Quick Guide: summer, hardy, shade, height: 45cm -1.2m/18in-4ft, width: 60-90cm/2-3ft

Astilbe species come from China and Japan. From these the garden hybrid A. x arendsii (above) has been developed to display the best qualities of the family. They are bushy, erect plants, forming impressive clumps of fern-like leaves; the taller types are most effective for ground cover. Feathery plumes of pink or white flowers are carried on delicate stems. They make excellent waterside plants.

GROWING Plant from autumn to spring in moist soil in a cool, shady position (although a sunny site is acceptable if the soil is never allowed to dry out). Astilbes dislike chalky soil. Water well in dry weather and apply an annual moisture-retaining mulch such as leaf mould, well-rotted compost or manure in early spring. Do not cut the plants hack until the end of winter, as the faded flowerheads and foliage are attractive in their own right.

PROPAGATION Divide woody clumps in spring, ensuring that each portion has 2-3 developing buds.

VARIETIES `Fanal', 60cm/24in, red; `Bressingham Beauty', 90cm/3ft, rose-pink; `Deutschland', 60cm/24in, brilliant white.

POSSIBLE PROBLEMS Generally trouble-free.