Astilbe japonica 'Europa'
Japanese astilbe
Overview
Astilbe japonica 'Europa' is a clump-forming perennial growing 18-24 inches (45-60 cm) tall and 12-18 inches (30-45 cm) wide, with divided, fern-like foliage of glossy dark green leaflets on wiry stems. In early summer it produces upright, branched plumes 6-10 inches (15-25 cm) long packed with tiny pale pink flowers above the foliage. The plumes hold their shape for several weeks and fade to tan seed heads that stand into autumn and winter. New spring foliage often emerges flushed bronze before turning green. The clump expands slowly from a woody rootstock and reaches full size within two to three years. Astilbe japonica 'Europa' grows in part shade to full shade on consistently moist, humus-rich soil and tolerates damp ground at pond and stream margins. It needs steady moisture; the leaf edges scorch brown and the plumes shrivel in dry soil or hot sun. The plant is slow to recover once it has dried out. Growth and flowering are reduced on poor, dry sites.
Native Range
The species Astilbe japonica is native to Japan, where it grows in moist woodland, ravines, and along mountain streams. 'Europa' is a pale pink garden selection within the Astilbe japonica group.Suggested Uses
Planted in shaded borders, woodland gardens, and along pond and stream margins, spaced 12-18 inches (30-45 cm) apart. Used in groups and drifts for the early-summer pink plumes in damp shade. Grown in containers of moisture-retentive compost kept well watered.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height1'6" - 2'
Width/Spread1' - 1'6"
Reaches mature size in approximately 3 years
Bloom Information
Pale pink plumes open in early summer, June into July, and hold their color for three to four weeks before fading to tan. The dried seed heads remain upright into autumn and winter. 'Europa' flowers earlier than many later astilbe selections.
Detailed Descriptions
Foliage Description
dark green, bronze when youngGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Tolerates up to 4 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
Grow in part to full shade on consistently moist, humus-rich soil that does not dry out, including damp pond and stream margins. Water through dry spells, as the leaf edges scorch and the plumes shrivel if the soil dries. Mulch in spring with compost or leaf mold to conserve moisture and feed the clump. Congested clumps are lifted and divided every three to four years in spring to maintain vigor. Full sun and dry soil brown the foliage and weaken flowering. Faded plumes can be left for autumn and winter structure or cut back for tidiness.Pruning
Leave the faded flower plumes standing for autumn and winter interest, then cut all old stems and foliage to the ground in late winter before new growth begins. The clump can be divided at the same time if needed. No other pruning is required.Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
winterearly spring
Container Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 3 gallons