A stellar late-flowering variety, Astilbe 'Red Cattleya' False Spirea is a hardy perennial, gracing gardens with its blooms from mid to late summer. This distinguished variety, named in homage to the popular orchid genus, closely resembles the well-known 'Cattleya' with the only distinction lying in its mesmerizing dark red plumes. These large feathery flowers are elegantly borne on tall, slim, sturdy stems, rising above a graceful fernlike mound of dark green leaves that first appear with a captivating red tinge. The enduring beauty of these flowers makes them perfect for fresh and dried arrangements, and as the season draws to a close, the seed heads offer a touch of ornamental interest to winter garden.
An Astilbe x arendsii hybrid, commonly known as astilbe or false spirea, 'Red Cattleya' boasts gradually spreads through rhizomes and grows into a tall, upright, clump-forming plant. While it shines when grouped or massed in mixed beds and borders and is particularly well-suited to shade gardens and along water features, its versatility extends to being equally impactful as a specimen or container plant.
This astilbe variety is not only a visual delight but also easy to grow, demanding almost no maintenance. It thrives in part shade to full shade locations, becoming its best in organically rich, humusy, moist, well-draining soil. Ensuring a consistent moisture level is crucial, as the plant should never be allowed to dry out. Keep in mind that foliage decline may occur during hot summer weather, especially in periods of drought, if the soil is not kept uniformly moist.
