(Chinese Dwarf Astilbe, Chinese False Spirea)

The diminutive dwarf Chinese astilbe is an herbaceous perennial that is native to the woodlands of China, Siberia and Korea. In the spring, it puts forth very low growing spreading clumps of divided leaves that are purple-red or dark green in color. In mid to late summer short feathery plumes of lavender or red-pink flowers appear.

Plant this easy to grow perennial in partial shade and fertile well-drained soil. Once established, it can tolerate limited drought. Dwarf Chinese astilbe should be...

(Chinese Astilbe, Chinese False Spirea)

The plumes of this exquisite Astilbe are taller, more slender and conical that those of standard Chinese false spirea. This fine perennial originates from the woodlands of China, Siberia and Korea. Its large pretty plumes may be rose-purple or magenta and rise from neat clumps of distinctly crinkled leaves of deep green and/or bronze. The flowers appear from late spring to summer.

Like other Chinese astilbe, this hardy perennials grows best when provided partial sun to shade and moist,...

(Chinese Astilbe, Chinese False Spirea, Purple Lance False Spirea)

A selection of the Chinese astilbe, ‘Purple Lance’ is a bold herbaceous perennial grown for its unusually tall, narrow spikes of flowers, rich color, and deep bronze green leaves. It blooms in early to mid summer, on upright stems that branch to short, upright flower spikes, Tightly packed, purple red flowers clothe the spikes, transforming them into soft spires. One plant may produce several stems, making a forest of bloom above the leaves. The flower stems when in bloom are good for cutting. When...

(Chinese Astilbe, False Spirea, Superb False Spirea)

A selection of the Chinese astilbe, ‘Superba’ is a bold herbaceous perennial grown for its unusually tall, narrow spikes of flowers and bronze green leaves. It blooms in early to mid summer, on upright stems that branch to tall, upright flower spikes, gathered together closely. Tightly packed, pink flowers clothe the spikes, transforming them into soft spires. One plant may produce several stems, making a cone of bloom above the leaves. The flower stems when in bloom are good for cutting. When bloom...

(Japanese Astilbe, Japanese False Spirea)

Feathery flowerheads and mounds of lush foliage make Astilbe japonica great in woodland and shade gardens throughout the temperate regions of the world. It is native to the cool, humid montain forests of Japan and is a vigorous perennial and spreads slowly to form dense clumps. Japanese spirea is rarely grown in its wild form, taking a back seat to the more available and wider array of flower colors known in the various hybrids of Astilbe.

Graceful mounds of dark green, twice...

(Astilbe)

A spreading low-growing perennial from southeast Asia. False spirea has deeply cut shiny leaves and feathery plumes of white flowers in summer followed by rusty-brown seed pods that remain attractive into winter. This compact plant makes a nice ground cover in the shady garden or can be used as an edging or in the front of the border. It should be grown in moist, organic soils and will tolerate acidic conditions.

(Astilbe, Darwin's Snow Sprite, False Spirea)

Small and free-flowering, ‘Darwin’s Snow Sprite’ is a selection of an astilbe native to Japan. It is an herbaceous perennial grown for its tolerance of shade, dependable bloom, plush spikes of flowers, toothy leaves and diminutive size. It blooms in summer at the top of slender upright to nodding stems that have a branching habit a bit like a Christmas tree. Tiny, closely packed, pink flowers clothe the spikes, transforming them into plush plumes. One plant may produce several stems, making a wayward...

(Astilbe, False Spirea, Jacqueline False Spirea)

Small and free-flowering, ‘Jacqueline’ is a selection of an astilbe native to Japan. It is an herbaceous perennial grown for its tolerance of shade, dependable bloom, plush spikes of flowers, and dwarf mound of toothy leaves. It blooms in summer at the top of slender, upright to nodding stems that have airy branches a bit like a Christmas tree. Tiny, closely packed, pink flowers clothe the spikes, transforming them into plush plumes. One plant may produce several stems, making a wayward group of...

(Astilbe, White Wings Astilbe)

False spirea is a spreading low-growing perennial from southeast Asia. 'White Wings' has deeply cut shiny leaves and feathery plumes of white flowers in summer followed by rusty-brown seed pods that remain attractive into winter. This compact plant makes a nice ground cover in the shady garden or can be used as an edging or in the front of the border. False spirea should be grown in moist, organic soils and will tolerate acidic conditions.

(Astilbe)

Pale lilac blue flowerheads and low-growing, crinkled green foliage make the dwarf astilbe among the most cherished plants for woodland and shade gardens in temperate regions. This hybrid resulted in the early 20th century from efforts by Georg Arends of Ronsdorf, Germany.

Short mounds of dark green, twice divided, fern-like leaves grow from thick, brown rhizomes (lateral underground stems). The showy, pyramidal flowerheads appear in summer above the leaves. Blooms are lilac to lavender-blue,...