Astilbe chinensis 'Visions'
Visions Chinese Astilbe
Garden selection; the species {Astilbe chinensis} is native to China, Japan, and Korea, growing in moist woodland margins and stream banks; 'Visions' was bred in the Netherlands as the founding cultivar of the Vision series, with a light sweet flower fragrance that is uncommon in the genus
Overview
Astilbe chinensis 'Visions' is the original cultivar in the Vision series, a compact Chinese astilbe growing 14-18 inches (35-45 cm) tall and wide. Dense upright plumes of raspberry-pink to rose-purple florets appear from July through August above a mound of dark green glossy ternately compound foliage. The raspberry-pink color is warmer and more saturated than most pink astilbe cultivars, and the flowers carry a light sweet fragrance — uncommon in the genus. 'Visions' was the first Vision series cultivar introduced, followed by 'Vision in Pink', 'Vision in White', and 'Vision in Red'. The series carries compact habit, dense plume form, and tolerance of brief dry periods better than A. × arendsii hybrids. Bronze-tinted new growth in spring gives early-season interest before the dark green summer foliage develops. The compact stature makes this the smallest of the Vision cultivars, suiting it to the front of borders, edging, and containers. In full sun or dry conditions, leaf margins scorch and plumes are reduced. Rhizome spread is slow. Deer avoid the foliage.
Native Range
The species Astilbe chinensis is native to China, Japan, and Korea. 'Visions' was bred in the Netherlands as the founding cultivar of the Vision series.Suggested Uses
Planted at the front of shaded borders, along paths, and in containers of 5 gallons (19 L) or more. The smallest Vision series cultivar suits tight spaces and small shade gardens. Works in groups of 5-7 for concentrated color. The light fragrance adds sensory interest in close-planted areas.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height1'2" - 1'6"
Width/Spread1'2" - 1'6"
Reaches mature size in approximately 3 years
Bloom Information
Flowering occurs in July and August. Dense raspberry-pink plumes open from the base upward over approximately 4 weeks. The light fragrance is noticeable at close range on warm days. Dried plumes persist through winter.
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
Raspberry-pink to rose-purple florets densely packed in upright plumes; the warm raspberry tone is more saturated than most pink astilbe cultivarsFoliage 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 periods are tolerated better than by A. × arendsii hybrids. 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 standing through winter. 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
Container Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 5 gallons