Every gardener — from casual to serious garden warriors — wants beautiful flowers. We get it! You want something gorgeous and colorful, but low-maintenance is definitely a plus. Well, in the interest of both, let us be bold and make a very specific recommendation: Astilbe. If you’ve never heard of these, you’ve probably seen them. They have a very unique look and come in many colors, and they’re ideal for shady, moist conditions. Let’s go over some of their virtues.
1. Dazzling Color
Astilbes come in a range of stunning colors: white, pink, lavender, and red. Combining them in different colors can create a truly show-stopping garden.
2. Great Size
Not only are their colors brilliant, but the size of Astilbes gives them great presence. You can use them in a variety of spots, because they range from 6 inches tall to 24 inches, depending on the variety. They also stay upright without stakes, making them great for cut bouquets. There are some dwarf varieties as well, that do well on containers and get no taller than 18 inches.
3. Season-Long Beauty
Astilbes bloom between late spring and late summer, so planting different varieties can give you continuous blooms throughout the season. They also have rich, fern-like foliage that stays beautiful, becoming a lovely caramel color when the weather turns cold.
4. Trouble-Free Growing
Astilbes require little maintenance. They’ll thrive in low-sun conditions as long as the soil is moist. They’ll also attract butterflies, yet resist those pesky rabbits and deer.
5. Playing Well With Others
Astilbes do great next to other plants such as Japanese or Siberian iris, Daylilies, Columbine, and Peonies. Put them all together and you’ve got one amazing garden.
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