Younique Carmine Astilbe
Younique Carmine Astilbe
Compact, Free-Flowering Carmine Plumes for the Shade
Younique Carmine Astilbe (Astilbe 'Younique Carmine') glows with rich carmine-pink, fluffy plumes above glossy, deeply cut green foliage in summer. The Younique series is bred to be compact and exceptionally well-branched, producing more plumes on a tidy plant. Deer-resistant and reliably hardy, it brings deep, warm color to moist, part-shade borders and rain gardens in Edina, Woodbury, and Maple Grove.
Younique Carmine Astilbe Plant Details
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Botanical Name | Astilbe 'Younique Carmine' |
| Mature Size | 14–18 in. tall, 14–18 in. wide |
| Hardiness Zone | 4–8 (Twin Cities is zone 4b–5a — fully hardy) |
| Light | Part shade to full shade |
| Bloom Time | Early to midsummer |
| Flower Color | Rich carmine-pink |
| Soil | Moist, rich; never let it dry out — excellent for rain gardens |
| Winter Hardiness | Reliable to about -25°F once established |
| Deer Resistance | Rarely browsed by deer or rabbits |
Landscape Uses in Minnesota
Compact shade color: Its tidy, well-branched habit suits the front of a shaded border and small spaces. Space 14–18 inches apart.
Rain gardens and woodland borders: Loves moist soil and tolerates clay; the plumes draw bees and butterflies. Pair with hostas, ferns, and brunnera.
Best Time to Plant in Minnesota
Plant in spring (late April–May) or early fall (late August–mid September) into rich, moist, shaded soil. Keep consistently moist.
How to Plant Younique Carmine Astilbe
Dig a hole twice the root ball width at the same depth, mixing in compost. Set the crown level, backfill, water well, and mulch 2–3 inches deep. Space 14–18 inches apart in a spot that stays moist.
Watering Younique Carmine Astilbe
First year: Keep the soil consistently moist — water every 1–3 days in dry weather. Astilbe foliage scorches if it dries out.
After year one: Maintain steady moisture, especially in any sun. It will not tolerate prolonged drought.
Q: Will it survive a Minnesota winter?
Yes — hardy to zone 4, returning each spring.
Q: Does it need shade and moisture?
Yes — astilbe is a moist-shade plant. Give it rich, consistently moist soil out of hot afternoon sun.
Q: Is it deer-resistant?
Yes — deer and rabbits rarely browse astilbe.
Q: What makes the Younique series special?
It's bred for a compact, well-branched habit that produces more plumes on a smaller, tidier plant.
You May Also Like
Younique Ruby Red Astilbe (Astilbe): A bold red from the same compact series.
Hosta: A bold-leaved shade companion.
Lady Fern (Athyrium filix-femina): A native fern for moist shade.
How Many Younique Carmine Astilbe Do I Need?
Younique Carmine is a compact 14–18 in plant, so space about 16 inches apart for a tidy front-of-border drift. For accents, plant in groups of 3–5.
| Bed / Run Length | Plants Needed (at ~16 in apart) |
|---|---|
| 5 ft | 4 plants |
| 10 ft | 8 plants |
| 15 ft | 11 plants |
| 20 ft | 15 plants |
Younique Carmine Astilbe Season-by-Season in Minnesota
- Spring: Glossy, deeply cut green foliage emerges in a compact mound.
- Summer: Rich carmine-pink, well-branched plumes rise early to midsummer and draw bees and butterflies.
- Fall: Plumes fade to seed heads; the cut foliage stays neat into fall.
- Winter: Cut back spent growth; the crown overwinters dormant and returns each spring.
At a Glance
✔ Pollinator-Friendly ✔ Deer-Resistant ✔ Shade-Tolerant ✔ Rain-Garden / Wet-Soil
Plant It With
- Younique Ruby Red Astilbe — the bold red from the same compact series for a coordinated planting.
- Japanese Painted Fern — silvery fronds that set off the carmine plumes in shade.
- Lady Fern — an airy native fern for moist woodland shade.
- Jack Frost Brunnera — frosted foliage and spring blue flowers to fill the shade floor.
Is Younique Carmine Astilbe Right for Your Yard?
Younique Carmine is perfect for the front of a shaded, consistently moist Minnesota border or a rain garden, where its compact, well-branched habit packs in more plumes and deer leave it alone. It's not a fit for hot, dry full sun or soil that dries out.