Astilbe is an ornamental shrub valued for a long flowering time, a large range of hues and shapes of inflorescences, for preserving an interesting look after the flowering period.
Astilbe Arends
Astilbe of this species has about forty varieties and bears the name of breeder G. Arends, who bred it. These bushes grow to a meter in height, have dark green leaves with a burgundy border. Inflorescences are of two types: circular and in the form of a cone. Shades of inflorescences - cream, yellow and pink.
Amethyst
Sredneroslyy variety reaches up to a meter in height, has light green leaves and strong stems with soft lilac inflorescences. Beautiful and as a single plant, and in mixed plantings, in flower beds and flower beds.
Gloria
Lush bush with lush green leaves, grows about a meter in height, blooms with rhomboid inflorescences of soft pink color. 
Glute
The leaves of this hybrid Ardens juicy dark green with a brown tinge. It grows up to 90 cm in height. Paniculate inflorescences are represented by all tones of red: from carmine to bright scarlet. Flowering lasts about 20-22 days.
Hyacinth
Fluffy light purple inflorescences of hyacinth at the beginning of flowering resemble a Christmas tree. The main color of the leaves is juicy green, the edges are brownish. It grows up to a meter in height, blooms for 14 days. 
Diamond
This astilba is dazzlingly white, which stands out especially on the green background of leaves. A diamond blooms for about a month and will make an indelible impression on a green lawn among evergreen conifers.
Ruby
Ruby grows to 80 cm in height. It has strong branched stems with green leaves tapering to the edge. Inflorescences - purple, pale shade, paniculate in shape. This variety is combined with more vivid colors and is suitable as a border for a flower bed.
Erika
This spectacular variety has an unusual color of the stems and leaves: the stems are burgundy, and the leaves are brown-red. No less beautiful carmine inflorescences. This variety can decorate any corner of the garden.
Astilba David
This tall astilbe has been known to gardeners since 1902. This is a perennial sprawling bush with thin burgundy-colored stems. Green leaves are like feathery compositions.
Leaf blades appear shriveled, the stalks and streaks on them are brown. Astilba David grows up to 1.5 meters in height. Inflorescences are not too lush, which is compensated by a bright pink color.
The inflorescences have the shape of an elongated pyramid with a light fuzz along the axis. The plant blooms in late July - early August, blooms for two weeks. At the end of flowering seed boxes are formed.
Astilba naked
A small shrub, blooming with pale pink small flowers in late June - early July. Many gardeners admire the dwarf bare astilba variety "Saxatilis", which grows up to only 12 cm, and the bush diameter is not more than 15 cm. In the sun, its leaves are cast with bronze.
Chinese astilba
This species is quite high - about 110 cm. In most hybrids, astilba is a Chinese stalk of a dark red color, patterned foliage, hairy, and paniculate inflorescences. Inflorescences are represented by shades of pink, lilac, red flowers, there are white.
The brightest varieties:
- "Vision in Red" - red with purple (in the photo);
- "Vision in Pink" - pale pink flowers;
- "Purpurlanz" - inflorescences of purple hue.
Important! Chinese Astilbe is an aggressor: over time, its root system expands and pushes its neighbors.
Common astilbe
This plant has drooping inflorescences, whole juicy green and glossy leaves. The most popular varieties:
- "Bronz Elegance" - pink inflorescences with a bronze sheen (in the photo);
- "Straussenfider" - flowers of coral shade;
- "Preacox Alba" - with white tassels.
Attention! When planting a variety of astilba in the garden, keep an eye on the timely soil moistening, especially during the dry season, as the plant does not tolerate a lack of moisture.
Astilba Thunberg
Perennial shrub grows to 80 cm in height. Its distinguishing feature is the glossy oval-shaped leaves with brown edges. Inflorescences in hybrids of Tunberg are long - up to 25 cm, in the form of a drooping brush. Two varieties take root in our latitudes:
"Professor van der Wien" (height - 105 cm, inflorescences are white),
"Straussnfeder" (pink brush), this variety is represented in the photo.
Japanese astilba
Japanese hybrids have different heights - from 40 cm to 1 meter. Lace leaves have colors from light green to red-brown tones. Lush inflorescences come in a wide variety of shades. These plants are beautiful in single plantings, and the brightest of them can be the center of the composition.
Bremen
Low grade, does not grow up to half a meter. Leaves are fishnet, light green color. The inflorescences are large, up to 15 cm, crimson color.
Gladstone
Half-meter neat bushes with white inflorescences resembling snow-covered tops of Christmas trees.
Did you know? Since ancient times, Chinese residents have used astilba leaves as a medicine, so far the Chinese and Japanese have prepared seasonings from astilba leaves.
King alfred
Shrub with proper care grows up to 70 cm. Delicate white inflorescences look organic on a green background of foliage.
Peach blossom
Compact bush, 60 cm in height. The leaves are bright green in the center, bordered by a brown stripe along the edge. The inflorescences are small, pale pink, but bloom not for long - up to 12 days.
Interesting! Astilbe came to Europe thanks to Karl Thunberg, who, with the same lover of exotic plants, von Siebold, brought her from Japan.
Plume
Bush height - up to 80 cm. Inflorescences - thick, creamy-white or light pink shades. 
Montgomery
This astilba its color resembles a juicy pomegranate. Large bright buds bloom at the end of summer. The leaves are brownish in the shape of a diamond. The bush grows to 70 cm.
