Astilbe ColorFlash®
Download the plant bio in Microsoft Word format: Tesselaar Plant Bio: Astilbe ColorFlash.
ColorFlash® is a stunning perennial series focusing on the foliage colors of the plant to provide accent and color to the garden.
Hardy in USDA zones 4 through 11. In zones 5 and below, add some extra mulch (wood, chopped leaves, etc.) around the plants if snow-cover is not expected. In warmer climates, make certain that it does not dry out over winter/cooler months.
ColorFlash® Astilbe signals a color breakthrough in Astilbe foliage. Emergent foliage is a bright electric green that matures to a rich burgundy and purple. Each plant’s mix of leaves creates a terrific tri-color effect of bright green, burgundy and purple. In Fall the color palette evolves into a combination of gold, orange and russet tones. Compact and dense, with blush-pink flower inflorescences, ColorFlash® astilbes are fabulous either as container plants or for mass landscape and border plantings.
ColorFlash® astilbes thrive in partial shade. Hardy in USDA zones 4 through 11, ColorFlash® Astilbe’s small blush pink flowers form a pleasing, plume like inflorescence that extends 10 inches above the foliage. It blooms from late Spring through early Summer (for example June & July in Zone 7) and likes to be well watered.
This is the first in a series of super-colorful Astilbes, which has been followed by ColorFlash® Lime. Future ColorFlash® Astilbe introductions include ColorFlash® Copper and ColorFlash® Red at dates yet to be confirmed.
Key Features Of ColorFlash®
- Tri-color breakthrough in foliage color.
- A perennial with vibrant green foliage that changes to purple-burgundy.
- Spears of individual blush-pink flowers extending 10 inches above the foliage.
Suggested Uses
Ideal for containers, beds, borders and landscape.
Growth Habit
Compact growth habit.
Flower Size
Small individual flowers with a plume like inflorescence that extends 10 inches above the foliage.
Mature Height
Grows 12-24 inches tall.
Mature Width
Grows 20 inches wide.
Spacing
Plant 18 inches apart.
Hardiness
Hardy in USDA zones 4 through 11.
Flowering Period
Flowers late Spring through early Summer (for example June and July in zone 7).
Number of Flowers
5-9 plume like inflorescences on a 12 month old plant.
Flower Color
Delicate blush-pink.
Fragrance
Not fragrant.
Foliage
Full and lush. The emergent foliage is electric green. Mature leaves are burgundy and purple. The combination creates a terrific tri-color effect. In Fall the color palette evolves to a mix of gold, orange and russet tones.
Temperature
Astilbe arendsii hybrids will usually benefit from cold treatment and long days to force into flower. Astilbe ColorFlash® will flower in 6 to 8 weeks after being stored at 35°F for 12 to 15 weeks. Without cold treatment, plants will take 10 to 16 weeks to flower. Avoid high growing temperatures. Plants perform best at 60-65°F night temperatures and 70°F day temperatures. Leaf scorch can occur as a result of a combination of high growing temperatures and high light intensity with drying of the growing medium.
Light Needs
Does best in partial shade (morning sun, afternoon shade).
Soil Needs
Does best in well worked, well drained soil with good organic matter. Prefers slightly acid soil. Avoid heavy clay soil with poor drainage.
Water Needs
Moderate to high water requirements. Plant does not perform well in overly dry conditions.
Fertilizer
Controlled release fertilizer (20-20-20) is recommended in Spring and late Summer.
Disease Tolerance
Under severe disease conditions, can develop powdery mildew.
Pest Issues
Generally pest free, though can be susceptible to spider mites.
Special Care
Do not allow to dry out.
ColorFlash® Lime
ColorFlash® Lime astilbe has subtle lime green foliage providing a stunning contrast to the burgundy foliage of the original ColorFlash® astilbe. Compact and dense, with blush-pink flower inflorescences, ColorFlash® Lime astilbes are fabulous either as container plants or for mass landscape and border plantings.
ColorFlash® Lime astilbes thrive in partial shade. Hardy in USDA zones 4 through 11, ColorFlash® Lime astilbe’s small blush-pink flowers form a pleasing, plume like inflorescence that extends 10 inches above the foliage. It blooms from late Spring through early Summer (for example June & July in Zone 7) and likes to be well watered.
This is the second in a series of super-colorful Astilbes. Future ColorFlash® Astilbe introductions include ColorFlash® Copper and ColorFlash® Red at dates yet to be confirmed.
Key Features Of ColorFlash Lime
- Vibrant lime green foliage.
- Spears of individual blush-pink flowers extending 10" above the foliage.
Suggested Uses
Ideal for containers, beds, borders and landscape.
Growth Habit
Compact growth habit.
Flower Size
Small individual flowers with a plume like inflorescence that extends 10 inches above the foliage.
Mature Height
Grows 12-24 inches tall.
Mature Width
Grows 20 inches wide.
Spacing
Plant 18 inches apart.
Hardiness
Hardy in USDA zones 4 through 11.
Flowering Period
Flowers late Spring through early Summer (for example June and July in zone 7).
Number Of Flowers
5-9 plume like inflorescences on a 12 month old plant.
Flower Color
Delicate blush-pink.
Fragrance
Not fragrant.
Foliage
Full and lush. The emergent foliage is vibrant yellow/green and progresses to a vivid lime green. In Fall the color palette changes to golden tones before dropping its leaves for winter.
Temperature
Astilbe arendsii hybrids will usually benefit from cold treatment and long days to force into flower. Astilbe ColorFlash® Lime will flower in 6 to 8 weeks after being stored at 35°F for 12 to 15 weeks. Without cold treatment, plants will take 10 to 16 weeks to flower. Avoid high growing temperatures. Plants perform best at 60-65°F night temperatures and 70°F day temperatures. Leaf scorch can occur as a result of a combination of high growing temperatures and high light intensity with drying of the growing medium.
Light Needs
Best in partial shade (morning sun, afternoon shade).
Soil Needs
Does best in well worked, well drained soil with good organic matter. Prefers slightly acid soil. Avoid heavy clay soil with poor drainage.
Water Needs
Moderate to high water requirements. Plant does not perform well in overly dry conditions.
Fertilizer
Controlled release fertilizer (20-20-20) is recommended in Spring and late Summer.
Disease Tolerance
Under severe disease conditions, can develop powdery mildew.
Pest Issues
Generally pest free, though can be susceptible to spider mites.
Special Care
Do not allow to dry out.
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