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Saxifragaceae
Astilbe (False Goat's Beard)
Astilbe
Patience, dedication, 'I'll still be waiting for you'.
- Family
- Saxifragaceae
- Genus
- Astilbe
- Native to
- Asia, North America
- Bloom season
- Early Summer, Summer
- Type
- herbaceous perennial
- Height
- 30–120 cm
- Sunlight
- Partial to full shade
- Soil
- Moist, rich, slightly acidic
- Water
- Regular; never let dry out
- Hardiness
- 3–8
- Lifespan
- Perennial
Did you know
- Astilbe's feathery plumes can persist on the plant well into winter, providing texture even after the color fades.
- The name 'astilbe' is from Greek 'a-' (not) and 'stilbe' (brightness) — referring to the dull individual flowers, which only impress when massed.
- Astilbes are one of the few flowering plants that genuinely thrive in dense shade and wet soil — perfect for problem garden spots.
- There are about 25 species, but garden astilbes are nearly all hybrids of Asian species crossed by German breeder Georg Arends in the early 20th century.
- Astilbe's flowers have very little fragrance but are exceptionally rich in pollen, attracting many beneficial insects.