Garden hybrid

This is a garden hybrid, bred from more than one wild species, so it has no single species page of its own.

4 other cultivars

perennial

Astilbe

Astilbe x hybrida 'Younique Carmine'

The Story

Plant Bio

Astilbe x hybrida is a group of clump-forming herbaceous perennials native to East Asian woodlands, prized for their fern-like foliage and plumy summer flowers. These plants thrive in damp, shaded environments where their fine root systems are protected from drying out.

'Younique Carmine' is a compact cultivar distinguished by its dense, rounded habit and upright, triangular panicles of intense carmine-red flowers. The glossy, deeply toothed compound leaves emerge deep green and maintain a neat, lacy structure throughout the growing season.

Uses & Benefits:

Produces dense, upright plumes of intense carmine-red flowers held above glossy, finely textured, fern-like foliage.

Highly resistant to browsing by white-tailed deer and rabbits, making it reliable in areas with high wildlife pressure.

Attracts beneficial pollinators, including butterflies and native bees, to shaded garden areas.

Garden hybrid

Bred from more than one wild species, so it has no species page of its own.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Perennial

Height

16"

Width

18"

Light

Partial Sun, Shade

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7, 8

Water

High

Humidity

High

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

Asia

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Bloom period

Late spring – Summer

In flower about 4 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting site in partial to full shade with rich, organic, moisture-retentive soil.
Dig a hole twice the width of the root ball and incorporate compost to improve water retention.
Set the plant at the same depth as its container, backfill with soil, and water thoroughly to settle the roots.
Apply a three-inch layer of organic mulch around the base to preserve soil moisture and keep roots cool.

Pro Tip

Plant in moisture-retentive soil rich in organic matter and apply a thick layer of organic mulch; allowing the soil to dry out even once during summer heat causes irreversible leaf scorch and plant collapse.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Keep the soil consistently moist, especially during hot summer spells.
Apply a slow-release organic fertilizer or compost mulch in early spring.
Divide overcrowded clumps every three to four years in early spring to maintain vigor.

Don't

Do not allow the soil to dry out completely, as this triggers immediate leaf scorch.
Do not prune into old, leafless woody stems at the base of the plant.
Avoid heavy over-fertilization, which can damage the root system.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Divide
Fertilize
Mulch
Spring Cleanup

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Shade gardensWoodland bordersMoist border edgingsMass plantings

Companion Plants

Hosta Heuchera

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Astilbe questions

What zones can Astilbe grow in?

Astilbe is hardy in USDA Zones 4–8. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Astilbe deer resistant?

Yes — Astilbe is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does Astilbe bloom?

Astilbe typically blooms in late spring through summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Astilbe need full sun?

Astilbe does best in part shade.