Astilbe chinensis var. taquetii 'Superba'
Overview
Uses: Shade and woodland gardens, moist borders, mass plantings, cut and dried flower arrangements, edging along streams or ponds.
Benefits: The boldest, tallest astilbe for shade, 'Superba' sends up vivid magenta-purple plumes in mid to late summer, well after other astilbes fade. Its finely cut, ferny foliage forms a lush clump, and it is notably more heat- and drought-tolerant than common astilbes, while staying deer resistant.
USDA Hardiness Zones: 4–8
Sun: Partial to Full Shade
Life Cycle: Hardy Perennial
Growth Habit: Upright, Clumping — ferny mound with tall flower plumes.
Bloom Color: Magenta to Purple
Mature Height: 3–4 feet
Mature Width: about 2 feet
Bloom Season: Mid to late summer
Growth Rate: Moderate
Summary
When midsummer shade gardens start to look tired, 'Superba' answers with tall spires of intense magenta-purple.
This is the boldest of the astilbes — a selection of the vigorous taquetii group that blooms later and stands taller than the familiar hybrids, lifting its narrow, feathery plumes three to four feet above a mound of dark, finely divided foliage. The flowers are excellent for cutting and dry well for arrangements.
Beyond the color, 'Superba' is prized for toughness: it handles heat, brief dryness, and clay better than most astilbes, and deer and rabbits leave its ferny leaves alone. Given steady moisture in part to full shade, it forms a long-lived, dependable clump.
Care
Astilbe 'Superba' Care
Astilbe 'Superba' grows best in partial to full shade in rich, consistently moist soil. It tolerates more sun only where the soil stays reliably damp; dry shade leads to scorched leaf edges.
Keep the soil evenly moist, especially in summer heat, and mulch to conserve water. Apply a slow release fertilizer in spring to fuel the lush foliage and strong plumes.
Cut spent bloom stems if desired, or leave them for winter texture, then cut the clump back in late winter. Divide every few years in spring to maintain vigor.
Size
What Size is the Astilbe 'Superba' for Sale Online?
Our Astilbe 'Superba' ships in a greenhouse-grade grow pot and is appropriately sized for its container at the time of shipment. If you have specific sizing or planting questions, please contact us.
How Large Does Astilbe 'Superba' Grow?
Astilbe 'Superba' forms a clump of ferny foliage roughly 2 feet across, with flower plumes reaching 3 to 4 feet tall in mid to late summer. It dies back over winter and returns from the crown each spring.
Additional Information
What are some common names for this plant?
This plant is commonly called Chinese astilbe or tall astilbe, and is sometimes sold as false spirea.
How is 'Superba' different from other astilbes?
It belongs to the taquetii group, which blooms later, grows taller, and tolerates more heat and brief dryness than common astilbe hybrids — making it a strong vertical accent late in the season.
Is astilbe deer resistant?
Yes, astilbe is generally considered deer and rabbit resistant, which makes it valuable for shaded woodland gardens. For more options, see our deer-resistant perennials and grasses.
Will astilbe grow in dry shade?
Astilbe needs consistent moisture and does not perform well in dry shade; its leaf edges scorch when the soil dries out. Give it rich, evenly moist soil for best results. Find more shade options in our perennials.
