Ruth acquired the aster from her maid Fanny, who acquired it as a pass-along plant from her grandmother. Astilbes have been grown for years, but are misunderstood plants in those areas with warm summers. When planted in regular garden conditions, they last only a couple of seasons before succumbing to our weather. We have found that by planting them in very moist areas, astilbes not only survive but grow well. For conditions less than ideal, we recommend the Astilbe chinensis types which are much more forgiving under adverse conditions.
Astilbes provide dramatic color displays in the spring woodland garden.
Astilbe chinensis var. For those folks with brown thumbs, here's an astilbe that anyone can grow. In late summer, the clumps are topped with medium pink flower spikes. This is a perfect choice for a woodland groundcover in either dry or wet shade.