astilbe

[ uh-stil-bee ]

noun

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

astilbe

/ 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

Word History and Origins

Origin of astilbe¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of astilbe¹

C19: New Latin, from Greek: not glittering, from a- ¹+ stilbē, from stilbein to glitter; referring to its inconspicuous individual flowers

Example Sentences

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

From New York Times

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

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

Here, Camille has planted traditional shade plants such as astilbe, hostas and Solomon’s seal, and some special plants, like the ‘Apple Court’ crested painted fern, Podophyllum, and a pink-tipped ‘Tsuma-gaki’ Japanese maple.

From Seattle Times

On the south side, hostas, ferns, hellebores, astilbe, Solomon’s seal and Vanilla Strawberry hydrangeas that get “massively huge” flank camellia trees with big red blooms.

From Seattle Times