This has got to be one of my favorite plants.  It likes to be treated right - good soil, light shade and lots of moisture.  A few of my plants were set back considerably because I didn't water them during the drought.  They can take some direct sun although the pinks tend to fade with too much sun.  But, attend to these things and your astilbe will be with you all season.  There is a nice range of colors in the plume-type flowers but I think I appreciate the foliage the most. A blend of greens, bronze and deep red the foliage that doesn't fade or look ratty as the season progresses.  As an extra bonus the dried flower stalks add a bit of winter interest to your garden.

                            VARIETY                    HEIGHT        BLOOM        COLOR           LIGHT