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Astilbe chinensis 'Vision in White'
Vision in White Chinese Astilbe
Garden selection; the species {Astilbe chinensis} is native to China, Japan, and Korea, growing in moist woodland margins and stream banks; 'Vision in White' is from the Vision series, bred in the Netherlands for compact habit and improved garden tolerance compared to standard astilbe cultivars
Overview
Astilbe chinensis 'Vision in White' is a compact Chinese astilbe from the Vision series growing 16-20 inches (40-50 cm) tall and wide. Dense upright plumes of creamy white to pure white florets appear from July through August above a mound of dark green glossy ternately compound foliage. The white plumes against the dark green foliage create a high-contrast display in shade. Like 'Vision in Pink', this cultivar tolerates brief dry periods better than standard astilbe cultivars, though consistent moisture still produces the fullest plumes. Bronze-tinted new growth in spring transitions to dark green through summer. The dense tightly packed plume form holds together without the open airy appearance of some white astilbe cultivars, creating a more concentrated white mass. The compact stature suits front-of-border positions and containers. Rhizome spread is moderate; clumps maintain a compact shape for several years. In full sun, leaf scorch occurs and plumes may be smaller. In deep shade, flowering is reduced but the glossy dark foliage mound remains ornamental. Dried plumes persist through winter, turning tan to bronze. Deer avoid the foliage.
Native Range
The species Astilbe chinensis is native to China, Japan, and Korea. 'Vision in White' is from the Vision series, bred in the Netherlands for compact habit and improved garden tolerance.Suggested Uses
Planted at the front of shaded borders, in moon gardens designed around white-flowering plants, and in containers of 5 gallons (19 L) or more. The white plumes brighten dark shade areas. Works massed in groups of 5-7 for a concentrated white display. Pairs with blue hostas, dark-leaved heuchera, and ferns.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height1'4" - 1'8"
Width/Spread1'4" - 1'8"
Reaches mature size in approximately 3 years
Colors
Bloom Information
Flowering occurs in July and August. Dense white plumes open from the base upward over approximately 4 weeks. The tightly packed florets create a concentrated white mass rather than the open airy effect of some white astilbe cultivars. Dried plumes persist through winter.Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
Creamy white to pure white florets densely packed in upright plumes; the white-on-dark-green contrast creates a high-contrast display in shade plantingsFoliage Description
Dark green glossy ternately compound foliage with bronze-tinted new growth in springGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 3-6 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Plant in partial shade with 3-6 hours of filtered or morning light. Humus-rich consistently moist soil suits this cultivar, though brief dry spells are tolerated better than by most astilbes. Water regularly during the growing season. Mulch with 2-3 inches (5-8 cm) of organic material. Divide clumps every 3-4 years in spring. Leave dried plumes for winter interest.Pruning
Leave dried flower plumes through winter for textural interest. Cut all growth to ground level in early spring before new shoots emerge. No other pruning is required.Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
early spring
Maintenance Level
lowContainer Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 5 gallons