Astilbe Younique Ruby Red - False Spirea

Astilbe Younique Ruby Red is part of a group of recent hybrids derived from the Chinese Astilbe, selected for their very compact habit, generous and early flowering, disease resistance and moderate moisture requirements. Its dense and beautiful red-pink flower plumes bloom abundantly in early summer, above modest but finely cut foliage. This lovely perennial plant adds charm to flower pots and shaded areas of the garden, in ordinary soil that does not dry out.

Astilbe chinensis, from the saxifragaceae family, originates from China, Korea, and eastern Siberia. It is a rhizomatous and herbaceous perennial plant that is native to moist and fertile soils, although it requires less water than other species. The 'Younique' series of Astilbes was developed by Dutch breeder Jan Verschoor. They also carry genes from Astilbe japonica, a close relative native to Japan.

Small 'Younique Red' or Ruby Red' Astilbe slowly forms a mound of foliage that somewhat resembles a fern. This cushion-shaped clump consists of a cluster of leafy stems that do not exceed 25 cm (10in) high with a spread of 35 cm (14in). The slightly arching stems bear compound, medium green, shiny leaves with grey highlights, divided into 3 more or less deeply toothed, hairy leaflets. In moderate climates, 'Ruby Red' starts flowering between late May and early June and ends in July. It has abundant, long, feathery, branched spikes of tightly packed tiny flowers, almost disproportionate to the foliage. Their intense pink-red colour is redder when in bud and lightens slightly in bloom and at the end of flowering. It is a deciduous, very hardy plant whose above-ground vegetation disappears in winter and regrows in spring.

This 'Younique Ruby Red' Astilbe, with its modest size, graceful appearance, and a flowering display as massive as it is richly coloured, fits beautifully in a lovely pot on the terrace, or along the edges of flower beds, paired with its lovely shade companions such as ferns and Hostas. Its flower plumes bring a beautiful touch of colour to woodland They enliven north-east facing facades alongside Hydrangeas and lend a unique charm to the surroundings of water features, which serve as their mirror. Planted in ribbons, Younique Astilbes highlight shaded pathways alongside Lilyturf and saxifrages. The fern-like foliage contrasts beautifully with their opulent neighbours, such as Hostas or rhubarb, while their feathery flowering perfectly complements persicarias or bugbanes. Younique Astilbes can tolerate exposure to filtered sunlight and require consistently moist soil; they are robust and require very little maintenance.