Pumila Spirea
Astilbe chinensisfam. Saxifragaceae
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Pl. 063E — Astilbe chinensis
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IOverview
Overview
Pumila Spirea, known botanically as Astilbe chinensis, is a perennial plant native to Inner Mongolia and other regions of Asia including Assam, China South-Central, East Himalaya, Myanmar, and Tibet. This plant thrives in partial sun or shade, requiring moist to wet conditions with light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay) soil. It grows up to 0.7 meters tall and is hardy in zones 4-8. Pumila Spirea is both edible and ornamental; its leaves and shoots are considered edible parts. Its distinctive feature lies in the feathery plumes of flowers that rise above the foliage, adding a striking presence to any garden setting.
Quick answers
What is Pumila Spirea?
Pumila Spirea, known botanically as Astilbe chinensis, is a perennial plant native to Inner Mongolia and other regions of Asia including Assam, China South-Central, East Himalaya, Myanmar, and Tibet.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Pumila Spirea thrives in partial sun to shade and requires moist to wet soil that can be light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). It is hardy in zones 4-8 and grows up to 0.7 meters tall as a perennial. For optimal growth, keep the soil consistently moist. Propagate through division of clumps or by sowing seeds. The edible parts include leaves and shoots.
Light
Partial sun/shade
Water
Moist, Wet
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
4-8
Life cycle
Perennial
Mature size
0.7 m tall
For first-time growers
How to grow Pumila Spirea for the first time
7steps
Start with Pumila Spirea as a simple, low-maintenance perennial for your garden.
- 1
What you'll need
A spade or trowel, compost, and mulch.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring after the last frost or fall before the first freeze.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Ensure soil is moist, well-draining, and rich with organic matter. Use a pot at least 30 cm wide if planting in containers.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Transplant young plants from the nursery or divide mature clumps in early spring.
- 5
First two weeks
Water regularly to keep soil moist. Avoid direct sunlight during this period.
- 6
Ongoing care
Provide partial shade, especially in hot climates. Water deeply once a week, more often if the weather is very warm or dry.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune spent flower heads to maintain appearance and encourage new growth.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:LeavesShoots
Edible uses: The leaves and shoots of Pumila Spirea are edible. They can be consumed fresh or cooked in various dishes. SKIP
Other uses:Dynamic accumulator
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
6 native · 10 introduced
Distribution
6 native · 10 introducedDistribution across1 continent· 6 native· 10 introduced
Asia6 regions
native (3)ChinaIndiaMyanmar
introduced (3)ChinaJapanSouth Korea
Broader regions
native:East Himalaya
introduced:Khabarovsk, Primorye, Amur
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXSee also
8 related
See also
8 relatedPlants you might compare or use together — scored by shared family (Saxifragaceae), common use cases, and growing requirements.
same family · Saxifragaceae
Botanical relatives — often share phytochemistry + growing needs.
XI
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Companion planting
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Growing zone
XII
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Back to the cataloguePlant id · 063e046d-947e-48c2-9a0a-dd979ef3a277
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