Astilbe

Astilbe
Astilbe arendsii in flower
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Plantae
(unranked):	Angiosperms
(unranked):	Eudicots
(unranked):	Core eudicots
Order:	Saxifragales
Family:	Saxifragaceae
Genus:	Astilbe Buch.-Ham. ex D.Don
Species
See text.

See text.

Astilbe /əˈstɪlbiː/ is a genus of 18 species of rhizomatous flowering plants, within the family Saxifragaceae, native to mountain ravines and woodland in Asia and North America. Some species are commonly known as false goat's beard and false spirea.

These hardy herbaceous perennials are cultivated by gardeners for their large, handsome, often fern-like foliage, and dense, feathery plumes of flowers. They are widely adapted to shade and water-logged conditions, hence they are particularly associated with pond-side planting. They also tolerate clay soils well. Numerous hybrid cultivars have been raised. Flowers of at least some astilbe species have a strong and pleasant aroma.

Species of Astilbe include:

Commonly accepted cultivar groups are:

The following varieties and cultivars have gained the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit:-

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