Astilebe arendsii or False Spirea is a shade loving, herbaceous perennial with shiny fern like foliage and feathery flowers held aloft in panicles.
Perfect for woodland and other shady gardens, these clump forming perennials are cultivated largely for their spectacular plume-shaped flowers that come in a variety of gentle and vibrant colours.
Astilbe hybrids can vary greatly in colour and size but all tend to flower early in the season, bringing welcome colour to shady borders and planters.
Good close to water's edge and on stream banks.