Astilbe 'Fanal' - Hybrid Astilbe

Is your shade garden a vast sea of green? If you are looking to add striking contrast and a pop of color, Astilbe 'Fanal' is a great perennial to add. "Fanal' is one of the most popular of the red varieties, this vigorous grower sports striking red plumes that are presented in upright spires that add unique texture to the garden. In the spring, foliage is a mahogany red and turns green by summer. It blooms in early summer and is one of the first reds to bloom .In addition to being beautiful, the flowers are also fragrant and quite pollinator friendly.

Astilbes are long-lived perennials that are most comfortable when grown in rich soil and light shade to filtered sun. They will grow in full shade, but will not bloom as prolifically there.

Though they are easy to grow, Astilbes have one critical requirement--lots of water. Plants must have consistently moist soil; dryness leads to a quick demise, especially in sun. Increase watering as the foliage emerges and the plumes mature. If the soil dries out, the leaves will develop brown, crispy margins and will begin to drop.

Photo Credit: Walters Gardens

General care for any tree or shrub is easy, but like any living thing will require your attention. Please educate yourself and follow these simple rules.

Astilbe 'Fanal' - Hybrid Astilbe

Astilbe is most productive in rich soil high in organic matter and dappled sunlight. They can grown in full shade, but will not bloom prolifically. In a shady garden they can be successful if placed in an area that receives a periodic patches of sunlight through the day. Although they are relatively easy to grow, Astilbes can be water hogs. They are plants that must have consistently moist soil and grow well in areas that support ferns and hostas, where sunlight is present, but doesn't throughly dry the soil out. For this reason, they benefit greatly from mulching and regular organic matter added to the soil. Fertilization is best done with a slow release fertilizer spread in late February and prior to fertilization mulch or compost should be refreshed.