Flower panicles cascade like ostrich feathers
A unique and special variety, this award winner has billowing, elegantly arching panicles consisting of hundreds of tiny, coral-pink flowers that cascade like giant feathers, so it is commonly called Ostrich Plume. These weeping panicles bloom from early to late summer on stems reaching 80–90 cm tall, well above the habit's 50 cm height. The leaves, which are tinted bronze when young but later turn dark green, are shaped differently than those of most astilbes. Rather than being frond shaped, like those found on a fern, Straussenfeder's leaves are larger and lobed, adding further to its distinctiveness. Pollinators will flutter, flit or buzz around this perennial's colourful panicles throughout their flowering period. Excellent in borders, shade gardens and as cut flowers. Resists the advances of foraging deer and hungry rabbits. Recipient of the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit in 1970.Astilbe thunbergii
Attracted by Bees