Giant Astilbe
astilboides tabularis
Also known as: ["Uvularia tabularis"]
Overview
A herbaceous perennial with large, round, umbrella-like leaves and small, star-shaped flowers in clusters.
Benefits & Perks
["shade tolerant","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Saxifragales |
| Family: | Saxifragaceae |
| Genus: | Astilboides |
| Botanical Name: | Astilboides tabularis |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Flowers
- Suitable Location: shady garden bed or woodland setting
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"0–30°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"4–8"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Moderately well-draining; should not remain waterlogged but should retain some moisture.
- Soil Type: Rich, loamy soil with high organic matter; well-draining but moisture-retentive.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: As needed, typically in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.
- Pruning Intensity: Light pruning; remove only dead, diseased, or damaged leaves.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Partial shade to full shade; 3–4 hours of morning sunlight or dappled light; avoid intense afternoon sun.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to brighter light if moving from shade; protect from direct midday sun to prevent scorching; ideal for shaded garden beds or under taller plants.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
partial shade to full shade
Morning sun is best; avoid hot afternoon sun; dappled light is ideal.
Watering
every 7–10 days, allowing soil to dry slightly between waterings
Water thoroughly until it drains from the bottom; avoid waterlogging; ensure soil dries moderately between waterings.
Soil
rich, moist, well-draining loam with organic matter
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral, pH 6.0–7.0.
Ensure good drainage; enrich with organic matter; maintain consistent moisture.
Temperature
Cool to moderate temperatures, 50–75°F (10–24°C); prefers cooler conditions, especially at night.
Keep away from drafts; maintain consistent temperatures; protect from extreme heat or cold.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during active growth (spring and summer)
Fertilize in spring and summer only; dilute fertilizer to prevent burn; stop in fall and winter.
Propagation
Methods
Division of rhizomes; stem cuttings can also be attempted but are less reliable.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Divide rhizomes with a sharp knife.
- Replant divisions at the same depth.
- Water thoroughly after planting.
Best Time: Early spring or early fall when the plant is not in active bloom.
Environment
Warm, humid environment with indirect light; keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.
Medium
Rich, moist potting mix with good drainage; can be propagated directly in the garden.
Hormone
Not typically required for rhizome division; optional for stem cuttings.
Timeline
Rhizome division establishes quickly in 1–2 weeks; stem cuttings may take 4–6 weeks to root.
Tools Needed
Sharp knife, gloves, clean pots or garden space, moist soil.
Quick Tips
Divide every 3–4 years to maintain vigor; ensure each division has roots and foliage; plant immediately after division.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Snip individual leaves at the base; no need for complex techniques.
Pruning Plan
Minimal pruning needed; focus on removing dead or damaged foliage to maintain appearance and health.
Tools
Sharp bypass pruners or scissors, gloves.
Checklist
Remove only dead/damaged leaves; sanitize tools; prune before new growth starts.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before active growth begins.
Pot Size
Increase pot size by 2–3 inches in diameter; ensure adequate drainage holes.
Method
Gently remove plant; trim any dead roots; repot in fresh, well-draining soil with added organic matter.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when the plant becomes root-bound; beneficial for maintaining vigor.
Checklist
Choose appropriate pot size; use fresh soil mix; trim roots if necessary; water after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture before watering; water early morning; ensure proper drainage; adjust frequency by season.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water directly at the root zone, ensuring even moisture distribution; water early in the morning to reduce evaporation; allow excess water to drain completely to prevent root rot.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once per week during growing season; reduce frequency in winter to every 2–3 weeks, allowing soil to dry slightly between waterings.
Soil Improvement
Add compost or well-rotted manure to enhance fertility and structure; incorporate perlite or sand for drainage if needed.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Wilting, yellowing leaves, stunted growth, or leaf drop in extreme heat or cold.
Cold Stress
Slows growth, may cause leaf discoloration, and can lead to frost damage in freezing temperatures.
Solution: Provide winter protection with mulch; move potted plants to a sheltered location; avoid sudden temperature drops.
Hot Stress
Leaf scorch, wilting, and reduced vigor due to excessive heat and dry conditions.
Solution: Provide shade during peak heat; increase watering frequency; use mulch to retain soil moisture.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use balanced fertilizer; dilute properly; fertilize during active growth; avoid winter feeding.
Fertilizing Method
Use balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4–6 weeks during growing season; avoid fertilizing in winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Non-toxicAstilboides tabularis is not known to be toxic to cats. There are no documented cases of adverse effects from ingestion of this plant by felines.
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Non-toxicAstilboides tabularis is not known to be toxic to dogs. There are no documented cases of adverse effects from ingestion of this plant by canines.
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Non-toxicAstilboides tabularis is not known to exhibit toxic properties to humans. The plant is generally considered safe for consumption, though it is not commonly used as a food source.
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How much sunlight does Astilboides tabularis need?
A: It prefers partial shade to full shade and can tolerate full sun only if the soil remains consistently moist.
Q: What type of soil is best for this plant?
A: It thrives in rich, moist, well-drained soil with plenty of organic matter.
Q: Does it require frequent watering?
A: Yes, it needs regular watering to keep the soil consistently moist, especially during dry periods.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Saxifragaceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | partial shade to full shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days, allowing so |
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