astilbe

American  

[uh-stil-bee] / əˈstɪl bi /

noun

1. any plant of the genus Astilbe, of the saxifrage family, having spirelike clusters of small white, pink, or reddish flowers.

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astilbe British  

/ əˈstɪlbɪ /

noun

1. any perennial saxifragaceous plant of the genus Astilbe of E Asia and North America: cultivated for their ornamental spikes or panicles of pink or white flowers

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Etymology

Origin of astilbe

1825; < New Latin, equivalent to a- a- ⁶ + Greek stilbḗ, feminine of stilbós glittering

Example Sentences

When the tank fills up, the overflow is sent to a bioswale with astilbe plants, violets and grasses.

From New York Times • Jul. 27, 2022

The signature plant here is an old Burford holly tree, which now shields a collection of ferns, hostas and astilbe and is encircled with a red brick path.

From Washington Post • Jul. 20, 2021

In “The Dark Master,” the contrast between the fragrant fields of astilbe and the pungent prison of your own perceptions makes both feel a bit more precious.

From New York Times • Jun. 22, 2021

One shade bed holds Japanese anemone; pink astilbe; and tall, purple meadow rue, which Cathy allows to self-seed each year.

From Seattle Times • Mar. 22, 2019

Floppy-leafed hostas and the pale-pink flower spikes of astilbe soften the garden’s geometry.

From Seattle Times • Dec. 17, 2014