A 12-14″ tall astilbe. Perhaps the latest to bloom. Unlike other astilbes, A. pumila can tolerate direct sun and dry conditions typically found later in the summer. This is a great groundcover plant with lavender-purple flowers, and flat, light green foliage. It adapts well to rock gardens and the edges of walkways or driveways that might generate more heat and less moisture as required by most astilbes.