Maggie Daley Astilbe
Maggie Daley Astilbe
Bright Purple-Pink Plumes That Bloom Late in the Shade
Maggie Daley Astilbe (Astilbe chinensis 'Maggie Daley') lights up the shade garden with upright, fluffy plumes of vivid purple-pink atop glossy, deeply cut green foliage. As a chinensis-type astilbe, it blooms later than most — mid to late summer — and tolerates drier soil better than other astilbes, though it's at its best with steady moisture. Deer-resistant and reliably hardy, it brings bold late-season color to shaded borders and rain gardens in Edina, Woodbury, and Maple Grove.
Maggie Daley Astilbe Plant Details
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Botanical Name | Astilbe chinensis 'Maggie Daley' |
| Mature Size | 20–26 in. tall, 18–24 in. wide |
| Hardiness Zone | 4–8 (Twin Cities is zone 4b–5a — fully hardy) |
| Light | Part shade to full shade |
| Bloom Time | Mid to late summer |
| Flower Color | Vivid purple-pink |
| Soil | Moist, rich; chinensis types tolerate drier soil better than most astilbes |
| Winter Hardiness | Reliable to about -25°F once established |
| Deer Resistance | Rarely browsed by deer or rabbits |
Landscape Uses in Minnesota
Late-season shade color: Its bold plumes extend the astilbe season into late summer. Space 18–24 inches apart.
Rain gardens and woodland borders: Loves moist soil and tolerates clay; the plumes draw bees and butterflies. Pair with hostas, ferns, and brunnera.
Best Time to Plant in Minnesota
Plant in spring (late April–May) or early fall (late August–mid September) into rich, moist, shaded soil. Keep moist through establishment.
How to Plant Maggie Daley Astilbe
Dig a hole twice the root ball width at the same depth, mixing in compost. Set the crown level, backfill, water well, and mulch 2–3 inches deep. Space 18–24 inches apart.
Watering Maggie Daley Astilbe
First year: Keep the soil consistently moist — water every 1–3 days in dry weather. Stop 2–3 weeks before the ground freezes.
After year one: Prefers steady moisture; chinensis types handle short dry spells better than other astilbes but still bloom best with consistent water.
Q: How is a chinensis astilbe different?
It blooms later (mid to late summer) and tolerates drier soil and more sun than most astilbes — a tougher, more adaptable choice.
Q: Will it survive a Minnesota winter?
Yes — hardy to zone 4, returning each spring.
Q: Is it deer-resistant?
Yes — deer and rabbits rarely browse astilbe.
Q: Does it need shade?
Part to full shade is ideal; it takes more sun than other astilbes only where soil stays moist.
You May Also Like
Younique Ruby Red Astilbe (Astilbe): A compact red-plumed astilbe.
Hosta: A bold-leaved shade companion.
Lady Fern (Athyrium filix-femina): A native fern for moist shade.