I have multiple colors of astilbes, they do like shade and if not enough water they will tell you right away, the leaves/frons will really look dry and curled. Only had them a year or so in there present location, I had tried them another time and had no luck, so I'm hoping these work out, my Grandma always had them and I thought they were so pretty and airy. Not sure about lavander, I've always wanted to try some, bought seeds and never got them planted.