Description of Astilbe 'Red Baron'

Astilbe 'Red Baron' is grown for deep red flower plumes and ferny foliage. It’s a great moisture lover for damp shade and works well on the upper edge of bog gardens where soil stays consistently moist.

Appearance

It forms clumps of divided green leaves, then sends up flower plumes in summer. Flower stems often reach 50 to 70cm, sometimes taller in rich soil. The red blooms make a strong colour block in shade.

Care Guide

It needs steady moisture. If it dries out, leaves scorch and flowering drops.

• Sun: Part shade is ideal. Full sun can work if soil never dries.
• Soil: Moist, humus-rich soil with organic matter.
• Water: Keep consistently moist, especially in spring and summer.
• Mulch: Mulch with compost to hold moisture and feed the clump.
• Division: Divide in spring every few years if it gets crowded.

If you want long-lasting flowers, deadhead plumes as they fade. Leaves stay attractive if moisture stays steady.

Suitability for Bog Garden

This suits bog gardens as a colour plant for damp shade. It pairs well with hostas, ferns, and primulas, and it gives summer interest when spring flowers are finished.

Plant it slightly above the saturated centre so the crown does not sit in stagnant wet all year.

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