‘Astilboides’ a striking addition to a woodland garden

Astilboides tabularis can be found in the Dunedin Botanic Garden upper garden, growing in the...
Astilboides tabularis can be found in the Dunedin Botanic Garden upper garden, growing in the North Asian borders of the geographic plant collection. PHOTO: PETER MCINTOSH
It is the large, rounded leaves of Astilboides tabularis  that make this herbaceous perennial so noteworthy and unique among garden plants.

 

The bright green leaves resembling lily pads or umbrellas reach an impressive 90cm in diameter, providing a striking architectural look to the garden. 

Native to China, this plant was once in the Rodgersia genus. It is now an Astilboides species.

The genus name meaning "astilbe-like", is in reference to its panicles of white flowers that sit atop tall stems above the leaves. Flowering typically lasts all summer. 

The species epithet tabularis has the meaning of "like a flat writing tablet or board", referencing  its broad leaves. 

A. tabularis performs best in part-shade and moist, humus-rich soil. Plant in an area protected from winds as the soft leaves can easily become damaged from gusts.

This bold specimen plant makes a striking addition to any shady, woodland garden and is one of few large-leaved perennials that thrives in cooler climates, although it may need to be protected from frosts.

The plant can tolerate full sun, but it will not perform well in dry soils. 

The leaves begin to die down in autumn and new growth appears in spring.

The plant can be propagated via division in early spring or by collecting and sowing seed. A. tabularis forms tidy clumps and does not spread quickly. 

Garden Life is produced by Dunedin Botanic Garden. For further information contact Kyla Mathewson.