White Flower Farm
Astilbe x arendsii 'Fanal'
Best choice for gardeners seeking vibrant, low-maintenance color in shady spots.
The Astilbe x arendsii 'Fanal' is a striking perennial that brings vibrant color to shady garden spots. It boasts bright red, fluffy flower plumes atop glossy, deep green, fern-like foliage. This RHS Award of Garden Merit winner thrives in light to moderate shade and prefers consistently moist soil, making it perfect for woodland borders or as ground cover. Its blooms are also excellent for fresh or dried arrangements, providing reliable summer color. This plant is generally pest-free and offers a low-maintenance addition to your garden.
$19.95
Owner Satisfaction
4.7
/ 5
Category Rank
29
/ 2989
#29 in Landscaping & Garden Plants
Price vs Category Average
-28%
Below average
Mature Height
24
/ inches
Who it's for
- Busy homeowners wanting low-maintenance, pest-resistant perennials
- Gardeners managing dark, shaded landscape corners
- Designers seeking high-contrast, vibrant floral accents
Who should skip it
- Gardeners prioritizing long-lasting, season-long floral displays
- Gardeners in arid climates or with poor irrigation
- Landscapers with sites exposed to harsh afternoon sun
Performance breakdown
Shade Adaptability
Thrives in low-light conditions where most flowering perennials struggle to bloom.
Visual Impact
Vibrant red plumes provide a high-contrast focal point for woodland gardens.
Maintenance Ease
Reliably pest-free and requires minimal intervention once established in moist soil.
Pollinator Utility
Effectively draws butterflies to the landscape during the peak summer season.
Cut Flower Versatility
Sturdy plumes perform beautifully in both fresh and dried floral arrangements.
Environmental Resilience
Deer-resistant foliage ensures consistent growth across a wide range of zones.
Key Specs
Mature Height
24 inches
Mature Spread
18 inches
USDA Hardiness Zones
4 to 9
Preferred Soil pH
6.5-7.0
Plant Life Cycle
Perennial
Planting Spacing
15 inches recommended
Planting Depth
1 inch
Seller Warranty
1 year money-back guarantee
Features
- Produces bright red, fluffy flower plumes.
- Features glossy, deep green, fern-like foliage.
- Awarded RHS Award of Garden Merit.
- Excellent for fresh or dried cut flowers.
- Tolerates light to moderate shade.
- Generally tough and pest-free.
- Sustains a summer bloom display.
- Attracts butterflies to the garden.
What customers say
Customers consistently praise the exceptional quality and health of the Astilbe 'Fanal' plants received from White Flower Farm. The meticulous packaging successfully protects the delicate perennials during shipping. Gardeners celebrate the cultivar for its stunning, deep crimson plumes, which deliver a dramatic burst of color in shaded settings. The stock demonstrates reliable establishment and vigorous growth, confirming its high genetic quality. The primary consideration for buyers is the premium price point. While quality is rarely questioned, some feel the initial size does not fully align with the cost, slightly impacting the perceived value. Overall, the spectacular display and reliable performance make this a highly recommended choice for those seeking top tier garden stock.
Know before you buy
No, this variety actually prefers partial to full shade. Too much direct sun can scorch the foliage and dry out the soil, which this plant dislikes.
We recommend spacing them 15 inches apart. This allows enough room for the plants to reach their 18-inch mature spread while still creating a lush, mounded effect.
Yes, Astilbe x arendsii 'Fanal' is considered deer-resistant. While no plant is completely immune to hungry wildlife, it is generally ignored by deer in most garden settings.
This Astilbe requires consistently moist, well-drained soil. It does not tolerate drought well, so you should ensure the soil does not dry out completely, especially during the heat of summer.
Absolutely. The bright red plumes hold up well as fresh-cut flowers and can also be dried for long-lasting seasonal arrangements.
Yes, 'Fanal' is a hardy perennial. As long as it is planted within its recommended USDA zones of 4 through 9 and provided with adequate moisture, it will return reliably each summer.
Still have a question?
Ask Hayley anything about this product before you decide.
Ready to buy?
$20