About
Astilbe 'Red Sentinel' is a compact perennial that typically grows to around 70 cm in height. Its foliage consists of glossy, dark green leaves that are divided and exhibit a hint of dark red during the spring. In early summer, this variety produces dense spikes of deep crimson flowers, which can reach lengths of up to 30 cm.
About the genus
Astilbe are perennial plants with rhizomes, characterized by their dissected leaves that typically have a ternate structure. In summer, they produce upright panicles filled with small flowers in shades of white, pink, or purple. The dried flower heads persist into autumn, adding interest to the landscape.
Growing conditions
- Sunlight
- Partial shade
- Soil type
- Clay, Loam
- Soil pH
- Acid, Neutral, Alkaline
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained, Poorly-drained
- Aspect
- West-facing, East-facing, North-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H7
Plant details
- Plant type
- Bogs, Herbaceous Perennial
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- 0.5-1 metres
- Spread
- 0.5-1 metres
- Time to full height
- 2-5 years
- Suggested uses
- Cottage and informal garden, City and courtyard gardens
Care notes
- Cultivation
- Grow in moist but well-drained or boggy soil in dappled shade, or in indirect sun where the soil remains moisture-retentive in summer. Drought intolerant, may be damaged in hot sun. Good for waterside planting. See Astilbe cultivation
- Pruning
- No pruning required, but the dead stems may be cut to ground level in late winter
- Propagation
- Propagate by division in spring
- Pest resistance
- May be susceptible to vine weevil
- Disease resistance
- May be susceptible to Powdery mildews and a leaf spot