Unpack bare roots or rhizomes on arrival and plant them within a week. Until then, keep them somewhere cool and ensure the roots remain slightly moist, never wet.
Astilbe 'Vision in Red' is arguably the darkest and longest-flowering Astilbe you can buy. Deep red buds open to dark purplish red flowers in thick plumes, and these appear for most of the summer (and even into early autumn), rising above branching stems 45-75cm tall. This is a robust, upright plant, forming a mound of dark green leaves with wiry, dark purple stems and leaf stalks. A hardy perennial, it will grow best at the wet edges around ponds, or any soil that does not dry out.
Astilbe chinensis 'Vision in Red' is a hybrid between Astilbe chinensis var. pumila and Astilbe chinensis 'Purpurkerze' (Purple Candle). Originally from eastern Asia and north-eastern America, Astilbes, also known as false goat’s beards or false spireas, are reliable garden favourites, and tend to love the British climate. They even tolerate quite heavy clay soils. Oh, and if you live in the country and are plagued by visiting rabbits—they won’t touch this astilbe!
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Remove the packaging straight away, check the compost and water thoroughly if dry. Check the plant’s hardiness before placing it outdoors. Plant into a border or permanent container within a month, choosing the position recommended for the variety. Keep the top of the root ball level with the surrounding soil, firm gently and water well.
Soak the roots in water for three to six hours immediately before planting. Keep any crown, buds or emerging shoots above the water where possible.
Pot most bare roots into 15–20cm pots filled with peat-free multipurpose compost. Large or depth-sensitive roots, including peonies, are often best planted directly into borders.
Arrange the roots naturally without bending them. Cover the roots completely, positioning the crown and buds at the depth recommended for that particular perennial.
Keep pots in a sheltered outdoor position and water whenever the compost begins to dry. Grow on until roots hold the compost together when lifted from the pot.
Plant into a suitable border or permanent container once well rooted. Add a label and water regularly throughout the first growing season while the perennial establishes.
- Botanical name
- Astilbe chinensis 'Vision in Red'
- Flower colour
- Red
- Established height
- 70cm-1m
- Established spread
- 30-50cm
- Growing skill
- Easy to grow
- Habit
-
Upright
Clump-forming - Hardiness
- Fully hardy
- Leaf colour
- Green
- Mouse resistant
- No
- Plant size
- 2/3 eyes
- Plant spacing
- 5 plants per m2
- Pollinator friendly
- Yes
- Position
- Sheltered
- Rabbit resistant
- Yes
- Scented
- No
- Soil acidity
- Any
- Soil moisture
-
Damp
Free draining - Soil type
-
Loam
Clay
Loam-based compost - Suitable for
-
Large containers
Borders
Cottage gardens
Low maintenance gardens - Sunlight
-
Full shade
Partial shade
Dappled shade - Toxicity
- No report
- Years to establish
- 2-3 years
Astilbe 'Vision in Red' reviews
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Our horticulturalists prepare every bulb and plant with the utmost care. From selection to packing, each one receives expert attention before beginning its journey to your garden.