The Astilbe Delft Lace can add charm to your garden, capturing the attention of visitors with its striking colors and textures. Read on to learn everything you need to know about this wonderful flower!
Visual Delight in the Garden: The Unique Perennial
Also called the Hybrid Astilbe or the False Spirea, the Delft Lace is a perennial plant. This means that it can last throughout the year.
Color
Its bloom cycle starts in the early summer, with its pink buds unfurling into soft apricot pink plumes. As the seasons change, the blossoms transform into a warm caramel color.
This plant also has robust red stems that provide a strong foundation for the flower spikes and also add some more color.
Height and Spread
This plant is a mild grower, reaching up to a height of 24-36 inches. It’s spread can also reach 24-36 inches.
Foliage
The lacy foliage of this perennial is equally showy. The leaves present a deep blue-green with a light silver overlay, subtly tinged with red highlights at the edges.
This color combination makes the leaves visually appealing throughout the entire growing season. They create a lovely contrast with the flowers and contribute to the overall aesthetic of the plant.
Easy Steps to Nurture Your Shade-Loving Plant
Caring for your shade-loving perennial is simple and rewarding. These plants are easy to grow as long as you take care of their growth requirements. Here’s what you need to do:
Sunlight
These plants thrive in areas without the full sun. Partial shade to full shade is ideal for them, meaning they do well even without direct sunlight.
If you’re in a region with hot summers, find a spot in a shade garden that offers some coolness in the heat of the day. Partial shade can go a long way in protecting your plant from stress due to high temperatures, which can cause leaves to fall off.
Soil
To ensure your plant grows healthy and vibrant, the soil it lives in should be rich and fertile.
Adding fertilizer and organic matter like compost enriches the soil and gives your plant the nutrients it needs.
It’s important to keep the soil consistently moist, but be careful not to overwater. Soggy soil can harm the plant’s roots.
Pruning
When it comes to maintaining your plant’s appearance, it’s up to you. Some gardeners like to snip off the spent blooms for a tidier look, but it’s not necessary for the plant’s health.
Dividing
However, every few years, you’ll want to divide the plant. This simply means taking the mature plant and splitting the clump into smaller sections.
Doing this every three to four years helps to keep the plant rejuvenated and growing with vigor.
Wait to cut back the old foliage until spring. It can help protect the plant from winter damage.
Top Tips for Growing Delft Lace Astilbe
Here are some quick tips to help your Astilbe thrive:
Moist Soil is Key
To keep the soil perfectly damp, add a layer of mulch around the plant. The mulch not only keeps the ground wet but also helps to stop weeds from growing and protects the roots from extreme temperatures.
Cluster for Impact
Planting these flowers in groups creates a stunning display of color and makes your garden look lush. They’re social plants and enjoy the company of their own kind, which can lead to a more vibrant and healthy growth.
Decorate with Blooms
Not only do these astilbes make your garden beautiful, but you can also bring their elegance indoors. Snip a few flowers and arrange them in a vase with water for a fresh look, or hang them upside down in a dry, airy space to preserve their beauty. Once dried, they make lovely, lasting arrangements.
Relationship With Animals
Delft Lace is a big reason why butterflies flock to some gardens. These insects love these flowers because they are full of nectar.
Having butterflies in your garden can be a big plus point, plus you are also helping nature take its course.
These plants are deer and rabbit resistant, which is an added advantage.
How to Keep These Plants
You can use Delft Lace in woodland gardens and shade gardens, alongside other plants, for example Hosta, Brunnera, Ligularia and Lobelia. These plants can be used as ground cover or in perennial borders.
Perfect for Pots
Even if you don’t have a garden, you can still enjoy the beauty of these dark pink flowers. These plants can grow in pots, which means you can place them on a patio, a deck, or even a balcony.
Why You’ll Love Astilbe Delft Lace
If you’re looking for a plant that’s pretty, easy to take care of, and perfect for shady spots, the Astilbe Delft Lace is a fantastic choice.
They just need the right combination of sunlight, shade, and adequate moisture in organically rich soil. So give these tiny flowers a try and add some color to your life!