Astilbe is one of those go-to perennials that brings so much to the garden. Its distinctive blooms range from bright and bold to soothing pastels, and they last for weeks—even months when you have the right combination of astilbes. Flower plumes come in different shapes, from stiffly upright, like the pink blooms at right, to loose and drapey. In addition, the ferny pest- and disease-free foliage provides great texture for your shade garden, and deer and rabbits usually give it a pass. Astilbe can even grow in full sun if you have a spot with plenty of moisture.
Though there are 25 species, just a few of them are the primary source for most of the hybrids you find at the garden center:
