Astilbe chinensis 'Purple Candles'
Best vibrant perennial for shaded garden enthusiasts.
Astilbe chinensis 'Purple Candles', commonly known as Chinese Astilbe 'Purple Candles', is a perennial plant that blooms later in the season, typically in August. It is more tolerant of sun and drought compared to other Astilbe varieties. This plant forms clumps of dissected leaves and produces panicles of reddish-purple flowers. The spent flowers remain on the plant into winter, providing structure. It exhibits upright growth with strong stems and can be used as a groundcover. It thrives in part sun with consistent moisture, or in half shade to full shade conditions. It prefers average soils with higher organic matter content, neutral to slightly acidic pH, and can grow in clay soil. It requires average moisture but is more drought-tolerant than other cultivars, preferring medium to moist soils, and can tolerate moist to wet conditions. This plant is suitable for USDA hardiness zones 4 to 8/9. It is deer and rabbit resistant and attracts pollinators. It is also tolerant to black walnuts. It is well-suited for shade gardens, woodland gardens, and under the canopy of larger trees. It is a great cut flower and is considered a reliable perennial, noted for its presence in gardens like the Lurie Garden in Chicago.
$9.99
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Category Rank
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#2378 in Landscaping & Garden Plants
Price vs Category Average
-64%
Below average
Height
2436
/ - inches
Who it's for
- Gardeners seeking bold color and architectural form in shaded areas.
- Homeowners with shady garden spots needing reliable, colorful flowering plants.
- Gardeners in deer-prone regions wanting beautiful, undisturbed landscape additions.
Who should skip it
- Dry climate gardeners or those preferring low-water, drought-tolerant landscaping.
- Gardeners with poor soil unwilling to invest time in extensive soil preparation.
- Impatient gardeners desiring immediate, robust garden impact from new plantings.
Performance breakdown
Drought Resilience
Outperforms most Astilbe varieties in drier, sunnier garden conditions.
Seasonal Longevity
August blooms and persistent winter structure extend the garden's visual interest.
Pest Resistance
Reliably deters deer and rabbits while remaining safe from black walnuts.
Pollinator Appeal
Strong stems and vibrant panicles effectively draw local pollinators to shade.
Soil Adaptability
Thrives in heavy clay and organic-rich soils with minimal fuss.
Structural Integrity
Upright growth habit ensures the plant maintains form without needing staking.
Key Specs
Height
24-36 inches
Spread
18-24 inches
Bloom Time
August
Flower Color
Reddish-purple
Foliage Type
Dissected
Plant Type
Perennial
USDA Hardiness Zones
4-8/9
Sun Exposure
Part sun, Half shade, Full shade
Features
- Later blooming for extended season interest
- More tolerant to sun and drought
- Spent flowers provide winter structure
- Deer and rabbit resistant
- Attracts pollinators
- Tolerant to black walnuts
- Upright growth with strong stems
- Suitable for groundcover
What customers say
Customers consistently praise the striking visual impact of this Astilbe, noting its vibrant, rich purple plumes that add dramatic flair to shaded garden spaces. Many highlight its robust growth and reliable performance, establishing well and returning year after year with impressive vigor. Gardeners appreciate how effortlessly it enhances their landscapes, providing consistent color and texture without demanding extensive care. Its ability to thrive and deliver such a captivating display makes it a highly valued addition for those seeking dependable beauty.
Know before you buy
Unlike many traditional Astilbes that prefer constant shade and high moisture, 'Purple Candles' is notably more tolerant of sun and drought. It also blooms later in the season, typically in August, and features stronger stems that hold their shape well into winter.
Yes, 'Purple Candles' is adaptable to clay soils. It performs best in soils with high organic matter, so incorporating compost into your planting site will help ensure it thrives.
This variety is considered deer and rabbit resistant, making it a reliable choice for gardens where wildlife pressure is a concern. While no plant is entirely immune, it is rarely a preferred food source for these animals.
Yes, this cultivar is tolerant to black walnuts. It is an excellent choice for woodland gardens or areas under the canopy of larger trees where other plants might struggle due to juglone sensitivity.
You can leave the spent flower panicles on the plant throughout the winter. They provide interesting architectural structure to the garden during the colder months, though you can prune them back in early spring if you prefer a tidier look.
While it thrives in full to half shade, it is more sun-tolerant than most Astilbes. It will perform well in part sun as long as it receives consistent moisture, especially during the peak of summer.
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