Astilbe 'Beauty of Ernst' COLOR FLASH™

COLOR FLASH™ is an astilbe (false spiraea) hybrid bred by Henk Holtmaat from the Netherlands and protected by a US plant patent PP17343 from 2007. It boasts profuse flowering as well as attractive foliage. Its leaves are a combination of vibrant red, maroon, and dark green and form dense mounds. They are deciduous, divided, heavily notched at margins, healthy, and glossy. In late June rise about 40 cm tall, mahogany red stems with loose inflorescences composed of pale pink flowers.

COLOR FLASH™ is a fast and vigorous grower and quickly creates a breathtaking groundcover of multi-coloured leaves. Grow it in humus-rich soil. If planted in boggy or regularly watered bed they can sit in full sun, too, otherwise choose a semi-shaded or shaded location. They are water loving plants and require a good dose of nutrients to look their best. They will not grow in chalky or clay soil that dries out in summer.

For best results divide the clumps every 3-4 years removing old and dead rhizomes in early spring. Also in the spring remove old leaves and last year’s flowers. If grown in poor soil you may need to cut back the entire plant after flowering to get rid of spent stems and tired foliage in order to encourage growth of new leaves. A dose of a liquid fertilizer is recommended. Fully hardy to about -34°C (USDA zone 4).

Last update 29-10-2022