Michael's Rating:
5 out of 5 stars

Each spring nurserymen flood me with dozens of new plants to try out in my garden, in the hope that I'll write about them, or feature them on TV. While this deluge of free plants might seem like a bonanza to many gardeners, I can assure you that the gift comes with a considerable price: almost always these plants arrive just as almost every other part of the garden demands attention, and getting these hapless charges potted up (many arrive bare-root) and later into the garden is a trial in and of itself.

Last year, however, I received a shipment that immediately intrigued me: a new astilbe named 'Color Flash' that promised a compact habit, delightful pink flowers, but best of all, tri-color foliage that varied from bright green, through burgundy, to purple. Now, anyone with a shade garden knows that foliage is just as important as flower, so I immediately potted up the corm-like tubers and waited to see what happened. 'Color Flash' most certainly didn't disappoint. It's everything that was promised, and more: a fantastic plant that grows easily, is unbothered by pests, flowers profusely, and even when not in bloom, brightens the darkest corner of the garden.

What more can you ask of a plant?

'Color Flash' is hardy in zones 4-8, grows 6-10" tall by 20" wide, with flower spikes rising to 20". It does best in moist, well-drained soil, with good organic matter, in partial shade. Like most astilbes, 'Color Flash' needs a generous supply of water and will languish in arid conditions.

PS: A new cousin to 'Color Flash', 'Color Flash Lime' arrived this spring with chartreuse colored foliage. It promises to be another winner. Look for both in your local nurseries beginning this spring.