Astilbe arendsii Bumalda

Astilbe arendsii 'Bumalda' flowers in summer with long creamy white panicles shaded with pink when they open. These light-coloured panicles stand out well against the shiny bronzy green foliage, which is deeply lobed and quite decorative. This perennial plant thrives in wet areas near ponds and cool areas of the garden. It also performs well in large pots if well-watered. Its feathery inflorescences remain very attractive in dried bouquets. The foliage takes on lovely autumn shades.

The Genus Astilbe belongs to the Saxifragaceae family. The variety 'Bumalda' is a rhizomatous and stoloniferous perennial plant, which has an upright and bushy habit. The plant will reach a height of 50 cm (20in) when flowering, and will spread to 30 to 40 cm (12 to 16in). It is a long-lived perennial with deciduous compound foliage consisting of toothed dark green leaflets with a bronze tint, particularly attractive due to its glossy appearance. Flowering occurs from late spring to early summer, in the form of large feathery panicles, 20 to 30 cm (8 to 12in) long composed of tiny pink flowers that fade to creamy white when mature.

Astilbe 'Bumalda' can easily be grown in containers, flower beds, or borders, and can be used as cut or dried flowers. It also thrives in shady areas or hedges. Combine them with Hostas, Ferns, Arums, or Goat's Beard, for example. These plants can be forced in a greenhouse to achieve early flowering.

Arends' astilbe hybrids present less risk of allergies than other varieties.