Astilbe chinensis var. taquetii Purpurlanze - Chinese Astilbe

Astilbe chinensis var. taquetii Purpurlanze is a variety of Chinese Astilbe that surpasses the type species in terms of the height of its flowering, the superb carmine purple colour of its large flower plumes, and its vigorous growth often tinged with mahogany on the young leaves. Like all astilbes, it is an essential perennial for ornamental planting in compact, heavy, wet, and marshy soils. It is very hardy, never gets sick, and lives for a long time in the same place. In addition to its spectacular flowering, this Purpurlanze variety has decorative divided foliage, although it disappears in winter.

Astilbe chinensis, from the Saxifragaceae family, is native to China, Korea, and eastern Siberia. It is an herbaceous perennial plant with rhizomatous roots that is adapted to moist and fertile soils, although it is less water demanding than other astilbe species.

Astilbe chinensis var. taquetii Purpurlanze quickly forms a mound of foliage that somewhat resembles a fern. This cushion-shaped clump consists of a set of leafy stems reaching about 60 cm (24in) in height with a spread of 45 cm (18in). The upright, slightly arched stems bear compound leaves, divided into 3 more or less strongly toothed, hairy leaflets. They change from spring's dark red-tinged green to a fairly dark glossy olive green in summer. In average climates, 'Purpurlanze' begins flowering in July and finishes in late August or September. Sturdy floral stems, easily reaching 1.20 m (4ft) in height, emerge from the foliage. Particularly abundant, this flowering takes the form of long and wide branched spikes, with an extremely feathery appearance, where a multitude of tiny flowers are tightly packed. Their carmine purple colour becomes lighter towards the end of flowering, creating a beautiful gradiated bouquet on the plant. It is a deciduous plant, with above-ground growth drying up and dying in winter, and re-emerging in spring.

This 'Purpurlanze' Astilbe prefers to be placed near a body of water that serves as its mirror, giving it a unique charm. This variety also thrives in shaded beds where the soil remains moist even in summer. It can, for example, be associated with lovely shade companions such as ferns and Giant Hostas. Its purplish plumes add a beautiful touch of colour to the undergrowth and enliven north-east-facing facades along with Hydrangeas. Planted in ribbons, Astilbes accentuate shaded paths in the company of Liriope muscari and saxifrages. Their fern-like foliage contrasts beautifully with that of their opulent neighbours. Also consider pairing them with rhubarb. Their feathery flowering blends perfectly with that of persicarias or bugbanes, for example. Chinese astilbes can tolerate exposure to the sun if it is filtered and the soil remains consistently moist.