Japanese astilbe

Family: Saxifragaceae. Native to Japan.

Perennial herbaceous plant, forming a broadly spreading clump 60–80 cm tall. Leaves twice-pinnate, dark green, glossy, on reddish petioles, which makes it attractive both before and after flowering. Flowers small, pleasantly scented, white or pink in dense, rhombic inflorescences up to 30 cm long. Blooms in July for 2–3 weeks. Produces fruit. In cultivation since 1837.