Astilbes are one of those plants that quietly steal the show in a shady garden. With their soft, feathery plumes and greenery, they bring a gentle elegance that’s hard to ignore. If you’ve got a spot that doesn’t get much sun, astilbes might just be your new favorite companion.
That said, not all astilbes are equally easygoing. Some varieties are super low-maintenance and practically thrive on neglect, while others can be a little more demanding than they first appear.
To save you a bit of time, I’ve rounded up some of the best astilbes to plant this spring—and a couple you might want to think twice about. Let’s find the right fit for your shade-loving space!
1. Astilbe ‘Fanal’
Astilbe ‘Fanal’ adds a pop of red to any shaded garden. Its feathery plumes stand tall, reaching up to 2 feet, providing a striking contrast against its dark green foliage.
This variety thrives in slightly moist soil and partial to full shade, making it a versatile choice for many gardens. Blooming from mid to late summer, ‘Fanal’ is drought-tolerant once established, requiring minimal care beyond regular watering during dry spells.
Its rich color is a perfect companion to other shade-loving plants such as hostas and ferns. A favorite for gardeners seeking low-maintenance beauty.
2. Astilbe ‘Sprite’
For a touch of elegance, Astilbe ‘Sprite’ provides delicate pink blooms that dance in the breeze. This dwarf variety reaches only about a foot in height, making it ideal for borders or small garden spaces.
Preferring partial shade, ‘Sprite’ flourishes in rich, well-drained soil. Its fern-like foliage remains attractive even after the blooms fade, adding texture to the garden year-round.
With its gentle demeanor and compact size, ‘Sprite’ is perfect for adding subtle charm without overwhelming the garden space. A lovely choice for those seeking understated elegance.
3. Astilbe ‘Peach Blossom’
Astilbe ‘Peach Blossom’ offers soft, peach-colored plumes that bring a warm glow to shaded corners. Blooming in early summer, it reaches a height of up to 2 feet, creating a graceful presence in the landscape.
This variety thrives in consistently moist soil and prefers dappled shade, making it perfect for woodland gardens or alongside water features. Its foliage is a rich green, providing a lovely backdrop to its colorful blooms.
‘Peach Blossom’ requires regular watering but rewards with robust growth and captivating beauty, an excellent choice for adding warmth to shaded areas.
4. Astilbe ‘Deutschland’
This one is known for its striking white flowers that light up any shaded garden space. Reaching 2 to 3 feet tall, its pure white plumes make a bold statement, especially when paired with darker foliage.
Blooming in early summer, this variety prefers partial to full shade and thrives in moist, well-drained soil. ‘Deutschland’ is an excellent choice for brightening dark garden corners or creating contrast in mixed borders.
With its clean lines and blooms, ‘Deutschland’ adds a touch of sophistication and is a must-have for those who appreciate classic beauty.
5. Astilbe ‘Visions’
This one captivates with its pink-lavender plumes that rise above dark green foliage. This variety reaches up to 18 inches in height and is known for its robust nature and striking color.
Thriving in partial to full shade, ‘Visions’ prefers soil that retains moisture but is well-drained. It blooms in mid-summer, bringing a burst of color when many other plants have faded.
Ideal for mass planting or as an accent in shade gardens, ‘Visions’ offers a delightful visual impact without demanding excessive care. An excellent choice for beautiful displays.
6. Astilbe ‘Pumila’
A low-growing variety that showcases lavender-pink flowers and is perfect for ground cover in shaded areas. With a height of only 12 inches, it fills in spaces beautifully, creating a carpet of color.
This variety blooms in late summer and thrives in partial to full shade. It prefers well-drained soil and is remarkably drought-tolerant once established, needing less water than many other astilbe varieties.
‘Pumila’ is ideal for rock gardens or as an edging plant, offering a soft splash of color with minimal maintenance. A practical choice for busy gardeners.
7. Astilbe ‘Red Sentinel’
Astilbe ‘Red Sentinel’ commands attention with its deep red plumes that stand out in any shaded garden. This variety grows up to 3 feet tall, creating a dramatic focal point.
Blooming in mid-summer, ‘Red Sentinel’ prefers consistently moist, well-drained soil and thrives in partial to full shade. Its striking color pairs well with other shade-loving plants, adding depth and contrast.
For those seeking a bold statement, ‘Red Sentinel’ delivers with its intense hue and robust growth. It’s perfect for creating visual interest and drawing the eye in shaded areas.
8. Astilbe ‘Mighty Pip’
The one that lives up to its name with tall, striking red flowers that reach up to 4 feet, making it one of the tallest astilbe varieties. It’s a powerhouse in the garden, thriving in partial to full shade.
This variety prefers moist, rich soils and blooms in late summer, providing a splash of color when most plants have finished flowering. Its robust stems and dramatic blooms make it perfect for the back of borders.
‘Mighty Pip’ is ideal for gardeners looking to add height and drama to their shaded spaces without compromising on color or style.
