Fact Sheet

ColorFlash® astilbe. Looking stunning here in the garden in Vermont

ColorFlash® astilbe. Easy growing with beautiful foliage. Best grown with soft sunlight. Here looking stunning in a large blue bowl on the front doorstep in NYC

Introduction

ColorFlash® astilbe signals a color breakthrough in Astilbe foliage. Emergent foliage is a bright electric green that matures to a rich burgundy and purple. Each plant’s mix of leaves creates a terrific tri-color effect of bright green, burgundy and purple. In Fall the color palette evolves into a combination of gold, orange and russet tones. Compact and dense, with blush-pink flower inflorescences, ColorFlash astilbes are fabulous either as container plants or for mass landscape and border plantings.

ColorFlash astilbes thrive in partial shade. Hardy in USDA zones 4 through 11, ColorFlash astilbe’s small blush pink flowers form a pleasing, plume like inflorescence that extends 10 inches above the foliage. It blooms from late Spring through early Summer (for example June & July in Zone 7) and likes to be well watered.

This is the first in a series of super-colorful Astilbes, which has been followed by ColorFlash Lime. Future ColorFlash astilbe introductions include ColorFlash Copper and ColorFlash Red at dates yet to be confirmed.

Key Features

Tri-color breakthrough in foliage color.
A perennial with vibrant green foliage that changes to purple-burgundy.
Spears of individual blush-pink flowers extending 10" above the foliage.

Suggested Uses

Ideal for containers, beds, borders and landscape.

Growth Habit

Compact growth habit.

Flower Size

Small individual flowers with a plume like inflorescence that extends 10 inches above the foliage.

Mature Height

Grows 12-24 inches tall.

Mature Width

Grows 20 inches wide.

Spacing

Plant 18 inches apart.

Hardiness

Hardy in USDA zones 4 through 11.

Flowering Period

Flowers late Spring through early Summer (for example June and July in zone 7).

Number Of Flowers

5-9 plume like inflorescences on a 12 month old plant.

Flower Color

Delicate blush-pink.

Fragrance

Not fragrant.

Foliage

Full and lush. The emergent foliage is electric green. Mature leaves are burgundy and purple. The combination creates a terrific tri-color effect. In Fall the color palette evolves to a mix of gold, orange and russet tones.

Temperature

Astilbe arendsii hybrids will usually benefit from cold treatment and long days to force into flower. ColorFlash® will flower in 6 to 8 weeks after being stored at 35°F for 12 to 15 weeks. Without cold treatment, plants will take 10 to 16 weeks to flower. Avoid high growing temperatures. Plants perform best at 60-65°F night temperatures and 70°F day temperatures. Leaf scorch can occur as a result of a combination of high growing temperatures and high light intensity with drying of the growing medium.

Light Needs

Does best in partial shade (morning sun, afternoon shade).

Soil Needs

Does best in well worked, well drained soil with good organic matter. Prefers slightly acid soil. Avoid heavy clay soil with poor drainage.

Water Needs

Moderate to high water requirements. Plant does not perform well in overly dry conditions.

Fertilizer

Controlled release fertilizer (20-20-20) is recommended in Spring and late Summer.

Disease Tolerance

Under severe disease conditions, can develop powdery mildew.

Pest Issues

Generally pest free, though can be susceptible to spider mites.

Special Care

Do not allow to dry out.

Varietal/Cultivar Name

Beauty of Ernst