Product Description
Astilbe chinensis 'Purple Candles' ('Purpurkerze') (25) Bare Root Plants
Common Name: Astilbe-Chinese
'Purple Candles' quickly forms a compact graceful, fern-like mound of dainty foliage topped by bunches of fragrant, violet-red flowers, that softens to lighter shades of purple as they mature. Flowers are densely packed into erect to arching, triangular, plume-like flower panicles rising above the foliage on slender, upright stems. Bold, dark green foliage has a coarse texture and blooms mid-summer.
'Purple Candles' or 'Purpurkerze's unique look; will draw attention in the garden.
Height: 42.0 Inches
Spread: 18.0-24.0 Inches
Hardiness Zones: 4,5,6,7,8,9
Flower Color: Purple-red shades, Purple shades
Full Sun (> 6 hrs. Direct Sun) to Full Shade (< 4 hrs. Direct Sun)
Average to Consistent Water Needs
Fertile Soil Quality
Bloomtime: Midsummer
Bee Friendly
Deer and Rabbit Resistant
Seasonal Interest: Dried Seed Heads
Growth Rate: Medium, slow spreading, rhizomatous plants
Border Plant, Container, Cut Flower, Cut Foliage, Dried Flower, Fragrant Flowers, Mass Planting
Illuminate Your Shade Garden with the Majestic 'Purple Candles' Astilbe!
Astilbe chinensis 'Purple Candles' is a statuesque and elegant perennial that adds a touch of drama and sophistication to shady gardens. This captivating Astilbe boasts tall, dense plumes of vibrant violet-red flowers that rise above its lush, dark green foliage, creating a stunning focal point that will illuminate any shady corner.
'Purple Candles' is a standout Astilbe cultivar known for its impressive flower power and attractive foliage. The fern-like leaves create a dense, dark green mound that provides a beautiful backdrop for the vibrant blooms. In midsummer, tall, sturdy stems emerge, bearing dense, plume-like panicles of rich violet-red flowers. The flowers add a touch of majesty and attract pollinators like butterflies and bees. This Astilbe is a vigorous grower and forms a substantial clump, making it an excellent choice for adding vertical interest and color to shady gardens.
- Mature Size: 42 inches tall, 18-24 inches wide
- Flower Color: Violet-red
- Bloom Time: Midsummer
- Foliage: Dark green, fern-like
- Growth Habit: Upright, clump-forming
- Light Needs: Partial shade to full shade
- Soil Needs: Moist, fertile, well-drained soil
- Hardiness Zones: 4-8 (USDA)
- Special Features: Showy flowers, attractive foliage, shade tolerant, deer and rabbit resistant
Planting:
- Timing: Plant in spring or fall for best results.
- Location: Choose a partially shaded location with moist, fertile soil. 'Purple Candles' thrives in shade and will not tolerate full sun or dry conditions.
- Soil Preparation: Amend the soil with compost or other organic matter to improve drainage and fertility.
- Spacing: Space plants 18-24 inches apart to allow for adequate growth.
- Planting Depth: Plant the crown (where the stems emerge from the roots) at the same level as the soil surface.
- Watering: Water thoroughly after planting and regularly until established.
Care:
- Watering: Astilbes require consistently moist soil. Water regularly, especially during dry periods.
- Fertilizing: Apply a balanced fertilizer in spring to promote healthy growth and flowering.
- Mulching: Apply a layer of mulch around the plants to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and protect the shallow roots.
- Deadheading: Remove spent flower plumes to tidy the plant's appearance and encourage reblooming.
- Dividing: Divide clumps every 3-4 years in spring or fall to maintain vigor and prevent overcrowding.
- Pest and Disease Control: 'Purple Candles' is generally pest and disease resistant.
Uses in the Garden:
- Shade Gardens: Ideal for adding a touch of drama and color to shade gardens.
- Woodland Gardens: Thrives in woodland settings, complementing other shade-loving plants.
- Borders and Edging: Creates a beautiful border along walkways or flower beds.
- Containers: Can be grown in containers, adding a touch of elegance to patios and balconies.
- Mass Plantings: Plant in groups for a stunning display of violet-red plumes.
- Cut Flowers: The flower plumes can be used in fresh or dried arrangements.
Illuminate your shade garden with the majestic and captivating Astilbe chinensis 'Purple Candles'!
Other Details
The most important part of the plant is its root system. Healthy roots are the foundation of a healthy, vibrant plant. The type of plug container used is based on the specific needs of the plants. Perennials offered as bare root traditionally perform better when planted as bare root.Planted in a specialized mix, potted plants have well established root systems. Top growth stage will vary depending on the current life cycle and time of year when shipped. In Winter and early Spring dormant plants may be shipped. Dormant plants may be planted right away, even before the last frost date.
Most bare root varieties are field grown for at least one season, though Hemerocallis and Hosta are grown for two seasons. The bulk of the soil is removed during the harvesting process and the tops of most varieties are trimmed back to the crown. They are graded, packed in shredded aspen or sphagnum moss and stored in freezers until ready to be shipped.
See our Container Sizes and Bare Root Perennials pages for more information.
Plant information and care is provided in the Overview section, Plant Genus Page and general information is provided in the Planting Care & Guides. Additional questions can be asked on each Plant page.
Plant Spacing: Using the maximum mature spread or width of a plant to guide spacing, ensures space to grow to full size. To fill an area sooner, plant them closer together. Just remember, future thinning or transplanting may be needed.
Water: Keep a close eye on newly planted perennials, especially throughout the first growing year. Most early plant loss is due to too much or too little water!