9. Astilbe ‘Snowdrift’
Astilbe ‘Snowdrift’ offers a refreshing coolness with its pure white blooms that seem to float above its dense green foliage. Blooming in midsummer, it reaches a height of 2 to 3 feet.
Preferring partial shade and moist, well-drained soil, ‘Snowdrift’ is perfect for brightening shaded areas or lining pathways. Its clean, simple elegance makes it a versatile addition to any garden.
For those looking to create a serene, calming environment, ‘Snowdrift’ is an excellent choice, offering timeless beauty and a touch of light in shaded spaces.
10. Astilbe ‘Bridal Veil’
Astilbe ‘Bridal Veil’ enchants with its delicate white flowers cascading like a veil over green foliage. Reaching up to 2 feet, it adds grace and elegance to any garden.
This variety thrives in partial to full shade and prefers moist, rich soil. Blooming in early summer, ‘Bridal Veil’ is perfect for adding a touch of romance to shaded borders or as a backdrop in mixed plantings.
Its gentle, flowing appearance and low-maintenance nature make it a favorite for those seeking beauty without the fuss. A classic choice for timeless gardens.
11. Astilbe ‘Bressingham Beauty’
Astilbe ‘Bressingham Beauty’ stands out with its large, fluffy pink plumes that add a cheerful touch to shaded gardens. This variety grows up to 3 feet tall, making it a stunning centerpiece.
Thriving in partial to full shade, ‘Bressingham Beauty’ prefers moist, well-drained soil. Blooming in midsummer, it provides a lively burst of color when other blooms are fading.
Perfect for adding color and texture, ‘Bressingham Beauty’ is ideal for those who want to make a bold statement. Its blooms invite admiration and enhance any garden setting.
12. Astilbe ‘Younique White’
This one offers compact, fluffy white blooms that add brightness to shaded areas. Growing to about 18 inches, it’s perfect for smaller gardens or containers.
This variety thrives in partial shade and moist, well-drained soil. Blooming in early to midsummer, ‘Younique White’ is low-maintenance, making it ideal for busy gardeners.
Its crisp, clean appearance and manageable size make ‘Younique White’ a versatile choice for various garden designs. It’s a go-to for those seeking simplicity and elegance without a lot of fuss.
13. Astilbe ‘Chocolate Shogun’
This Astilbe is unique with its dark chocolate-colored foliage contrasting its light pink flowers. This variety grows up to 2 feet tall, adding depth and intrigue to shaded gardens.
Preferring partial to full shade, ‘Chocolate Shogun’ thrives in moist, well-drained soil. Blooming in midsummer, it offers a captivating display.
Ideal for those wanting a dramatic contrast, ‘Chocolate Shogun’ combines striking foliage with delicate blooms. Perfect for woodland gardens or as a statement piece, it appeals to those who love unique color combinations.
14. Astilbe ‘Rheinland’
Astilbe ‘Rheinland’ charms with its soft pink plumes that sway gently above its green foliage. This variety grows up to 2 feet tall and is a favorite for borders and woodland gardens.
Thriving in partial to full shade, ‘Rheinland’ prefers moist, rich soil. Blooming in early summer, it offers gentle beauty and a lovely fragrance.
For gardeners seeking a romantic touch, ‘Rheinland’ is an excellent choice. Its soft blooms add a touch of nostalgia and are perfect for enhancing dreamy garden landscapes.
15. Astilbe ‘Superba’
Astilbe ‘Superba’ impresses with its tall, striking pink flowers that tower up to 4 feet. This variety is a showstopper, perfect for creating a dramatic landscape.
Thriving in full shade and moist, well-drained soil, ‘Superba’ blooms in late summer, offering a stunning display when others have faded.
For those looking to create height and impact, ‘Superba’ is unmatched. Its towering presence and blooms make it perfect for back borders or as a garden focal point, offering grandeur and elegance.
16. Astilbe ‘Purpurkerze’
Also known as ‘Purple Candles,’ this one puts on a striking show with tall, deep lavender flower spikes that can reach up to 4 feet. However, it’s a thirsty plant that demands consistently moist soil — and it doesn’t forgive even short dry spells.
In hot, dry summers or gardens where watering isn’t regular, ‘Purpurkerze’ often wilts, browns out early, or simply refuses to thrive. It also prefers cooler climates and can struggle with leaf scorch in heat.
If you can’t commit to constant moisture or live in a region with intense summers, you might find ‘Purpurkerze’ more disappointing than dazzling.
17. Astilbe ‘Bumalda’
At first glance, Astilbe ‘Bumalda’ charms with its soft pink plumes and delicate, finely cut foliage. But despite its beauty, it’s often less vigorous than other varieties and can be frustratingly fussy.
It tends to bloom less impressively if the soil isn’t perfectly rich and moist, and it’s especially vulnerable to heat stress — resulting in browned, crispy leaves long before summer is over.
In warmer zones or gardens with inconsistent moisture, ‘Bumalda’ can end up looking tired and sparse, failing to deliver the full effect that astilbe lovers expect.