Astilbe are shade plants that produce tall dense plumes over lacey green foliage. They go well in filtered shade, planted in groups. The flower plumes grow in every shade of pink, purple, peach, red and white, they are airy and open or tightly packed and stocky. The plants  are divided into groups that more accurately describe the traits of each cultivar. Simplicifolia group plants have lobed, glossy foliage, with airy plumes followed by seed heads, slower growing. Arendsii group plants are the largest group and are crosses of A. chinensis var. davidii with A. astilboides and members of the Japonica and Thunbergii groups. These were developed by German nurseryman George Arends.

Astilbe chinensis is a later blooming species, the foliage is deeply cut, coarse looking and bronze green in color, some of these are excellent ground covers. The Japonica group is early blooming, with glossy leaves tinged with red and dense flower clusters. Thunbergii group is late blooming with open nodding flower plumes on tall stems.

Astilbe require consistently moist soil, rich in organic matter, light shade or filtered sun. They can grow in full shade but will not bloom as well.

Astilbe ‘Colorflash’ is a more sun tolerant introduction by Anthony Tesselaar, it has fabulous foliage that emerges an intense green and then changes to shades of orange, burgundy, and red. The foliage makes this an all season plant, with flowers of pink starting in June and staying until August. Click here to learn more about Astilbe ColorFlash™.

	Astilbe ‘Bressingham Beauty’ This Astilbe has salmon pink tall arching plumes with medium green leaves. 36”height  Arendsii group.		Astilbe ‘Bridal Veil’ This white flowering astilbe has lacey flowers that droop a little at the tips and deep green glossy foliage. Arendsii group 28”height  Good for cut flowers.
	Astilbe ‘Deutschland’ This plant is attractive even when not in bloom, when blooming it carries pure white open lacey panicles above deep green glossy foliage. 24-30”height. Japonica group.		Astilbe ‘Fanal’ This is one of the earliest of the reds to bloom, and it’s foliage is mahogany red in spring. 20”height. Arendsii group.
	Astilbe ‘Maggie Daley’ Bright lavender-purple plumes are very dense and fuzzy looking, the foliage is dark green and glossy.  28”height. Chinensis group.		Astilbe ‘Ostrich Plume’ These coral rose plumes stand very tall and drooping above the foliage. They have a little bit different look than other astilbes.  30”height. Thunbergii group.
	Astilbe ‘Peach Blossum’ Frothy looking peach pink plumes stand above glossy green foliage. Fragrant. 24”height. Japonica group.		Astilbe ‘Pumila’ Plumes are lilac pink on stiff stems, foliage is medium green. This is a late bloomer and a popular dwarf groundcover variety. 10”height. Dwarf  chinensis group.
	Astilbe ‘Purple Candles’ Dense upright plumes are rich purple-red over coarse dark green foliage. 42”height. Chinensis group.		Astilbe ‘Rheinland’ Large, diamond shaped panicles of rose-pink stand over medium green foliage. This is a vigorous grower and dependable bloomer. 24”height. Japonica group.
	Astilbe ‘Sister Theresa’ Considered to be one of the best astilbes, it has blocky salmon-pink plumes with deeply cut dark foliage. 24”height. Arendsii group.		Astilbe ‘Sprite’ (Dwarf astilbe)  Shell pink flowers are on stiff wiry stems over glossy deep green leaves forming a dense mound. Makes a nice container plant. 12-15”height. Simplicifilia group.
	Astilbe ‘Visions’ Raspberry red plumes that are fragrant, coarse textured large deep green leaves on a pyramidal shaped plant. 14-16”height. Chinensis group.		Astilbe ‘Vision In Pink’ This plant is dense and upright with a pale pink plume and large bluish green leaves. 18-20”height.  Chinensis group.
	Astilbe ‘Vision In Red’ Dark red buds open into reddish purple plumes, on a dense red stemmed plant. 15’height. Chinensis group.

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