astilbe

noun

astil·​be ə-ˈstil-(ˌ)bē How to pronounce astilbe (audio)
: any of a genus (Astilbe) of chiefly Asian perennials of the saxifrage family that have simple or usually compound leaves and are widely cultivated for their panicles of usually white, pink, or red flowers

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web Purple hydrangea, silver and gold astilbe sprays and silver snowflakes add color to the 10-foot-tall Christmas tree at the base of the sweeping staircase. oregonlive, 9 Dec. 2022 Purple hydrangea, silver and gold astilbe sprays and silver snowflakes add color to the 10-foot-tall Christmas tree at the base of the sweeping staircase. oregonlive, 9 Dec. 2022 Feathery pink astilbe, added by gardener Rick Elder, brings a soft, organic note to the corridor, and in the distance, a 150-year-old bronze beech forms a majestic backdrop behind a sweet marble statue of a child. Katy Elliott, WSJ, 17 Aug. 2022 Anemone, astilbe, fern, hosta, oakleaf hydrangea, ligularia, rhododendron, toad lily, and woodland phlox thrive in many mainland U.S. regions; ajuga, clivia, tropical gingers and bromeliads are good choices for the warmest climates. Jessica Damiano, BostonGlobe.com, 15 May 2022 The space accommodated a stand of feathery dappled willows, coral bells, ferns, lamb’s ear, hydrangea, and astilbe. Susan Degrane, chicagotribune.com, 21 July 2021 According to Express, her bouquet featured trailing jasmine, light pink and cream sweet peas, royal porcelain ivory spray roses, pink O'Hara garden roses, pink waxflower, baby pink astilbe and, in keeping with royal tradition, and of course: myrtle. Bianca Rodriguez, Marie Claire, 21 July 2020 For her own version, Princess Beatrice chose an arrangement filled with trailing jasmine, pale pink and cream sweet peas, royal porcelain ivory spray roses, pink o’hara garden roses, pink wax flower and baby pink astilbe. Annie Goldsmith, Town & Country, 18 July 2020 Some perennials, such a coneflower and yarrow, revel in bright sun from morning until night while others, such as astilbe and old-fashioned bleeding heart, do best in afternoon shade. Megan Hughes, Better Homes & Gardens, 18 June 2020 See More

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'astilbe.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from a- entry 2 + Greek stilbē, feminine of stilbos sparkling

First Known Use

1827, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of astilbe was in 1827

Dictionary Entries Near astilbe

Cite this Entry

“Astilbe.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/astilbe. Accessed 27 Mar. 2023.

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