Astilbe chinensis ‘Visions’ – This is a late blooming Astilbe with abundant raspberry-pink plumes rising on 12-15″ stems from July to August. It attracts butterflies and tolerates full sun (with even soil moisture) here in coastal BC. This herbaceous perennial has deeply cut bronze green foliage and works well in containers due to its compact nature. Grows 12-15″ high and wide. Zone 4.

Astilbe x ‘Peach Blossom’ (syn. Astilbe x rosea, Astilbe japonica) – A highly popular cultivar much in part to the unusual peachy to salmon-pink plumes (about 6″ wide at the base) held on tall 24″ stems from May to June. These are nicely contrasted by rich green compound foliage with occasional bronze tones. Good cut flower. Grows 18-24″ high by 12-18″ wide. Zone 4.

Astilbe ‘Key West’ – This cultivar is a seedling of Astilbe simplicifolia ‘Sprite’ and has finely cut leaves that emerge a deep burgundy and shift to green with red edges by the heat of summer. Elegant spires of shell pink flowers (July to September) held on red stems compliment the foliage. It is compact and a good choice for containers. Grows 16-18″ high by 16″ wide. Zone 4.

Astilbe x arendsii ‘Flamingo’ – This Astilbe has slightly fragrant arching plumes of Flamingo-pink (from June through to July) over glossy mid green foliage. It is a cross of Astilbe x arendsii ‘Bressingham Beauty’ and Astilbe japonica ‘Vesuvius’. Astilbes should be divided every 3 to 4 years in early spring in order to maintain vigor. Grows 28-30″ high by 18″ wide. Zone 4.

Astilbe x arendsii ‘Rhythm & Blues’ – This cultivar is part of the Music Series and was bred by Harrie Verduin. It features bright raspberry-pink plumes in early summer that are full and show well at a distance. These are borne over glossy deep green foliage that is deer resistant. Prefers part sun with even soil moisture. Grows 24″ high by 16-20″ wide. Hardy to zone 4.