Burgundy Red Astilbe
Burgundy Red Astilbe
Deep Burgundy Plumes Late in the Season
Burgundy Red Astilbe (Astilbe chinensis 'Burgundy Red') closes out the astilbe season with rich, wine-burgundy plumes in late summer over leathery, deep green foliage. As a tough chinensis type it handles more sun and brief dryness than most astilbes while still preferring steady moisture, and its dark, saturated color makes a dramatic late-season statement. Deer-resistant and pollinator-friendly, it's a strong finish for Eden Prairie, Plymouth, and Eagan shade gardens.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Botanical Name | Astilbe chinensis 'Burgundy Red' |
| Mature Size | 1.5–2 ft tall and wide |
| Hardiness Zone | Zone 4–8 (hardy across most of Minnesota) |
| Light | Part shade to shade; tolerates more sun than most astilbe with moisture |
| Bloom Time | Late summer |
| Flower Color | Deep burgundy-red plumes |
| Soil | Rich, moist; chinensis types tolerate brief dryness |
Landscape Uses
Use Burgundy Red in shaded borders, woodland gardens, rain gardens, and mass plantings to extend the bloom season. Its dark plumes pair beautifully with hostas, ferns, and lighter astilbes.
Best Time to Plant
Plant in spring or early fall, when cool weather and steady moisture help roots establish. Avoid midsummer heat.
How to Plant
Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and just as deep. Set the crown level with the soil, backfill with compost-enriched soil, water thoroughly, and mulch 2–3 inches deep to conserve moisture.
Watering
First Year: Keep the soil consistently moist, watering 2–3 times per week.
After Year One: Water regularly, especially in heat. Chinensis astilbes handle brief dry spells but still prefer moisture.
Drip Irrigation: A soaker hose or drip line keeps the root zone evenly moist.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does it bloom?
Late summer, helping extend astilbe color after earlier types finish.
Will it grow in shade?
Yes, part to full shade is ideal; it tolerates more sun than most astilbe with moisture.
Is it hardy in Minnesota?
Yes, hardy to Zone 4 and reliable statewide.
Is it deer resistant?
Yes, deer and rabbits generally avoid astilbe.
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Pair Burgundy Red with early- and mid-season astilbes, hostas, and ferns for a long-blooming shade border.
How Many Burgundy Red Astilbe Do I Need?
This compact chinensis astilbe reaches 1.5–2 feet; space plants 18 inches apart for a solid late-season block of color:
| Bed length | Plants needed (18 in apart) |
| 10 ft | 7 |
| 20 ft | 13 |
| 30 ft | 20 |
| 40 ft | 27 |
For a rich late-summer drift, plant in groups of 3–5.
Burgundy Red Astilbe Season-by-Season in Minnesota
- Spring: Leathery, deep-green foliage emerges and fills in with good substance.
- Summer: Closes out the astilbe season with rich, wine-burgundy plumes in late summer, after earlier types have finished.
- Fall: Spent plumes dry to a rusty tone and add structure as the bed winds down.
- Winter: Dies back to the ground; mulch the crown and it returns reliably each spring.
At a Glance
✔ Deer-Resistant ✔ Pollinator-Friendly ✔ Shade-Tolerant ✔ Rain-Garden / Wet-Soil
Plant It With
- Bressingham Beauty Astilbe — tall salmon-pink plumes that bloom earlier for a longer season
- Black Pearls Astilbe — near-black buds and white plumes for dramatic contrast
- Japanese Painted Fern — silvery fronds that brighten the dark burgundy plumes
- Alexandria Brunnera — silver-veined leaves for a layered shade floor
Is Burgundy Red Astilbe Right for Your Yard?
As a tough chinensis type, Burgundy Red handles more sun and brief dryness than most astilbes, but it still performs best in part-to-full shade with rich, moist soil — ideal for shaded borders and rain-garden edges. It is not a fit for hot, dry, sun-baked beds, where the foliage scorches and bloom suffers.