Astilbe ‘Bressingham Beauty’ is a bold and elegant perennial prized for its tall, feathery pink plumes that rise above attractive, deeply cut foliage. Blooming in midsummer, this cultivar is one of the tallest Astilbes available, making it a dramatic feature in shaded or partially shaded gardens.
Height & Spread: 3 - 4 ft x 2 - 2.5 ft
Bloom Time: June to July
Light Requirements: Partial shade to full shade; tolerates morning sun with ample moisture
Soil Preference: Rich, moist, well drained soil; prefers slightly acidic conditions
Watering Needs: High; consistent moisture is essential, especially in full sun
Deer Resistance: Moderate; occasionally browsed but not a primary target
NATIVE STATUS
Not native to North America. It is a hybrid cultivar developed for ornamental use and garden performance. While not ecologically native, it supports some generalist pollinators and offers aesthetic value in shade gardens.
WILDLIFE & INSECTS
Bees
- Visited by honeybees and small native bees for its pollen during midsummer bloom.
Butterflies
- Occasionally attracts skippers and small butterflies for brief foraging.
Other Insects
- The dense foliage may provide some cover for small invertebrates, though it is not a significant host plant.
SPACING & LANDSCAPE USE
Spacing Recommendations
- Space 18 - 30 in apart to allow mature clump development and airflow.
Landscape Placement
- Ideal for shady borders, woodland edges, moist foundation plantings, and rain gardens. Its upright plumes provide contrast against broad leaved shade perennials and help draw the eye upward in layered plantings.
COMPANION PLANTS
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Hosta sieboldiana (Giant Blue Hosta) - Provides bold foliage contrast in deep shade.
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Carex appalachica (Appalachian Sedge) - Adds fine textured groundcover beneath the taller Astilbe.
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Aquilegia canadensis (Eastern Columbine) - Early bloomer that precedes Astilbe with red and yellow flowers.
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Polystichum acrostichoides (Christmas Fern) - Evergreen fern with upright texture that complements the Astilbe’s bloom.
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Tiarella cordifolia (Foamflower) - Low growing native with spring flowers and attractive foliage that fills in around the base.