Rheinland is one of the best early pink astilbes, producing large, diamond-shaped plumes of clear rose pink flowers in early summer. It is vigorous and very free flowering.
Its large, bold, mid-green leaves form a full clump about two feet tall. Plant it in shaded borders, woodland gardens and containers, or mass it for a sweep of pink. Deer and rabbits leave it alone.
What it looks like
Large, diamond- to pyramid-shaped plumes 6 to 8 inches long of tiny clear rose pink flowers, dense and full, held on upright stems above the foliage. Leaves are large, compound, toothed, bold and mid-green with a slight gloss. The plant is an upright clump about 24 inches tall and 16 to 20 inches wide. At peak bloom it is covered in full rose pink plumes.
Growing it with lavender
Astilbe needs moist, rich soil and shade, the opposite of lavender's dry, sunny bed, so plant it in a shade garden or along a damp woodland edge with hostas and ferns.
Care
Astilbe grows best in part shade in rich, humus-rich soil that never dries out; in the north it takes more sun if kept moist. Hardy in USDA zones 4-9. Mulch to hold moisture, water during dry spells to prevent leaf scorch, and leave the dried plumes for winter interest before cutting back in spring.
At a glance
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Botanical name: Astilbe japonica
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Flower color: Clear rose pink
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Foliage: Mid-green
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Growth habit: Upright clump
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Mature size: 24 in tall × 16–20 in wide
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USDA hardiness zones: 4–9
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Light: full sun, part sun to part shade, full shade
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Bloom start: Early-June
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Peak bloom: Mid-June
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Bloom pattern: Single Flush
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Deer resistance: Resistant
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Pollinator value: Good
Sizes and shipping
Dormant bare-root plant, sold in boxes of 25 per variety (order in multiples of 25). Bare-root plants ship or are picked up March 1–May 31 only. They are soil-free, so they may ship to every state in that window. Dormant plants often show little or no top growth on arrival; plant or heel them in promptly.
Lavender companion · grow guide
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