I've had very good success with 'Washington' (white) and 'Sprite' (soft pink). In partial shade, they've been my strongest bloomers.

Bridal Veil has always done well for me. No upkeep to speak of - no problems.

thanks so much for your recommendations! i'm checking them out at bluestone! thanks.

I'm growing Visions this year and it's great so far - very unique raspberry color.....

I've grown 'Rheinland' in just about the same conditions you describe; except mine is under the deep shade of a huge maple tree. The maple sucks up the moisture and the soil by the end of each season. The 'Rheinland' is doing wonderfully. Last fall, I divided a 3-year clump. This year even the tiniest division, about 3" tall is sending up buds. It has fluffy pink flowers.

Do astilbes bloom all summer long? I would love to try them too.

They do not bloom long at all; however, the foliage is so pretty that they are still a wonderful backdrop for other plants.

The color of the bloom fades, while the flower dries and adds texture. I leave my flowers there all summer, fall, and winter. There they are, just under the picture window, behind the Rudbeckia and the evergreen. They bloomed in June, and are brown, but still interesting in September.

Here is a link that might be useful: My astilbe

Do you cut back the foliage in the fall?

'Purple Candles' is a stand out. Blooms along with Purple coneflower for a great combination. Here is a copy-and-paste link to a photo that will convince you(if you like purple, that is!):

http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://yucca.standardout.com/pics/tyke_1066084600_311.jpg&imgrefurl=http://plantsdatabase.com/showimage/28775.html&h=1515&w=703&sz=258&tbnid=8m5nibgK4D4J:&tbnh=148&tbnw=69&start=2&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dpurple%2Bcandles%2Bastilbe%26hl%3Den%26lr%3D%26ie%3DUTF-8%26sa%3DG