Astilbes are the drama queens of the shade garden. You cannot help but admire these "no-fuss" divas for their beauty and grace.
Their flowers can be delicate and frothy or stiff and compact, and the blooms range in color from red, burgundy, white, purple, rosy-purple, peach and various shades of pink. The handsome, fern-like foliage is a delightful contrast to heftier leaves like those of Hosta and Rodgersia, and the leaves can be shiny, matted or coarse.
Read on to discover some of my favorite varieties and best planting practices...