Astilbe

False Goatsbeard
False Spirea

The most deer resistant perennial I know

One of the best ‘foundation’ plants for a woodland/shade garden. The foliage stays nice throught the season, blooms last for a long time and then the dried flower spikes add winter interest to the garden

While they do not really thrive in deep shade they will survive but will lean to the light and the blooms will be sparse. A couple hours of morning sun suits then best. They will grow well in full sun but the soil must not be allowed to dry out for any extended amount of time. Leaves will dry out, turn brown and shrivel. They will come back with new growth if watered but wait too long and they go into ‘pernament dormancy’.

Requirements:

Soil Type - well drained
Soil pH - Neutral, slightly acid
Water - Moist
Light - sun to shade

Characteristics:

Height - up to 3 ft.
Flower colors - white, pink, lavendar, deep purple, red
Time of Bloom - Spring to midsummer
Propagation - Division
Transplants - Easy