Astilbe species & varieties for your garden
The beautiful flowering astilbe is an eye-catching perennial that comes in many varieties and colours. In partial shade, the bright colours of the different astilbe varieties come into their own.
The astilbe (Astilbe) is an exceptional perennial. Splendid astilbes have been rooted in horticultural culture since the 19th century. There are now many varieties of astilbe which differ in their flowering time, colour and growth height. However, all these varieties have one thing in common: they prefer partial shade where they can thrive side by side without any problems.
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How many astilbe varieties and species are there?
There are around 46 different species of astilbe, of which 8 in particular are found in many gardens. Astilbe enjoys great popularity in East Asia, where it originated. In Japan and Korea, this shady perennial adorns countless parks and gardens. Astilbe is best planted in a moist, humus-rich site with loose soil. In Germany, astilbes are mainly available as hybrids and most originate from the breeds of the perennial gardener Georg Arends.
Tip: Astilbe x arendsii is a hybrid which was created by crossing the astilbe japonica, astilbe thunbergii, astilbe chinensis and astilbe astilboides.
The most beautiful species and varieties of astilbe at a glance
Astilbe comes in a variety of colours and sizes and so there is a suitable Astilbe for every garden. Depending on the variety and growth characteristics, it can reach 10 to 120cm in height. Its robust, compact form makes it a good ground cover for woodland borders and it is also excellent for underplanting shrubs. In perennial beds, astilbes are decorated with other perennials and grasses. The most well-known astilbe species and varieties are presented below:
Astilbe x arendsii
These varieties are called Arendsii hybrids and are well suited for gardens.
- ‘Amethyst’: the slender flower panicles of this variety flower from July to August and take on a purple to violet colour. The ‘Amethyst’ astilbe grows to around 100cm tall.
- ‘Bridal Veil’: this variety also forms beautiful white flowers from July to August and stands out from the dark corners of the garden. This astilbe also grows up to 100cm tall.
- ‘Chocolate Shogun’: this creamy white flowering cultivar originates from Japan and, unlike many other astilbe cultivars, has maroon foliage. ‘Chocolate Shogun’ astilbe grows approximately 70cm tall and flowers from June to July.
Astilbe japonica
This Japanese Arendsii hybrid originates from the mountain forests of Japan and brings colour to partially shaded perennial flower beds. Unlike other astilbe cultivars, this species tolerates short summer dry spells – at least on soils with a high water capacity.
- ‘Red Sentinel’: this old variety bears dark, ruby-red blossoms that become lighter over time. It has a compact growth height of up to 50cm and its flowering period lasts from June to July.
- ‘Deutschland’: this astilbe has a compact, bushy growth habit and upright, white flowers that bloom from July to August. It grows to about 50cm tall.
- ‘Younique Salmon’: fine and densely pinnate flower panicles in a salmon pink shade characterise the ‘Younique Salmon’ astilbe. It flowers from June to August and its compact size of 40cm also makes this variety suitable for container cultivation.
- ‘Montgomery’: magnificent, red flower panicles make this variety a real eye-catcher. It flowers from July to August and grows approximately 70cm tall.
Astilbe glaberrima
These astilbes remain small, compact and have dainty flower panicles.
- ‘Hennie Graafland’: featuring lush, light pink flower panicles, this variety flowers from July to August. This astilbe has a compact growth height of around 30cm.
- ‘Sprite’: this variety captivates with loose flower panicles in pearl pink. The small astilbe also grows to a compact height of 30cm.
Astilbe thunbergii
A special feature of the thunbergii hybrids are their overhanging, loose flower panicles.
- ‘Ostrich Plume’: these hybrids feature flower panicles in a warm shade of pink, which are classically overhanging in thunbergii hybrids. This variety reaches a height of 80 to 120cm.
- ‘Professor van der Wielen’: this Dutch variety captivates with elegant, overhanging, white flower panicles. It can also reach a remarkable height of 120cm.
Astilbe chinensis
Due to its broad-growing rhizomes, this species of astilbe is excellent as a ground cover.
- ‘Finale’: this variety has pale pink flower panicles that stand upright. It grows to a compact height of about 40cm.
- ‘Christian’: this dwarf astilbe forms dense carpets of upright, pink flower panicles. At 20cm tall, it truly is a dwarf.
- ‘Purple Lance’: its tightly erect panicles of purple-pink flowers are very striking. This variety is also suitable as a ground cover. It grows up to 100cm tall.
If you are now wishing to grow astilbes in your garden, you can learn more about how to plant and care for astilbes properly in our special article.
