Several species of Astilbe can be grown in eastern Nebraska, most of them blooming in the late spring or summer, but Astilbe chinensis var. Astilbe has plumes of feathery flowers that range in color from white to pink, red and purple. 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. Astilbe x arendsii 'Fanal' has blood-red flowers and bronze foliage. Grows 2 feet tall. Ellie' has clean, showy white flowers with medium to dark green foliage.