Astilbe

Have you heard of Dutch plantsman Piet Oudolf? His style involves uses big, sweeping bands of perennials across the landscape. It's not just "painting with a big brush." Imagine if all Bob Ross had one day was a roller. It's awesome. 

I mention this because astilbe looks better planted with friends. One astilbe looks sad; a whole drift of astilbe lights up a shaded woodland garden. Definitely avoid a whole lot of sun, and don't park them in a muddy low spot. 

Astilbe 'Fanal' (Astilbe x arendsii 'Fanal')
Perennial
Bloom color: red
Blooms: mid spring to summer
Height: 1-2 ft
Width: 1 ft

Astilbe 'Deutschland' (Astilbe x arendsii 'Deutschland')
Perennial
Bloom color: white
Blooms: mid spring to summer
Height: 1 ft (flowers to 2 ft)
Width: 2-3 ft

Astilbe 'Rheinland' (Astilbe x arendsii 'Rheinland')
Perennial
Bloom color: pink
Blooms: mid spring to summer
Height: 2 ft
Width: 2 ft

Astilbe 'Peach Blossom' (Astilbe rosea 'Peach Blossom')
Perennial
Bloom color: peach
Blooms: late spring
Height: 1-2 ft
Width: 1-2 ft

 Astilbe is sold in #1 containers