Astilbe 'Delft Lace'

Astilbe chinensis 'Delft Lace': Coral Lace with a Silvery Touch

Delicate in name but bold in effect, Astilbe 'Delft Lace' produces dense plumes of coral-pink flowers over lacy, blue-green foliage brushed with burgundy. Blooming in midsummer, this chinensis-type astilbe thrives in part shade and tolerates drier conditions better than most of its kin. Its strong, upright stems and intricately veined foliage offer season-long interest, making it as much a foliage plant as a floral one. Beautiful both in bloom and after, it's a refined yet resilient choice for the modern shade garden.

Plant Characteristics:

• Height: 50–60 cm
• Spread: 45–60 cm, forming a compact, upright clump
• Flower Colour: Coral-pink with soft apricot tones
• Flowering Period: Mid to late summer
• Foliage: Lacy blue-green leaves with deep burgundy veining; glossy and refined
• Sunlight Requirements: Part shade to full shade
• Soil Requirements: Moist, well-drained, humus-rich soil; more tolerant of dry spells than most astilbes

Uses and Benefits: Astilbe 'Delft Lace' excels in shaded borders, woodland edges, and moisture-retentive areas where its ornamental foliage and airy flowers can truly shine. Its midsummer bloom bridges the gap between early and late season perennials, while the coloured foliage provides visual interest from spring through fall. Deer-resistant and relatively drought-tolerant, it’s a versatile, high-performance choice for layered shade plantings.

Companion Plants: Combine with the peach-infused foliage of Heuchera 'Peachberry Ice', the coppery tones of Dryopteris 'Brilliance', and the glowing variegation of Carex 'Everglow' for a sophisticated palette rich in texture and warm undertones that evolve throughout the season.

Care Instructions: Plant in part to full shade in moist, fertile soil. Water regularly during hot or dry periods, especially in sunnier locations. Mulch to retain soil moisture and suppress weeds. Cut back spent blooms or leave them for fall texture. Divide every 3–4 years in early spring to refresh growth.

History: Bred in the Netherlands, 'Delft Lace' is a standout in the chinensis group, known for its uniquely coloured foliage and exceptional garden performance in less-than-ideal moisture conditions. It reflects a modern approach to shade planting—combining beauty with resilience.

Final Thoughts: With its coral-pink blooms and finely veined foliage, Astilbe 'Delft Lace' adds a layer of elegance to shaded plantings—equal parts softness, structure, and enduring style.