Astilbe 'Carminea'

RHS Plant Profile
astilbe 'Carminea'
Bogs Herbaceous Perennial

An old variety of a clump-forming tall perennial Astilbe with dark stems to 90cm, bearing dark- to mid-green, divided leaves and freely producing narrow, dense plumes of tall, raspberry red, long-lasting flowers to 25cm long, above the foliage in late July and August

Position

Partial shade

Soil Types

Clay, Loam

Max Height

0.5-1 metres

Max Spread

0.5-1 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
2–5 years
Max Spread
0.5-1 metres
Max Height
0.5-1 metres

Growing Conditions

Clay Loam
Moisture
Moist but well–drained or Poorly–drained
pH
Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or North–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H7

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Saxifragaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Clump forming
Genus
Astilbe are rhizomatous herbaceous perennials with attractive, usually ternately divided leaves and erect plume-like panicles of tiny white, pink or purple flowers in summer. The old, brown flower-heads remain attractive in autumn
Name Status
Accepted

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow in moist or boggy soil in dappled shade, where the soil never dries out and remains moisture-retentive in summer. Drought intolerant, and may be scorched in direct sun. Good for waterside and woodland planting. See Astilbe cultivation

Propagation

Propagate by division in late winter to early spring; replant immediately or pot up and grow on under glass to plant out in late spring when plants are re-established

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Cut flowers
  • Flower borders and beds

Pruning

Flowering stems can be tidied and cut back when flowers fade, but can also be left for winter interest and wildlife habitat

Pests

May be susceptible to vine weevil

Diseases

May be susceptible to leaf spot weather damage and Powdery mildews