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Photo: Image courtesy of Longfield Gardens
Astilbe (Astilbe hybrids)
The feathery plumes of astilbe hybrids weave textural color into shade plantings. Look for varieties that unfurl flowers in red, pink, white or lavender. Astilbe blooms in summer. By planting a mix of early-, mid- and late-flowering types, you can savor season-long color. Plants are deer-resistant. Mass them for an easy-care groundcover. Hardy in Zones 4 to 8.