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Deep red fluffy plumes appear above serrated dark green leaves in early summer. The flowers of this astilbe are self-supporting and retain their colour for a few weeks. Ideal for a bog garden or moist border it thrives in clay soil as long as it is not allowed to dry out during the summer months. And although it can grow in drier soils it does need to be in a shady spot.

• Garden care: Newly planted astilbes need to be kept well watered until they are established. Lift and divide large clumps every three or four years discarding old woody rhizomes. Mulch with well-rotted organic matter in spring.