Astilbe longicarpa
Family: Saxifragaceae
What it is like
Astilbe longicarpa is a PERENNIAL growing to 1 m (3ft 3in). It is in flower from July to October, and the seeds ripen from August to November. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland). It prefers moist soil.
Height (m): 1
Where it is found
Low to medium altitudes.
E. Asia - Taiwan.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 1
The fruiting parts are eaten fresh. No more details are given.
Seedpod: things such as Okra, French and Runner beans.
Medicine
Rating: 0
Other
Rating: 2
Dynamic accumulator.
Dynamic accumulator: Plants that gather minerals or nutrients from the soil and store them in a more bioavailable form and in high concentration in their tissues. Used as fertilizer or to improve mulch.
How it is grown
We have very little information on this species and do not know if it will be hardy in Britain. The following notes are based on the general needs of the genus. Succeeds in a rich garden soil if this stays reliably moist in the summer. Prefers a pH in the range 5.5 to 7. Prefers partial shade. Plants are hardy to about -20°c. Members of this genus are rarely if ever troubled by browsing deer or rabbits.
Propagating it: Seed - we have no details for this species but suggest sowing the seed in a greenhouse in early spring. Only just cover the seed. When large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in a cold frame until they are at least 20cm tall. Plant them out in the summer, or late in the following autumn. Division in spring. This is best done every 3 - 4 years in order to maintain the vigour of the plant. Larger divisions can be planted straight into their permanent positions whist smaller clumps are best potted up and kept in a cold frame until they are growing away well.
Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Dappled Shade;
Habit: Perennial
Hardiness: 0-0
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)
Shade: Semi-shade
Moisture: Moist