I have tried for decades to grow an Astilbe in Idaho. The two that I got from HBC are growing beautifully. It likely helped that when the bare roots arrived they already had growth on them! With bare roots I can't always tell top from bottom!
Plants have sprouted and filling up their pots. Looking forward to their blooming
These look like they are going to grow into nice, healthy plants. It did take a bit for them to come up but hopefully worth it.
I planted this astilbe on 3/14/26. It is now mid-April and the plant is already about 1 foot tall and healthy. I already have a flower shoot, although it is not blooming yet. The foliage is ferny, dark green and lovely. I have had a lot of luck with astilbes from Holland Bulb Farms at my previous location and couldn't wait to plant them again. They have come back stronger year after year. No complaints whatsoever, great plants!
Planted in pots. Came up quickly. No flowers yet but early days.