Images Depict Mature Plants
Delft Lace Astilbe
Astilbe chinensis 'Delft Lace
Delft Lace Astilbe is one of those shade perennials that earns its space from both the flowers and the foliage. The apricot-pink plumes are beautiful, but the red stems and blue-green lacy leaves give the plant more character than a standard pink astilbe. I like it in groups along shaded walks, near patios, or in woodland gardens where the soil stays moist. Keep it watered, and it rewards you with a refined, layered look that feels polished without being fussy.
MEMORIAL DAY SALE 20% OFF
Use Code MEMORIALDAY20 at Checkout!
📦 Free shipping on orders over $99.
Delay shipping by leaving us a message at Checkout.
Share:
Apricot-Pink Plumes and Lacy Foliage for Moist Shade
Soft Apricot-Pink Plumes on Red Stems.
Delft Lace Astilbe is a beautiful shade perennial grown for its deep salmon-red buds that open into soft apricot-pink flower plumes. The blooms are carried on upright red stems, creating a warm, elegant color contrast above the foliage in early summer. This makes Delft Lace a standout choice for adding refined color, height, and movement to shaded beds and woodland-style plantings.
Lacy Blue-Green Foliage with Red Highlights.
The foliage is one of the features that sets Delft Lace Astilbe apart. Its deep blue-green, fern-like leaves have red highlights and a waxy, lacy texture that remains attractive through the growing season when the plant receives enough moisture. The foliage may also show burgundy tones later in the season, adding interest even after the flowers fade.
A Refined Astilbe for Borders, Containers, and Mass Plantings.
Delft Lace Astilbe typically grows 24 to 36 inches tall and 18 to 24 inches wide, making it useful in the front, middle, or back of shaded perennial plantings, depending on the companion plants' heights. Plant it in groups along woodland edges, shaded walkways, foundation beds, containers, or near streams and ponds. Its soft flower color pairs beautifully with hostas, heuchera, ferns, hellebores, brunnera, carex, Japanese forest grass, and other shade-loving perennials.
Moisture-Loving and Best in Part Shade.
Delft Lace Astilbe performs best in part shade to shade and rich, fertile, evenly moist soil. It can tolerate more sun in cooler climates or consistently moist sites, but dry soil can quickly cause browning, crispy leaf margins, and decline. Mulch around the plant to help conserve moisture, keep the root zone cool, and reduce stress during summer heat.
Deer-Resistant, Rabbit-Resistant, and Useful for Flowers.
Delft Lace Astilbe is considered deer resistant and rabbit resistant, making it a practical choice for shaded landscapes where browsing pressure is common. The flowers attract bees and other pollinators, and the plumes can be cut for fresh arrangements or dried for natural bouquets. Faded seed heads can be left standing for extra texture or removed for a cleaner look.
| Hardiness Zone: | 4-9 |
|---|---|
| Mature Height: | 24 to 36 inches |
| Mature Width: | 18 to 24 inches |
| Sunlight: | Part shade to shade; tolerates sun only with consistent moisture |
| Soil | Rich, fertile, moist, well-drained soil |
| Water | Moderate to consistent; do not allow soil to dry out |
| Bloom Time / Color | Early summer; salmon-red buds opening to soft apricot-pink plumes |
| Ornamental Features | Apricot-pink plumes, red stems, lacy foliage, dried seed heads, cut and dried flower value |
| Wildlife Value | Bee friendly; attracts pollinators |
| Resistance | Deer resistant, rabbit resistant, moist soil tolerant |
| Landscape Uses | Shade borders, woodland gardens, containers, mass plantings, shaded foundations, pond edges, streamside plantings, cut flowers, dried arrangements |
How to Care for Delft Lace Astilbe
Be sure to read our planting instructions to ensure a healthy and happy Delft Lace Astilbe for years to come!
-v1778680079950.png?92x91){kind=icon}
How should I plant Delft Lace Astilbe?
Plant Delft Lace Astilbe in part shade to shade where the soil is rich, fertile, and consistently moist. It can tolerate some sun if the soil stays evenly moist, but it should be protected from hot, dry afternoon sun. Avoid dry shade under thirsty tree roots unless the area can be watered regularly. Dig a hole about twice as wide as the root ball and just as deep. Set the crown level with the surrounding soil, or with the eyes just below the soil surface, then backfill gently and water thoroughly. Add a 2- to 3-inch mulch layer around the plant to conserve moisture and keep the roots cool, keeping mulch slightly pulled back from the crown.
-v1778680080797.png?89x84){kind=icon}
How often should I water Delft Lace Astilbe after planting?
Water Delft Lace Astilbe deeply after planting and keep the soil evenly moist through the first growing season. Astilbe should not be allowed to dry out, especially when foliage is emerging and flower plumes are developing. Water when the top inch or two of soil begins to dry. Once established, continue watering during dry spells to prevent browning leaf edges and crispy foliage. Plants in containers, sunnier locations, or sandy soils may need more frequent watering. Mulch helps reduce evaporation and keeps the root zone more consistent during summer heat.
-v1778680081326.png?90x89){kind=icon}
When should I fertilize Delft Lace Astilbe?
Fertilize Delft Lace Astilbe in late spring before flowering or in early spring as new growth begins. Use a balanced slow-release fertilizer or a light layer of compost around the root zone to support strong foliage, sturdy stems, and healthy flower plumes. Avoid heavy fertilizer or high-salt products, because astilbe performs best with steady moisture, organic matter, and moderate fertility. If the plant is growing well and blooming strongly, keep feeding simple and focus on consistent watering and healthy soil.
When and how should I prune Delft Lace Astilbe?
Remove spent Delft Lace Astilbe plumes after bloom if you prefer a tidy appearance. You can also leave the dried flower heads standing for added late-season texture and natural dried-flower interest. Deadheading is not required for plant health. Wait until late fall after the foliage declines or early spring before new growth appears to cut back old foliage. In colder areas, leaving old foliage through winter can help protect the crown. Divide mature clumps every few years if flowering declines, the center becomes crowded, or the plant outgrows its space.
