Pink astilbe for Betty

A type of spirea, perennial, one of few plants that will bloom in full shade. Easy to grow, though I have found it takes about three years for it to become fully established and for lush blooms. Needs frequent bloom fertilizer. Adapts well to a wide range of climates, wants moist, but not soppy soil. Deer and rabbit resistant!

Here with a cobalt blue lobelia, a hydrangea that never blooms for reasons of local climate and a Japanese wood fern.