There are tall astilbes for herbaceous borders and small ones of rock garden stature, but all prefer cool and damp conditions. They are clump-forming perennials with branched spikes bearing a multitude of tiny flowers, usually pink or white, sometimes red, closely packed together into a fuzzy mass. The multiply divided leaves are also attractive, opening with bronze colouring, and the dried flowers stems can stand through the winter, adding structure for many extra months. See also Filipendula.

Astilbe chinensis var. pumila is a dwarf form of this fine species, with pink flowers, tightly packed along the upright flower stem and its many short side branches, contrasting with the dark foliage.