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Color Flash Astilbe

Category:

Striking light -pink colored plumes rising above glossy leaves that start out chartreuse and turn bronze for the summer; perfect in a shady spot with dappled light; prefers moisture so water regularly for abundant flowers and nice foliage

Characteristics

Average Landscape Height:
15 inches (20 inches with the flowers)
Average Landscape Width:
20 inches
Growth Rate:
medium
Genus:
Astilbe
Species:
x arendsii
Cultivar:
Color Flash
Flower Color:
pink
Flower Period:
from early to mid summer
Summer Foliage Color:
burgundy
Minimum Light:
shade
Maximum Light:
partial shade
Minimum Moisture:
moist
Maximum Moisture:
moist
Plant Form:
upright spreading
Canopy:
closed
Pruning:
spring cleanup
Pollution Tolerance:
medium
Other Species Names:
False Spirea
Branching:
herbaceous
Spacing:
16 inches

Ornamental Features

Color Flash Astilbe has masses of beautiful plumes of pink flowers at the ends of the stems from early to mid summer, which are most effective when planted in groupings. The flowers are excellent for cutting. Its deeply cut ferny compound leaves emerge chartreuse in spring, turning burgundy in color throughout the season.

Landscape Attributes

Color Flash Astilbe is an herbaceous perennial with an upright spreading habit of growth. Its relatively fine texture sets it apart from other garden plants with less refined foliage.

Planting & Growing

Color Flash Astilbe will grow to be about 15 inches tall at maturity extending to 20 inches tall with the flowers, with a spread of 20 inches. When grown in masses or used as a bedding plant, individual plants should be spaced approximately 16 inches apart. Its foliage tends to remain dense right to the ground, not requiring facer plants in front. It grows at a medium rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for approximately 10 years. As an herbaceous perennial, this plant will usually die back to the crown each winter, and will regrow from the base each spring. Be careful not to disturb the crown in late winter when it may not be readily seen!

This plant does best in partial shade to shade. It requires an evenly moist well-drained soil for optimal growth. It is very fussy about its soil conditions and must have rich, acidic soils to ensure success, and is subject to chlorosis (yellowing) of the foliage in alkaline soils. It is somewhat tolerant of urban pollution, and will benefit from being planted in a relatively sheltered location. Consider applying a thick mulch around the root zone over the growing season to conserve soil moisture. This particular variety is an interspecific hybrid. It can be propagated by division; however, as a cultivated variety, be aware that it may be subject to certain restrictions or prohibitions on propagation.

Color Flash Astilbe is a fine choice for the garden, but it is also a good selection for planting in outdoor pots and containers. With its upright habit of growth, it is best suited for use as a 'thriller' in the 'spiller-thriller-filler' container combination; plant it near the center of the pot, surrounded by smaller plants and those that spill over the edges. Note that when growing plants in outdoor containers and baskets, they may require more frequent waterings than they would in the yard or garden.

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