This perennial dies back to below ground level each year in autumn, then fresh new growth appears again in spring.

• Position: full sun or partial shade
• Soil: moist, humus-rich soil
• Rate of growth: slow
• Flowering period: May
• Hardiness: fully hardy

  Fabulous, feathery, pure white plumes in late spring above deeply cut, bright green leaves. This charming white astilbe is one of the first to flower. For an eye catching display, plant in drifts in a bog garden or moist, humus-rich area of the garden, next to moisture loving plants like rodgersia with large, coarser textured leaves.

• Garden care: Ensure that newly planted astilbes are kept well watered until they are established. Lift and divide large clumps every three or four years in late winter or early spring, discarding old, woody rhizomes.