Growing Hydrangeas in Pots: Choosing Varieties, Planting and Care
Hydrangeas grow well in pots when the variety, container and compost are chosen with their eventual size and moisture needs in mind. Learn how to plant, water, feed and protect...
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Astilbe ‘Fanal’
I hold the RHS | Award of Garden Merit
Astilbe ‘Fanal’ is one of the darker astilbes, with deep red, long-lasting flower plumes carried above reddish-green divided foliage on dark stems. Compact and clump forming, it reaches roughly 60cm and gives a strong block of colour without needing staking. Partial shade and moisture-retentive soil bring out the best in both the foliage and early-summer flowers.
✅ Deep red flowers with dark stems and foliage
✅ Compact upright habit needs no staking
⚠️ Best where the soil does not dry out in summer
Plant Details
Flowering Months
Size
- Max Height
- 0.5 m — 1.0 m
- Max Spread
- 0.1 m — 0.5 m
- Growth Habit
- Grows in tight bunches from base, forming rounded groups.
Planting Position
- Sunlight Indicates how much direct sunlight the plant needs each day. Full sun means 6+ hours, part shade is filtered or morning sun, and full shade is little to no direct sun.
- Part Shade
- Aspect Aspect refers to the direction the planting spot faces (north, south, east or west). It affects light levels, warmth and exposure.
- West East North
- Exposure Exposure describes how sheltered or exposed a plant’s position is, particularly to wind and weather.
- Sheltered / Exposed
- Hardiness Hardiness indicates how well a plant tolerates cold conditions outdoors. Higher ratings generally mean greater frost tolerance.
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(< −20 °C) Extremely hardy
Ideal Soil Conditions
- Soil Type Soil type describes the texture of the soil (clay, sand, loam, chalk). This affects drainage, nutrients and how roots grow.
- Soil Moisture Soil moisture tells you how wet or dry the soil should be for best growth. Match this to your garden conditions for healthier plants.
- Moist but permeable / Poorly-drained
- Soil pH Soil pH measures how acidic or alkaline the soil is. It affects nutrient availability and can impact plant growth.
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