Astilbe ‘Colour Flash’
£5.95
A perennial that provides all season interest. The beautiful serrated foliage starts bright lime-green turning to shades of burgundy-red. Plumes of feathery, soft-pink flowers in summer. In autumn the foliage turns bright-red. Height and Spread 40cm. Flowers June-July. Partial shade. Hardy.
Description
Astilbe ‘Colour Flash’ is a stunning perennial that provides year-round interest, featuring lime-green foliage that transitions to burgundy-red and bright-red in autumn. Its soft-pink, feathery flowers add elegance to shaded areas of your garden. Follow this guide to ensure your Astilbe ‘Colour Flash’ thrives.
PLANTING and AFTERCARE GUIDE
Best Planting Time
- Spring: The ideal time to plant Astilbe ‘Colour Flash’ is in spring when the soil begins to warm. This timing allows the roots to establish well before the growing season, ensuring vibrant foliage and flowers.
- Autumn: You can also plant in early autumn. This gives the plant time to settle in before dormancy, preparing it for robust growth in the following year.
Site Selection
- Sunlight: Astilbe ‘Colour Flash’ thrives in partial shade. Select a location with dappled sunlight or morning sun, avoiding intense midday heat to prevent leaf scorch.
- Soil: Ensure well-drained, moist soil enriched with organic matter for optimal growth. Astilbe ‘Colour Flash’ prefers soil that retains moisture but does not become waterlogged.
Planting Instructions
- Prepare the Hole: Dig a hole twice the width and equal to the depth of the root ball. This allows ample space for the roots of your Astilbe to grow.
- Soil Preparation: Mix compost or well-rotted organic matter into the soil to enhance its fertility and moisture-retaining properties.
- Planting: Place the plant in the hole with the top of the root ball level with the surrounding soil. Backfill gently, pressing the soil to remove air pockets.
- Watering After Planting: Thoroughly water immediately after planting. Consistent moisture is crucial during the establishment phase.
Watering Requirements
- Growing Season: Keep the soil consistently moist for your Astilbe, particularly during the flowering season. Water deeply, ensuring the soil stays evenly moist but not soggy.
- Dormant Season: Reduce watering during the dormant period. Only water if the soil becomes excessively dry.
Feeding
- Spring: Apply a slow-release, balanced fertiliser in early spring to support lush foliage and vigorous growth in Astilbe ‘Colour Flash.’
- Mid-Summer: Feed lightly during mid-summer to encourage sustained blooming and healthy foliage development.
Pruning
- Deadheading: Remove spent flower plumes to maintain the plant’s tidy appearance and redirect energy to the foliage.
- Autumn Pruning: Once the foliage dies back in late autumn, cut Astilbe ‘Colour Flash’ to ground level to prepare it for the winter season.
Mulching
- Spring: Apply a layer of organic mulch, such as bark or compost, around the base of your Astilbe in spring. This helps retain soil moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature.
- Winter: Add an insulating layer of mulch in winter to protect the roots from freezing temperatures.
Supporting the Plant
- Staking: Astilbe ‘Colour Flash’ generally does not require staking due to its compact size and sturdy stems. However, in windy locations, you may consider light support for taller flower spikes.
Final Tips
Astilbe ‘Colour Flash’ is a low-maintenance plant perfect for shaded gardens, borders, or containers. By ensuring moist, well-drained soil and partial shade, your Astilbe will reward you with vibrant foliage and beautiful blooms. With its ability to provide all-season interest, Astilbe is a must-have for creating dynamic and colourful garden displays. Incorporate Astilbe ‘Colour Flash’ into your landscape for a touch of elegance and year-round appeal.
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