Shady, moist areas in the landscape can be difficult areas. It is often hard to find plants that will tolerate this combination of conditions. Astilbe, sometimes called False Spirea, works well in these areas adding both color and texture. Several species of Astilbe can be grown in eastern Nebraska, most of them blooming in the late spring or summer, but Astilbe chinensis var. taquetii also blooms in fall.

Astilbe has plumes of feathery flowers that range in color from white to pink, red and purple. Depending on the species, plant height can range from 6" to 4'. The flower stalks are very strong and even the tallest plants will not require staking. The foliage is dark green with compound, serrate leaves. Dwarf, low growing species can be used as a ground cover, edging plant or in shaded portions of the rock garden. Tall species are best suited to the back of a perennial flower garden. All astilbe require evenly moist, fertile soil. Leaf scorching and brown margins will develop if the soil is allowed to dry out too much.

A few species worth considering include:

• Astilbe x arendsii 'Fanal' has blood-red flowers and bronze foliage. Grows 2 feet tall.
• A.x a.'Red Sentinel' has early red flowers and grows 3 feet tall.
• A.x a. 'Ellie' has clean, showy white flowers with medium to dark green foliage.
• A.x a.'Bressingham Beauty' has arching plumes of clear pink flowers on 42" tall plants.
• A.x a.' Rheinland' had early, clear pink flowers and grown 2 feet tall.
• Astilbe chinensis var. taquetti 'Superba' has tall, narrow stalks of lavender-purple flowers produced in early fall.
• Astilbe chinensis 'Pumila' is an 8" ground cover type with lavender-purple flowers.
• Astilbe simplicifolia or Star Astilbe has nice, glossy green foliage and open panicles of white, star-like flowers.