Common Name: Florist's spiraea
Type: Herbaceous perennial
Family: Saxifragaceae
Native Range: Japan
Zone: 4 to 9
Height: 1.50 to 2.50 feet
Spread: 1.50 to 2.50 feet
Bloom Time: May to June
Bloom Description: White
Sun: Part shade to full shade
Water: Medium
Maintenance: Low
Flower: Showy, Good Cut
Tolerate: Rabbit, Deer, Heavy Shade, Black Walnut
Culture
Best grown in evenly moist, rich, well-draining soils in part shade to full shade. Tolerant of more sun in cool-summer climates. Hardy in USDA Zones 4-9.
Noteworthy Characteristics
Astilbe japonica is a herbaceous perennial found growing in rocky ravines in mountainous regions of Japan from Shizuoka Prefecture west to the island of Kyushu. Mature plants can reach 1.5-2.5' tall with a similar spread. The 6" long, doubly compound leaves are made up of multiple, toothed leaflets. Terminal, branched panicles of small, white flowers can reach 4-8" long and bloom from late spring to early summer.
Genus name comes from the Greek words a meaning without and stilbe meaning brightness in reference to the dull leaves of some species.
The specific epithet japonica means "of Japan", in reference to the native range of this species.
Problems
No major pest or disease problems. Rabbits and deer tend to avoid this plant.
Uses
Woodland gardens, cottage gardens, mixed borders. Flowers are suitable for use in fresh cut arrangements.