Deer resistant: yes 🦌
Moisture: needs continuously moist soil
Size: 40” H x 18” W
Bloom: Arching pink blooms in early July
Garden zone: 4
Astilbe are a very large group of perennials with basal cut-leaf, toothed foliage above which colorful, feathery plumes of flowers emerge on short stalks. Astilbe, along with Hosta, are the cornerstones of shade gardens. Astilbe need consistently moist soil, or they will curl, crisp, and wither. We do grow Astilbe under trees, but sites with tree root competition will require monitoring for adequate soil moisture.
‘Straussenfeder’ (Ostrich Plume) is a large Astilbe with unique, arching feathery pink plumes of flowers in early July. Ours is sited in deep shade, under a crabapple tree and is thriving. Like most Astilbe, it is a wonderful companion for Hosta.