Best of the bunch

●●Astilbe WHICH beauty likes to hang around in the shadows but makes sure she get lots of attention in the summer when she dons a bright feathery boa?

Astilbe – and what a great plant this is for semi-shade. It has attractive, finely-cut or serrated foliage and then these wonderful plumes of flowers in red, pink, purple or white in summertime.

It’s happy in sunshine as long as the soil doesn’t dry out. Its key requirement is damp, poorly-drained soil – boggy or poolside situations being ideal.