Astilbe arendsii ‘Fanal’ False Spirea Excellent for the shaded garden, the rich blood-red spikes of ‘Fanal’ rise 24" above lovely bronze-green foliage in June–July. Long-lasting and vivid, ‘Fanal’ requires a bit more watering and mulching than other varieties in hot, dry weather. Plant 18 inches apart Zone 4–9 part shade to full shade Astilbe arendsii ‘Snowdrift’ False Spirea Lovely bright green foliage is topped in June and July by 2' plumes of the purest white imaginable. Try ‘Snowdrift’ as a contrast to other Astilbes. Plant 18 inches apart Zone 4–9 part shade to full shade Astilbe chinensis ‘Finale’ False Spirea Useful where a semi-dwarf Astilbe is needed, ‘Finale’ has a clear rose-pink flower plume at about 18" in June and July. Plant 18 inches apart Zone 4–9 part shade to full shade Astilbe chinensis ‘Pumila’ False Spirea A dwarf Astilbe, pumila’s purple-rose 12" spikes flower mid- to late summer (July–August) above handsome deeply incised compound leaves. Makes an excellent ground cover and is perfect for the front of the border. While often considered one of the most drought tolerant and easiest Astilbes to grow, don’t let the soil dry out. All Astilbes like moist soil. Try it with Japanese Painted Fern and Hosta sieboldiana ‘Elegans’ for delicate and strong textures combined. Plant 18 inches apart Zone 5–8 part shade to full shade Astilbe chinensis ‘Visions’ False Spirea While we can’t overemphasize the need to keep Astilbes well-watered, the dwarf family (chinensis) are somewhat sun and drought tolerant. Thus, we add this 15" fragrant late-blooming Astilbe to our selection. Plan on the upright dark mauve-pink plumes from late June through July. This is a heavy bloomer. Plant 18 inches apart Zone 5–8 part shade to full shade Astilbe japonica ‘Deutschland’ False Spirea Very compact and vigorous, this lovely white Astilbe is tough, pest-free, and handsome. Try leaving the flower spikes on after they’ve finished blooming, because they are especially attractive with snow on the ground. You will find all our varieties good for cutting if picked half-open. Blooms in June and July, 20–24" tall. Plant 18 inches apart Zone 4–9 part shade to full shade Astilbe aponica ‘Peach Blossom’ False Spirea Attractive all season. Airy plumes of salmon pink move with the slightest breeze 20–24" in height during June and July. Plant 18 inches apart Zone 4–9 part shade to full shade Astilbe japonica ‘Rheinland’ False Spirea A clear, bright pink at 24", its glossy green foliage complements the flowers very nicely. Like our red variety (‘Fanal’), ‘Rheinland’ will require more watering and mulching in hot, dry weather to stay gloriously beautiful while blooming during June and July. Use Astilbes in groups of 3 or 5 in the perennial border or mass them in shady locations for ground cover. Plant 18 inches apart Zone 5–8 part shade to full shade Astilbe simplicifolia ‘Sprite’ False Spirea A choice dwarf shell pink Astilbe variety, so charming and vigorous as to be chosen the Perennial Plant Association’s 1994 Plant of the Year. At 10", its abundant pale pink flowers appear in July atop delicate, ferny, dark bronze foliage. A graceful, airy choice for the garden, it is excellent in a container as well. Plant 18 inches apart Zone 4–9 part shade to full shade Astilbe taquetii ‘Superba’ False Spirea This rugged and beautiful Astilbe is the tallest variety we offer at 40–48" in mid- to late summer (July–August) when its drought tolerance becomes an added asset. Its rose-purple feathery plumes will look best toward the back of the partly shaded border, and rise above bronze-green foliage. All our Astilbe varieties are heavy feeders, and benefit from extra fertilizer during the summer. Try it with Bergenia, Hosta s. ‘Frances Williams’, and Geranium e. ‘Wargrave Pink’. Plant 18 inches apart Zone 4–9 part shade to full shade
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