Astilbe

• Bloom Color: Cream, magenta, pink, purple, red, salmon, and white
• Bloom Time: Varies by species
• Length of Bloom: 4 to 6 weeks
• Height: 6 to 48 inches
• Spread; 1 to 3 feet
• Light Preference: Partial Shade

Astilbes, false spirea, are a favorite of shade gardeners, and once you've tried growing them you'll know why. These lovely perennials produce clumps of deeply cut, medium to dark green, fern-like foliage, often with coppery sheen in the spring. The foliage usually remain in fine shape well into fall. Astibles' individual flowers are tiny, but they're grouped into feathery plumes held well above the plant. Not only are they long-lasting, but they often fade into soft beige, brown, and reddish shades, then remain on the plant until fall.