Common Name: astilbe
Type: Herbaceous perennial
Family: Saxifragaceae
Zone: 4 to 9
Height: 1.50 to 2.00 feet
Spread: 1.50 to 2.00 feet
Bloom Time: May to June
Bloom Description: White
Sun: Part shade to full shade
Water: Medium
Maintenance: Low
Flower: Showy, Good Cut
Tolerate: Rabbit, Deer, Heavy Shade, Black Walnut
Noteworthy Characteristics
Astilbe is a genus of around 20 species of clump-forming, herbaceous perennials native to eastern Asia and eastern North America. Plants are characterized by graceful, fern-like mounds of mostly basal, 2-3 ternately compound leaves, usually with sharply-toothed leaflets, and tiny flowers densely packed into erect to arching, plume-like flower panicles rising above the foliage on slender, upright stems.
Genus name comes from the Greek words a meaning without and stilbe meaning brightness in reference to the dull leaves of some species.
‘Deutschland’ features a foliage mound (to 18” tall) of lustrous green leaves and upright panicles of pure white flowers on stems rising to 2’ tall in late spring.
Problems
Foliage decline (leaves brown up) may occur in hot summers and/or periods of drought if soils are not kept moist. Powdery mildew and wilt may appear. Japanese beetles may chew on the foliage. Deer and rabbits tend to avoid this plant.
Uses
Mass or group in shade gardens, woodland gardens and shaded areas of border fronts and cottage gardens. Excellent ground cover or edging plant for shady areas. Also effective on pond or stream banks. Foundations.