Fanal astilbe

Sun

Partial shade, ideally morning sun and afternoon shade. Full sun is possible in cool climates if the soil stays moist; deep shade reduces flowering.

Water

Keep the root zone consistently moist. Water deeply during dry spells, especially while new growth and flower stems are developing; do not let the soil dry out completely.

Soil

Humus-rich, moisture-retentive soil that drains freely enough to avoid stagnant winter wet. Slightly acidic to neutral soil is ideal.

Height

1.5-2 ft (0.45-0.6 m)

Spread

1-2 ft (0.3-0.6 m)

Flowers

Early to midsummer; dense, upright plumes of deep crimson-red flowers that fade to brown.

Foliage

Finely divided, toothed leaves emerge bronze-red and mature to dark green, sometimes retaining bronze tones. Foliage dies back in winter.

Growth

Moderate; forms a substantial clump over several growing seasons.

Care needed

Medium

• Pollinators
• Deer resistant
• Cold hardy
• Low allergen

Northern hemisphere months. In Australia, shift them by six.

Difficulty

Moderate

Toughness

Fairly tough

Pick your zone, country, light and whether you have pets.

1. Planting day

   1 ft (0.3 m)

2. After 1 year

   1.2 ft (0.37 m)

3. After 2 years

   1.5 ft (0.45 m)

4. After 3 years

   1.7 ft (0.53 m)

   full size

About 3 years to full size.

From a typical nursery size, at an average rate for this kind of plant. A rule of thumb, not a forecast.

Cats and dogs

Safe

Growth rate

Moderate

• Water at soil level whenever the root zone begins to dry; do not wait for leaves to wilt.
• Apply compost and a light dressing of balanced fertiliser in spring.
• Mulch with 2 in (5 cm) of leaf mould or compost, keeping it clear of the emerging shoots.
• Divide congested clumps every three to four years, or when flowering declines.
• Choose a position sheltered from drying winds; the short flower stems rarely need staking.

Pruning. Leave faded plumes standing if you like their winter texture, or remove them after flowering for a tidier appearance. Cut dead stems and foliage to ground level in late winter or early spring before new shoots lengthen.

Early spring

Cut away last year's dead growth before new shoots develop.

Spring

Plant or divide clumps, water thoroughly, and keep divisions moist while they establish.

Mid-spring

Apply compost, a light feed and a moisture-retaining mulch.

Early summer

Check soil moisture frequently as flower stems develop, especially under trees.

Midsummer

Remove faded flower stems if preferred, but retain healthy leaves.

Autumn

Plant or divide in mild regions while the soil is still warm; in cold regions, leave division until spring.

• Plant in repeated groups near the front of a shaded border for concentrated red accents.
• Combine with hostas and ferns to contrast fine foliage and upright plumes with broad leaves and arching fronds.
• Use beside a pond or stream where the soil stays moist, but keep the crown out of standing water.
• Edge a lightly shaded path with small groups where the flowers can be seen close up.

Garden styles it suits: Woodland, Cottage garden, English country, Romantic rose garden, Bog garden and Japanese.

Plant it with: Hostas, Japanese painted fern, Siberian bugloss, Rodgersia, Japanese primroses and Foamflower.

Wildlife: The flowers provide pollen and nectar for visiting insects, including bees. Deer and rabbits often leave astilbes alone, though browsing is still possible.

• Brown, crisp leaf edges usually indicate dry soil, strong sun or drying wind. Water deeply, renew mulch and provide afternoon shade.
• Poor flowering can result from deep shade or overcrowding. Move to brighter filtered light or divide congested clumps in spring.
• Vine weevil larvae can damage roots, particularly in containers. Inspect failing plants and use an appropriate biological nematode treatment when soil temperatures suit the product.
• Powdery mildew may affect crowded or stressed plants. Improve air circulation, keep roots evenly moist and remove badly affected foliage.

Astilbe is not known to be toxic to cats, dogs, horses or people. No part is recognised as poisonous, but it is an ornamental plant rather than a food plant.

• Goat's beard (Aruncus dioicus)

  It has similar divided leaves and feathery flowers, but forms a much taller, broader plant with large cream-white plumes rather than compact red ones.

• Queen of the prairie (Filipendula rubra)

  It carries airy pink flower clouds on much taller stems and has conspicuously lobed leaves, unlike the many small, toothed leaflets of astilbe.

The hybrid name honours German plant breeder Georg Arends, and 'Fanal' is German for a beacon or signal light.

Propagation. Divide established clumps in early spring, keeping several healthy buds and a good portion of roots on each division. Replant promptly and water well. Seed will not reliably produce plants identical to 'Fanal'.

Accepted botanical name

Astilbe rosea Astilbe × arendsii 'Fanal' is an older name for Astilbe rosea.

Sources: GBIF (CC BY 4.0). The care and design notes are LandscapeGPT's own.