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Astilbe × japonica 'Rheinland'

Rheinland astilbe

Saxifragaceae

Garden hybrid; A. japonica hybrids derived from species native to Japan

Attracts Pollinators Deer Resistant Container Friendly

SunPart Shade – Full Shade

WaterHigh

HardinessZones 4–8

Overview

Astilbe x japonica 'Rheinland' is a compact Japanese astilbe growing 18-24 inches (45-60 cm) tall and wide. Dense upright panicles of clear pink to rose-pink florets appear in June and July above a mound of bright green glossy ternately compound foliage. The pink color is clean and true, without the salmon or magenta tones found in some astilbe cultivars. 'Rheinland' is among the earliest-blooming astilbes, opening in early June in many zones, and is useful for extending the overall astilbe bloom season when planted alongside mid- and late-season cultivars. The panicle density is intermediate: denser than the open A. x arendsii sprays but wider than the narrow spikes of A. chinensis. Bright green foliage gives a lighter contrast for the pink flowers than dark-leaved cultivars. Consistently moist soil is essential; drought causes immediate leaf edge browning and stunted plumes. In full sun, the bright green foliage yellows and scorch develops even with adequate water. Clumps expand slowly by rhizomes and benefit from division every 3-4 years. Deer avoid the foliage.

Native Range

Astilbe x japonica hybrids are derived from A. japonica, native to Japan, crossed with other Asian species. 'Rheinland' was bred by Georg Arends in Germany and introduced in 1916.

Suggested Uses

Planted at the front of shade borders, along shaded paths, and in containers of 5 gallons (19 liters) or more. The early bloom extends the astilbe season when combined with mid- and late-season cultivars. Used in groups of 5-7. Pairs with white astilbes and blue-leaved hostas.

How to Identify

Identified by dense upright panicles of clear pink to rose-pink florets above bright green glossy foliage. The clean pink color without salmon or magenta tones is characteristic. The intermediate panicle density and bright green (not dark green) foliage identify this as an A. x japonica hybrid. Early bloom time (June) separates it from later-blooming types.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height1'6" - 2'

Width/Spread1'6" - 2'

Reaches mature size in approximately 3 years

Colors

Flower Colors

Foliage Colors

Fall Foliage Colors

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~3 weeks

Summer

Flowering occurs in June and July, among the earliest astilbe cultivars. Dense pink panicles open over approximately 3 weeks. The early timing allows pairing with roses and iris. Dried panicles persist through winter.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

Clear pink to rose-pink; dense upright panicles in June and July

Foliage Description

Bright green; glossy, ternately compound

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

SunPartial Shade SunFull Shade

Requires 2-6 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

Soil Requirements

pH Range5.5 - 7.0(Neutral)

357912

Soil Types

loam clay

Drainagemoist

Water & Climate

Water Needs

High

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Time to Maturity

2-3 years

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Sited in partial to full shade with 2-6 hours of filtered light. Humus-rich consistently moist soil is essential. Watered regularly and deeply; drought causes immediate leaf damage. Mulched with 2-3 inches (5-8 cm) of organic material. Clumps are divided every 3-4 years in spring. Full sun is avoided. Fertilization beyond annual mulch is typically not needed.

Pruning

Dried plumes are left for winter interest or removed after bloom. All growth is cut to ground level in early spring before new shoots emerge. No other seasonal pruning is needed.

Pruning Schedule

early spring

Container Growing

✓ Suitable for container growing

Minimum container size: 5 gallons

✓ Toxicity

Non-toxic