Astilbe
Perennial

USDA Zones: 3 - 8
Light: sun - shade; will tolerate sun in Zones 3 - 5 and Pacific Northwest; in all other regions needs partial to full shade
Height:  1 to 4 feet
Width:  10 to 36 inches
Flower Colors: shades of white, blue, pink, and red
Bloom Time: summer - fall
Special Features:
Attractive Foliage
CutFlowers
Flowers
Tolerates Wet Soil
Companion Plants:
Hostas

Elegance in the shade border or perennial bed reaches its pinnacle with astilbe. Its feathery, pyramidal floral spikes standing 1 to 4 feet tall come in shades of pink, red, lavender, and white and bloom for approximately a month in early to mid-summer. Finely-cut, roselike, glossy green leaves add interest even when the plant is not in bloom, and richly complement the scores of tiny flowers. Ample water is critical for this plant.

Notable Varieties
'Bridal Veil' grows to 2 to 3 feet tall with white flowers tinted pink.
'Deutschland' has bright white flowers and reaches 1 1/2 feet tall.
'Fanal' is an early bloomer, 2 feet tall, with dark red flowers and bronze leaves.
'Hyacinth' has lilac-pink flowers on 2 foot tall plants.
'Rheinland' bears light pink flowers and is 2 feet tall.

Care
Astilbe's shallow roots take hold best in partial shade in humus-rich, moist soil. Add compost at planting time. Water astilbe regularly and fertilize in spring with a slow-release fertilizer or by working additional compost into the soil. Cut faded flower stalks.

Planting
Plant bare-root plants or container-grown plants in spring in all regions or in fall in Zones 7 to 8. Space 18 to 36 inches apart. Divide in the early spring before the start of new growth.

Pests and Diseases
Leaves scorch and shrivel if soil is on the dry side. Japanese beetles and spider mites can cause problems.