White Astilbe 'Washington'
Best low-maintenance choice for shade gardeners seeking deer-resistant floral beauty.
The White Astilbe 'Washington' is a hardy, deciduous perennial that brings midsummer beauty to your garden. It boasts lush, fluffy white plumes and dark green, fern-like foliage with an upright growth habit. This low-maintenance plant thrives in organically rich, moist, well-drained soil and prefers partial shade. Its fragrant flowers are perfect for bouquets, and the attractive dried seed heads offer seasonal interest. Deer and rabbit resistant, it also attracts butterflies, making it a dynamic addition to borders, containers, or shade gardens.
$10.95
Owner Satisfaction
4.6
/ 5
Category Rank
850
/ 2632
#850 in Flowers
Price vs Category Average
-73%
Below average
SKU
28849
Who it's for
- Homeowners tired of protecting plants from deer and rabbits
- Gardeners managing dark, north-facing woodland beds
- Designers seeking versatile white accents for dim garden corners
Who should skip it
- Gardeners in hot, dry climates without reliable irrigation
- Impatient gardeners wanting instant, full-sized perennial displays
- Low-maintenance gardeners avoiding soil amendments and regular plant division
Performance breakdown
Shade Tolerance
Thrives in low-light conditions where many other perennials struggle to bloom.
Maintenance Ease
Requires minimal intervention once established in rich, moist soil.
Pest Resistance
Reliably deters deer and rabbits, protecting your garden investment.
Pollinator Appeal
Fragrant plumes act as a magnet for local butterfly populations.
Floral Utility
Elegant white plumes provide excellent structure for fresh indoor arrangements.
Seasonal Longevity
Dried seed heads extend visual interest well beyond the summer bloom.
Key Specs
SKU
28849
Genus
Astilbe
Species
x japonica
Item Form
Bareroot
Bloom Color
Cream, White
Foliage Color
Dark Green
Hardiness Zones
USDA Zone 3 - 8
Mature Size
23 in height, 19 in spread
Features
- Produces fluffy white plumes in midsummer
- Fragrant flowers for arrangements
- Attractive dried seed heads
- Deer and rabbit resistant
- Attracts butterflies
- Low maintenance care
- Fern-like foliage
- Upright growth habit
What customers say
Gardeners consistently celebrate the White Astilbe 'Washington' for its outstanding quality and dependable beauty. Reviewers highlight that plants arrive healthy and establish quickly, reliably returning each year with stunning, feathery white plumes. This variety thrives even in shady locations, offering elegant design impact with minimal effort. It is considered a valuable addition for those seeking reliable performance and a touch of refined charm in their gardens without complication.
Know before you buy
This plant performs best in partial shade, though it can tolerate full shade. Avoid planting it in direct, intense afternoon sun, which can scorch the foliage.
Since this variety reaches a mature width of approximately 19 inches, you should space them about 1.5 to 2 feet apart to allow for proper air circulation and growth.
Yes, the White Astilbe 'Washington' is considered deer and rabbit resistant. While no plant is 100% immune to hungry wildlife, these animals generally avoid it due to its texture and taste.
You can leave the dried seed heads on the plant to provide visual interest throughout the late season. Once they lose their appeal, you can prune the foliage back to the ground in late autumn or early spring.
Yes, Astilbes thrive in moist, organically rich soil. They have moderate water requirements and should not be allowed to dry out completely, especially during hot summer months.
Absolutely. Its upright growth habit and compact size make it an excellent choice for containers, provided you use a high-quality, moisture-retentive potting mix and ensure the pot has adequate drainage.
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Ask Hayley anything about this product before you decide.
Ready to buy?
$11