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Description
Astilbe Chinensis Var. Taquetii Superba is a perennial plant that belongs to the Saxifragaceae family. It is native to China and is commonly known as False Spirea. This plant has a clumping habit and features attractive foliage and fluffy, colorful flower plumes that bloom in late summer.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Saxifragales |
| Family | Saxifragaceae |
| Genus | Astilbe |
Appearance
Astilbe Chinensis Var. Taquetii Superba is a herbaceous perennial plant that grows up to 3 feet tall and 1.5 feet wide. It has deeply lobed, glossy green leaves that are serrated along the edges. During the late summer, the plant produces upright, fluffy plumes of small flowers in shades of pink, purple or white. These flowers are held above the foliage on long stalks and can last for several weeks.
Care Guide
Astilbe Chinensis Var. Taquetii Superba is a low-maintenance plant that does well in partial shade and moist soil. It can be grown in zones 4 to 8. Here are some care tips for this plant:
Water: Astilbe Chinensis Var. Taquetii Superba requires regular watering to keep the soil moist. Water deeply once or twice a week, depending on the weather and soil conditions.
Fertilization: Fertilize the plant once in the spring with a balanced fertilizer. Avoid over-fertilizing, as this can lead to soft growth and reduced flowering.
Soil: This plant prefers moist, well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. It can tolerate slightly acidic soil, but it may not do well in heavy clay soil.
Sunlight: Astilbe Chinensis Var. Taquetii Superba prefers partial shade, although it can tolerate full sun in cooler climates. Too much sun can cause the leaves to scorch and the flowers to fade quickly.
Hardiness Zones: This plant is hardy in zones 4 to 8.
Common Pests & Diseases
Astilbe Chinensis Var. Taquetii Superba is relatively pest and disease-free. However, it can be susceptible to powdery mildew, which can be prevented by providing good air circulation around the plant and avoiding overhead watering. Aphids and spider mites can also infest the plant, but these pests can be controlled with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Habitat
Astilbe Chinensis Var. Taquetii Superba is native to China, where it grows in moist woodlands and along stream banks. It prefers partial shade and moist soil, but it can tolerate a range of growing conditions.
Question and Answer
Q: How often should I water Astilbe Chinensis Var. Taquetii Superba?
A: Water the plant deeply once or twice a week, depending on the weather and soil conditions.
Q: What is the best type of soil for Astilbe Chinensis Var. Taquetii Superba?
A: This plant prefers moist, well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. It can tolerate slightly acidic soil, but it may not do well in heavy clay soil.
Q: How tall does Astilbe Chinensis Var. Taquetii Superba grow?
A: This plant can grow up to 3 feet tall and 1.5 feet wide.
Q: When does Astilbe Chinensis Var. Taquetii Superba bloom?
A: This plant blooms in late summer, typically in August.
Related Plants
Here are some related plants that are similar to Astilbe Chinensis Var. Taquetii Superba:
- Astilbe Arendsii
- Astilbe Japonica
- Astilbe Thunbergii
- Astilbe X Arendsii
References
- “Astilbe chinensis.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed 24 July 2021. <http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=n670>.
- “Astilbe chinensis ‘Taquetii Superba’.” Plant Finder. Accessed 24 July 2021. <https://www.monrovia.com/plant-catalog/plants/1205/taquetii-superba-astilbe/>.
- “False Spirea.” Fine Gardening. Accessed 24 July 2021. <https://www.finegardening.com/plant/false-spirea>.
