Astilbe 'Glitter and Glamour'

Astilbe 'Glitter and Glamour': Sparkle in the Shade

With its frosted foliage and softly shimmering blooms, Astilbe 'Glitter and Glamour' lives up to its name—bringing a refined, eye-catching glow to shady garden spaces. Pale pink plumes float above silvery green leaves accented by dark veining, offering interest even before the flowers appear. Blooming in early to mid-summer, this cultivar combines a compact habit with striking foliage detail, making it as much a foliage plant as a floral performer in the shade garden.

Plant Characteristics:

• Height: 45–55 cm
• Spread: 45–60 cm, forming a compact, rounded clump
• Flower Colour: Soft shell pink
• Flowering Period: Early to mid-summer
• Foliage: Silvery green with deep veining and a semi-glossy finish
• Sunlight Requirements: Part shade to full shade
• Soil Requirements: Moist, rich, well-drained soil

Uses and Benefits: Astilbe 'Glitter and Glamour' adds refined brightness and texture to shaded beds, woodland edges, and pathside borders. Its foliage shines even when the plant is not in bloom, and its airy pink flowers complement both bold and delicate companions. Perfect for pairing with contrasting foliage tones, it holds its own as a featured plant or part of a layered shade scheme. Deer-resistant and long-lived, it’s also ideal for decorative containers in part shade.

Companion Plants: Match its sparkle with the darkly veined foliage and spring blooms of Tiarella 'Sugar and Spice', the arching evergreen texture of Polystichum polyblepharum, and the citrus-toned brightness of Heuchera 'Twist of Lime' for a vivid, season-long shade combination full of contrast and elegance.

Care Instructions: Plant in part to full shade in consistently moist, humus-rich soil. Water well during dry spells and mulch to retain soil moisture. Cut back spent blooms for a clean look or leave for late-season texture. Divide every 3–4 years in spring to rejuvenate the clump and encourage fresh growth.

History: A recent addition to the astilbe palette, 'Glitter and Glamour' was bred for foliage impact as well as flower quality, offering dual-season appeal and greater design versatility in shaded spaces.

Final Thoughts: With its luminous leaves and gentle blush blooms, Astilbe 'Glitter and Glamour' adds polish and personality to the shade—proof that elegance thrives in quiet corners of the garden.