Astilbe Red Sentinel
Astilbe Red Sentinel in our garden
In the past, we have had a tendency to choose Astilbes which are in pastel shadess.
Well, we are not exactly subbtle when it comes to annuals, so on this occasion, we decided to go bold with this perennial and choose the very red, Sentinel.
Planted in a border of the back garden it looks quite striking. However, as the Camellia Debbie in front develops, no doubt the Astilbes will have to be found a new position. That’s the fun of gardening. Red Sentinel is said to reach a height of three feet, reached a little over two feet in our garden.
Astilbe Red Sentinel plant details
The Fern like foliage in late April/May is a deep burgundy shade changing to mid green when the bright red blooms appear in June.
The flowers last for about a three week period from late June into mid July. Not exactly a plant which flowers for a long period, however the spent rust coloured blooms continue to look good for a long period.
Varying heights for Red Sentinel are bandied about, some suggesting 90cm/3ft. Realistically, expect 60/70cm when not in the EU that will be 2ft/2ft 4 inches.
This Japonica Astilbe is happiest in a semi shaded position where the soil does not dry out. It will grow well enough in full sun, only if you keep the soil moist.
Quick read details
Hardiness – fully hardy
Blooms and foliage – fern like green foliage, vivid red blooms
Common name – false goat’s beard
Position – semi shade, will tolerate full sun if kept well watered
Soil – humous rich wet soil on the acidic side
Height – 60/75cm perhaps reaching 90cm?
Propagate – divide plants after 3 or 4 years in Autumn or Spring
In the garden late October
Late October no frost as yet but it’s cold and damp and the wind chill factor makes it feel much colder than the temperature would suggest. Some perennials are hanging on and there is a hint of Autumn colour here and there.
Persicaria affinis darjeeling red and Sorbus Joseph Rock
(Japanese Anemone Pocahontas) giving us a late second flush of flowers.
Astrantia major star of fire – – Astrantia star of billion
In Summer the blooms of Star of fire were a deep red, second flush in October they are pink. Star of Billion has been in continuous bloom since June.
Sorbus Olympc Flame
This Rowan tree, when it arrived we were disappointed it was far too tall and lanky with a tiny crown which looked ridiculous. I replaced it with a much better specimen of Joseph Rock. Olympic Flame, I cut it down to a height of three feet and after eighteen months it is now a multi stem tree.
Anemone September Charm – – Heuchera Paris
The Anemone September Charm was planted in a position that was far too shaded. In mid July it was obvious that it would suffer. I decided to lift it and replant it in a more open position. It recovered and was determined to bloom, but not until late October. – Heuchera Paris started to flower in May and still looking good in late October.
The repeat flowering very fragrant Comte De Chambord
I also have Astilbes in my garden in a very similar colour to yours. I also have white and light pink ones! They compose really pretty. I bought a pack of 50 seeds of Astilbes from https://gardenseedsmarket.com/astilbe-showstar-mix-seeds-astilbe-x-arendsii.html but I wasn’t luck to get the red! However, most of the seeds sprouted what really surprised me! All of my Astilbes I grow in a shady place which they love. You have to check other colours, they will look amazing in your awesome garden!
Thank you, Frances. Normally I just use stock pictures for my header. This one, I took in early November in Aberdeen the year we left for Cheshire. (the road just outside the entrance to Hazelhead park)
Alistair, I love your new banner of autumn trees, beautiful, Frances
Hello Alistair, our astilbe are in pastel shades but I’m not sure if they’re still with us. They were planted in the heat of summer (which they hate) and the elderberry that was planted close-by was supposed to grow and shade the astilbes from the worst of the hot summer sun, instead, it ended up de-foliating in the hot, dry weather so that was a failure all-round. I’ll have to see if they re-emerge in spring. I’m not hopeful.
Hello Joy, perhaps Astrantia isn’t quite as hardy as I thought it was. Long Winter ahead, just started planning changes in the garden for next year.
Hello there Alistair ! Thank you for dropping by my blog : ) I feel it has been so long since I have visited blogs , I am totally out of touch and now winter is advancing creating a true totally shut down .. I’m still not ready !
One of my first astilbe was Montgomery Red and it still flowers for me even though it is about 18 years old ! It amazes me !
I think that is wonderful you are experimenting with darker colours .. some times we get stuck in a rut with staying “safe” colour wise and we need that push to try something different.
Your garden looks gorgeous all the time : ) I really have to try astrantia again .. I didn’t have much luck twice, so I shied away from it, but I do love those beautiful flowers ! You have inspired me for next year, first plant on my Lust List 2019 ! LOL
Hello Nadezda
I leave them for a while in Winter and cut them back before the Spring bulbs start to show.
Hello, Alistair!
Lovely astilbe, especially yours – red one. I have no this color, very pretty. Do you propagate it in your garden? I often cut astilbe’s roots and have had some more to plant in different places.
Do you prune the flowers before winter comes or do you love seeing its dry flowers in winter? I know some people love to leave their dry stems for winter.