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Growth Rate
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– Fast-growing and early blooming
– Compact and bushy clump-forming habit
– Mature size: 12–18 inches tall and 12–18 inches wide |
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Colorful leaves
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Flowering
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Yes |
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Bloom Color
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Disease resistant
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Yes |
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Cold Tolerant
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Yes |
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Heat Tolerant
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No |
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Drought Tolerant
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No |
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Deer Resistant
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Yes |
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Edible
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No |
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Wildlife Attraction
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– Attracts pollinators, including bees and hoverflies
– Deer and rabbit resistant |
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Self-pollinating
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Seasonality
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– Spring: Foliage emerges and buds form
– Summer: Main bloom period in June–July, sometimes with light rebloom
– Fall: Foliage may persist; cut back before winter
– Winter: Root crown remains dormant; mulch if in colder zones |
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Ideal For
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– Compact borders – woodland gardens – containers – mass planting for color impact |
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Leaf Description
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– Lush green, fern-like foliage that’s finely divided
– Forms a neat, dense mound beneath the flowers
– Maintains attractive texture even out of bloom |
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Flower Description
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– Carmine-red plumes that are dense, upright, and feathery
– Blooms earlier than many other Astilbe—usually early to midsummer
– High bloom count for a compact cultivar
– Excellent for cutting or drying |
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Planting Instructions
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– Plant in spring or early fall in well-drained, humus-rich soil
– Amend soil with compost before planting
– Space 12–15 inches apart to allow clump formation
– Mulch to conserve soil moisture and protect shallow roots |
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Pruning & Maintenance
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– Hosta, Heuchera, Brunnera, Pulmonaria, and Ferns
– Tiarella, Alchemilla mollis, or Dicentra for spring layering
– Works well under Hydrangea, Japanese Maple, or Dogwood
– Great in container combinations with trailing or upright foliage plants |
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Water Needs
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– Requires consistently moist soil
– Mulch helps retain moisture during warmer months
– Not drought tolerant—water regularly in summer |
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Light Needs
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– Partial shade is ideal
– Can tolerate full shade, though flower production may be lighter
– In cooler zones, tolerates morning sun if kept moist
– Avoid direct afternoon sun in hot climates |
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Harvesting
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– Flowers are harvestable for fresh or dried arrangements
– Divide every 3–4 years to rejuvenate and propagate |
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Fertilizing
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– Apply balanced fertilizer (10-10-10) or compost in early spring
– Optional second feed midseason for prolonged flowering
– Avoid excess nitrogen to reduce legginess |
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Pollination
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– Pollinated by bees, hoverflies, and other small insects
– Flowers may produce seed, but propagation is usually done by division |
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Companion Plants
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– Hosta, Heuchera, Brunnera, Pulmonaria, and Ferns
– Tiarella, Alchemilla mollis, or Dicentra for spring layering
– Works well under Hydrangea, Japanese Maple, or Dogwood
– Great in container combinations with trailing or upright foliage plants |
