Astilbe x arendsii (False Spirea)
Color Name: Fanal
Astilbe Fanal is a lovely shade plant, especially along borders and garden paths. Its deep red flowers are the darkest of all Astilbes. Long, scarlet-red plumes. Blooms in mid to late summer; one of the latest reds to bloom. New leaves are tinted red, then change to medium green. These vivid and feathery crimson spires grow to at least 12 inches in length, fading in autumn to a rusty brown color. The Astilbe old foliage is best left uncut during the winter months. This will protect the plant from weather damage. The foliage also looks striking in a snowy landscape.
Growing Tips: 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. Fertilize Astilbes in late spring before flowering starts. Wait to cut back the old foliage until spring; it will help protect the plant from winter damage. In the spring, if the crown has risen above soil level, gently press it back into the ground and apply some organic matter around the plant. Plants should be divided in early spring every 3-4 years to maintain vigor.
Photo courtesy of Walters Garden, Inc.
Astilbe Fanal is a lovely shade plant, especially along borders and garden paths. Its deep red flowers are the darkest of all Astilbes. Long, scarlet-red plumes. Blooms in mid to late summer; one of the latest reds to bloom. New leaves are tinted red, then change to medium green. These vivid and feathery crimson spires grow to at least 12 inches in length, fading in autumn to a rusty brown color. The Astilbe old foliage is best left uncut during the winter months. This will protect the plant from weather damage. The foliage also looks striking in a snowy landscape.
Growing Tips: 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. Fertilize Astilbes in late spring before flowering starts. Wait to cut back the old foliage until spring; it will help protect the plant from winter damage. In the spring, if the crown has risen above soil level, gently press it back into the ground and apply some organic matter around the plant. Plants should be divided in early spring every 3-4 years to maintain vigor.
Photo courtesy of Walters Garden, Inc.
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Flower Color: Red Shades Foliage Color: Green Shades
Height: 18 to 22 Inches Spread: 16 to 20 Inches Hardy in Zone: 4, 5, 6 |
Blooms: Late Spring / Early Summer
Foliage Season: All Season |
Exposure
Full Sun
Partial Shade
Full Shade
Soil Moisture Needs
Moderate
Moist
Attributes |
 Fragrant  Dried Flower  Container Specimen Plant Mass Planting Landscapes Easy to Grow Cut Flower or Foilage Border
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Critter Resistance
Deer
Rabbit
