Astilbe 'Paul Gaarder'

This rare, red form is an excellent way to introduce height and colour to your garden.

Brilliant, magenta pink plumes that last through the summer and into autumn. Famed with florists around the world, it is good to see gardeners getting a grow.

Astilbes thrive where many don't, in moist soils with a morning sun to part shade position. There, their handsome, fern like foliage looks wonderful topped with its colourful, feathery plumes.

The flowers mature to bronze as the cooler weather sets in and can remain beautifully ornamental through autumn and winter, even after the foliage fades.

When picked, the flowers last incredibly well in arrangements and you can even dry them.

Plant Astilbe into a humus rich, moist soil, an acid PH is preferred but not demanded. Water in your Astilbe and keep them moist in active growth. You could add a little mulch in summer to help retain moisture around the roots. They are endemic to China, USA and Japan where they grow beside streams and in damp woodlands. These herbaceous plants grow from rhizomes with the foliage emerging in spring.

Astilbe grow best in part shade, filtered light or morning sun positions - think Hostas, Hellebores and ferns. While they will grow in full shade, they won't flower to their best and tend to stretch. In sunny positions you will need to ensure they have adequate moisture, or they may become straggly and won't bother blooming. Rabbit and deer don't bother these plants.