About
Astilbe 'Rotlicht' (x _arendsii_) is a compact perennial that typically reaches a height of around 70 cm. It features divided, fern-like leaves that are glossy and mid-green, developing a reddish hue in spring. From mid to late summer, it produces narrow flower plumes, measuring up to 25 cm, in a vivid pinkish-red color, borne on dark red stems.
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
- East-facing, West-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
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
- Flowering stems may be cut back when flowers fade, or left standing for winter interest
- Propagation
- Propagate by division in winter or early spring; replant immediately or pot up to plant out in spring when re-established
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- May be susceptible to leaf spot and Powdery mildews