Astilbe 'Gloria Purpurea'

If you haven't grown astilbe lately, take a look at how much this carefree shade lover has improved in flower size, richness of color, and foliage! 'Gloria Purpurea' is, as its name announces, a glorious play of huge, ruby-red flowers against deep purple-hued foliage. Perfect for the shady bed or border, this midsummer bloomer is a must-have among the hostas, ferns, and other greens and blues of your shade planting! The flowers are simply magnificent, arising in big, blocky plumes that tower a full 12 inches long! They rise above full "skirts" of dark violet-tinged foliage, creating a two-tone look that you'll just love! expect them in early midsummer, just as the shade garden is really exploding with color on all sides! zones 4-8.