Plate-leaved Astilboides

Family: Asteraceae. Description: fairly rare in cultivation, the genus contains only one species.

Native range - Northeastern China, Korea, where it occurs on forest edges and ravines.

A low perennial up to 30 cm tall with stiff, springy leaves up to 70 cm in diameter, on long, sturdy petioles. The flowers are small, creamy, gathered into paniculate inflorescences up to 25 cm long, nodding by the end of flowering. The flower stalk reaches up to 150 cm in height. It blooms in July for 25-30 days. The rhizome is superficial, thick, creeping.

Location: Best planting place is partial shade; prefers loam rich in humus. Moisture-loving. Hardy in winter without cover; young leaves may be damaged by late spring frosts. With good moisture it tolerates bright sunlight, but still this is a classic shade plant.

Care: Requires plenty of moisture; responds well to organic fertilizer applications several times during the summer. Does not need transplanting for many years. Spreads slowly. Old flower stalks and leaves are pruned.

Propagation: by division of the rhizome. Best time is at the beginning of spring growth. Seeds are small. For uniform germination, cold stratification for one month and germination at a low (up to 25°C) temperature is recommended. Seedlings are very small, develop slowly, but are undemanding and tolerate transplanting easily. Flowering occurs in the 3rd–4th year.

Uses: as a specimen planting, in rock gardens of the "bog" and "ravine" type; striking when planted near water.

Looks impressive by the water together with yellow iris and Thunberg barberry.