Astilbe 'Red Cattleya' False Spirea

A late flowering variety, Astilbe 'Red Cattleya' False Spirea is a hardy perennial that blooms from mid to late summer. Named for the popular orchid genus and identical to the popular 'Cattleya' except in color, 'Red Cattleya' produces large feathery plumes that are dark red. Borne on tall, slim, sturdy stems, the flowers rise above a graceful fernlike mound of dark green leaves that emerge with a red tinge. The long-lasting flowers make excellent cuts for fresh and dried arrangements, and the end-of-season seed heads add ornamental interest to the late-season garden.

An Astilbe x arendsii hybrid, commonly called astilbe or false spirea, 'Red Cattleya' has a tall, upright, clump-forming habit and slowly spreads by rhizomes. The plant works well as a specimen or container plant, but it works equally well grouped or massed in mixed beds and borders, especially in shade gardens and along water features.

Easy to grow and low maintenance, astilbe grows best in dappled sun to full shade locations with organically rich, humusy, moist, well-draining soil. The plant should not be allowed to dry out. Foliage decline may occur in hot summer weather, especially in periods of drought, if soil is not kept uniformly moist.