss

Looks good next to it

Common yew

Taxus baccata

Persian ivy

Hedera colchica

Irish moss

Sagina subulata