Astilbe Burgundy Red - Marginal Pond Plants - BP013A

Astilbe ‘Burgundy Red’, also known as Burgundy Red False Goat’s Beard, is a captivating herbaceous perennial valued for its deep red flower plumes and lush, feathery foliage. This striking plant thrives in moist, shaded areas, adding bold colour and texture to woodland gardens, borders, and water features.

Description

Astilbe ‘Burgundy Red’ grows to a height of 60–90 cm (24–36 inches) with a spread of 45–60 cm (18–24 inches). Its dark green, finely divided leaves form a dense, mound-like base, providing a beautiful contrast to its vibrant blooms.

In early to mid-summer (June to July), upright, branching stems rise above the foliage, carrying dense, fluffy plumes of rich burgundy-red flowers. These dramatic blooms are long-lasting and add vertical interest and depth to shaded or partially shaded areas.

Growing Conditions

Astilbe ‘Burgundy Red’ thrives in partial shade to full shade and prefers consistently moist, well-drained soil. It performs best in rich, humus-rich soils with a slightly acidic to neutral pH. While it can tolerate some sunlight in cooler climates, too much direct sun can cause leaf scorch or stress.

This plant is hardy in the UK, tolerating frost and reliably returning each year, making it a dependable choice for temperate gardens.

Propagation and Care

Astilbe ‘Burgundy Red’ is propagated through division:

• Division: Divide mature clumps in spring or autumn, ensuring each section contains healthy roots and buds. Replant divisions in well-prepared soil at the same depth.
• Spacing: Allow 45–60 cm (18–24 inches) between plants to accommodate their mature size and promote airflow.

Routine care includes:

• Watering regularly to maintain soil moisture, especially during hot or dry periods.
• Mulching annually to conserve moisture, suppress weeds, and enrich the soil.
• Cutting back spent flower stems and foliage in autumn to tidy up and prepare for winter dormancy.

Uses

Ornamental:
Astilbe ‘Burgundy Red’ is perfect for shaded borders, woodland gardens, or water features. Its bold, red blooms contrast beautifully with the green tones of shade-loving plants like Ferns, Hostas, and Heucheras.

Mass Planting:
This variety makes an eye-catching display when planted in groups, creating a vibrant, cohesive look in naturalized or formal planting schemes.

Cut Flowers:
The long-lasting blooms are excellent for fresh or dried floral arrangements, adding texture and dramatic colour.

Ecological Value

Astilbe ‘Burgundy Red’ is highly attractive to pollinators such as bees and butterflies, offering a valuable nectar source. Its dense foliage provides shelter for small insects and contributes to biodiversity in shaded areas.

Considerations

• Moisture Needs: Regular watering is crucial to maintain soil moisture. Dry conditions can lead to poor flowering and browning foliage.
• Frost Hardiness: This variety is fully hardy in the UK and requires no special winter protection.
• Maintenance: Astilbe ‘Burgundy Red’ is low-maintenance, requiring only occasional division to rejuvenate older clumps.

Summary

Astilbe ‘Burgundy Red’ is a stunning perennial that combines bold, burgundy-red blooms with lush, feathery foliage. Ideal for shaded, moist garden areas, this variety adds vibrant colour, texture, and ecological benefits to woodland gardens, borders, and water features. Its long-lasting flowers and adaptability make it a reliable and visually striking choice for enhancing any shaded or partially shaded landscape.

Why Choose Astilbe 'Burgundy Red'?

Astilbe 'Burgundy Red' is a striking perennial known for its vibrant deep red flower plumes and lush, fern-like foliage. Ideal for shaded or damp areas, this hardy and eye-catching plant adds bold color, texture, and elegance to borders, woodland gardens, and water features.

1. Bold Burgundy Red Flower Plumes

• Astilbe 'Burgundy Red' produces dense, feathery plumes of rich burgundy-red flowers that stand out vividly in the garden.
• Blooming in midsummer, the flowers create a dramatic display that enhances any shaded or moist garden setting.

2. Elegant, Fern-Like Foliage

• The finely divided, dark green foliage adds texture and sophistication, forming neat, dense clumps that provide year-round interest.
• The foliage contrasts beautifully with the bold red flowers, creating a harmonious and dynamic effect.

3. Thrives in Shaded and Moist Conditions

• Thrives in partial to full shade, making it an excellent choice for brightening woodland gardens, shady borders, or areas beneath trees and shrubs.
• Prefers consistently moist, well-drained soils, performing especially well near streams, ponds, or in damp, low-lying areas.

4. Low Maintenance and Hardy

• This robust perennial is easy to grow and requires little care apart from regular watering to maintain soil moisture.
• Naturally resistant to deer and most pests, it is a reliable choice for low-maintenance gardens.

5. Wildlife-Friendly

• The nectar-rich flowers attract pollinators, such as bees and butterflies, supporting biodiversity in your garden.
• Its dense foliage can also provide shelter for small garden creatures, enhancing the ecological value of shaded spaces.

6. Versatile Garden Use

• Perfect for adding bold color to shady borders, woodland gardens, or alongside water features where its vibrant blooms can take center stage.
• Pairs beautifully with other shade-loving plants like ferns, hostas, or heucheras to create lush, layered plantings.

Key Features

• Height: 60–80 cm (24–32 inches)
• Flowers: Feathery burgundy-red plumes, blooming in midsummer
• Foliage: Finely divided, dark green leaves
• Soil: Moist, well-drained soil
• Light: Partial to full shade

Astilbe 'Burgundy Red' is a vibrant and elegant addition to any garden, offering dramatic color, lush foliage, and ease of care. Its ability to thrive in shaded or damp areas makes it a must-have for gardeners looking to add boldness and texture to challenging garden spaces.