Astilbe 'Vision in Red' is arguably the darkest and longest-flowering Astilbe you can buy. Deep red buds open to dark purplish red flowers in thick plumes, and these appear for most of the summer (and even into early autumn), rising above branching stems 45-75cm tall. This is a robust, upright plant, forming a mound of dark green leaves with wiry, dark purple stems and leaf stalks. A hardy perennial, it will grow best at the wet edges around ponds, or any soil that does not dry out.

Astilbe chinensis 'Vision in Red' is a hybrid between Astilbe chinensis var. pumila and Astilbe chinensis 'Purpurkerze' (Purple Candle).   Originally from eastern Asia and north-eastern America, Astilbes, also known as false goat’s beards or false spireas, are reliable garden favourites, and tend to love the British climate. They even tolerate quite heavy clay soils. Oh, and if you live in the country and are plagued by visiting rabbits—they won’t touch this astilbe!