This perennial dies back to below ground level each year in autumn, then fresh new growth appears again in spring.

• Position: full sun or partial shade
• Soil: moist, humus-rich soil
• Rate of Growth:vigorous
• Flowering period: May to June
• Hardiness: fully hardy
  
  Deep red, fluffy plumes appear above serrated, dark green leaves in early summer. The flowers of this astilbe are self-supporting and retain their colour for a few weeks. Ideal for a bog garden or moist border, this astilbe will thrive in clay soil as long as it is not allowed to dry out during the summer months. Although it can grow in drier soils, it does need to be in a shady spot.
  
  
• Garden care: Newly planted astilbes need to be kept well watered until they are established. Lift and divide large clumps every three or four years in late winter or early spring, discarding old woody rhizomes. Mulch with well-rotted organic matter in spring.