Astilbe, also known as false spirea, is a perennial shade loving plant.I grow a number of varieties in shade and sun,and they seem to do well in both locations.
My favorite is this early, soft pink variety.
Some Astilbe have a scrumptous sweet fragrance, while others seem to have no fragrance at all. The light pink variety (name unknown) has such a strong smell that it wafts throughout the garden, and when I'm gardening near it I'm drawn to take a closer sniff.
Astilbe makes a wonderful addition to the perennial border, and will always have it's place in my garden.
