Astilbe japonica 39montgomery39 produces fluffy spikes of rich crimson flowers on upright stems from june to july the clumps of finely divided leaves also emerge bronze in the spring before turning green in the summer a funky herbaceous perennial which is also known as false goatsbeard astilbe japonica 39montgomery39 makes an attractive addition to cottage garden borders woodland gardens or patio containers preferring lots of moisture and happy in sun or partial shade astilbe