Astilbe /əˈstɪlbiː/[1] is a genus of 18 species of rhizomatous flowering plants within the family Saxifragaceae, native to mountain ravines and woodlands in Asia and North America.[2] Some species are known by the common names false goat's beard and false spirea.
These hardy herbaceous perennials are cultivated by gardeners for their large, handsome, often fern-like foliage and dense, feathery plumes of flowers. They are widely adapted to shade and water-logged conditions, hence they are particularly associated with pond-side planting. They also tolerate clay soils well. Numerous hybrid cultivars have been raised. Flowers of at least some Astilbe species have a strong and pleasant aroma. Some species, including Astilbe rivularis, are used in traditional medicine.[3]
Species of Astilbe include:
Commonly accepted cultivar groups are:
The following varieties and cultivars have gained the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit:
A UK National Collection of Astilbe is held by Malcolm Pharoah at Marwood Hill Gardens in Marwood, near Barnstaple, North Devon.[18][19] The other National Collection is held by the Lakeland Horticultural Society at Holehird Gardens in Cumbria. [20]
Astilbe /əˈstɪlbiː/ is a genus of 18 species of rhizomatous flowering plants within the family Saxifragaceae, native to mountain ravines and woodlands in Asia and North America. Some species are known by the common names false goat's beard and false spirea.
These hardy herbaceous perennials are cultivated by gardeners for their large, handsome, often fern-like foliage and dense, feathery plumes of flowers. They are widely adapted to shade and water-logged conditions, hence they are particularly associated with pond-side planting. They also tolerate clay soils well. Numerous hybrid cultivars have been raised. Flowers of at least some Astilbe species have a strong and pleasant aroma. Some species, including Astilbe rivularis, are used in traditional medicine.
