Vision Astilbe

The dense, upright pyramidal flowers of the Visions Astilbe are distinctive for their bright raspberry-purple coloring, and also for this plant’s ability to grow in slightly drier conditions than most other astilbe. The ferny foliage is tough and sun-resistant, and this plant, a variety of Chinese astilbe, will grow in sunnier and drier places in your garden. It still enjoys moisture, but will often succeed where others have failed. Grow it among shrubs or with other shade-loving plants like hosta, where the foliage contrast is wonderful. Flowering for weeks in summer, many people enjoy the caramel-brown dead flowers well into the winter months. It looks great in almost any garden style too, from English formal to Japanese and wild gardens, as well as beside water.

• Dense, upright heads of raspberry-purple flowers
• Wonderful plant for summer blooming
• Grows well in partial shade and light full shade too
• More sun and dry-soil tolerant than most other astilbe
• Excellent beside water, and easy to grow

Plant the Visions Astilbe in areas with full sun in cold zones if desired, and in partial to full shade anywhere. Avoid deep, dark shade such as beneath large evergreen trees. Grow it ideally in rich, moist soils, either well-drained or damp, but not flooded. This variety is more drought resistant once established, and tolerates more sun, but water frequently until it is well-established. Pest, diseases, rabbits and deer are never problems, and a simple annual trim of old flower stems is all it takes – the foliage usually dies back naturally over winter, or can be trimmed if you wish.