Visions comes in several colors, so I'm not sure which one you have. Actually, Visions is not feathery. The flowers are quite a bit thicker than most astilbes. I like it because the flowers seem to last longer than the feathery types. Mine were sort of dull this year too. Maybe it is the drought. In past years, they have been striking. In fact I planted more because they looked so good at this time of the year. Maybe next year will be better :)
Virginia

I was unhappy with the color of my astilbe this year also.
Guess it just wasnt their year.....I find this happening with other flowers also.
Donna

Yes, mine were dull this year too and dried out dull brown much faster than years past. I'd guess your brownish ones are done blooming - they were probably prettier when newly unfurled but didn't hold the color. Gardening - an adventure in change.

This is very weird, I was the one that posted that my Astilbe just didn't have much color. Guess what, this year they had great color. Go figure.

Mine as well do not have the color to the blooms nor a convincing robustness to the foliage this year- I do believe most of my astilbe have done their best performance when the weather has been much cooler and more moist.
Although- the Goat's Beard Aruncus sent out the most lovely plumes this spring much to my surprise- They have always bloomed in the fall before- I do hope to get a repeat bloom this fall- but if things don't cool off and moisten up soon- I can see where many plants will be shutting down early this year-