Soft Pink Plumes That Brighten the Shade

Pretty in Pink Astilbe (Astilbe × arendsii 'Pretty in Pink') lights up shady borders with full, feathery plumes of clear, soft pink rising above mounds of fern-like green foliage in summer. It's the kind of dependable, easy-care perennial that turns a dim, damp corner into a highlight, feeding pollinators while shrugging off deer and rabbits. A graceful, long-blooming choice for Minnetonka, Lakeville, and Blaine shade gardens.

Landscape Uses

Use Pretty in Pink in shaded borders, woodland gardens, rain gardens, and along water features. The plumes are excellent cut or dried, and the plant combines beautifully with hostas, ferns, and astilbes in other colors.

Best Time to Plant

Plant in spring or early fall, when cool weather and steady moisture help roots establish. Avoid the heat of midsummer.

How to Plant

Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and just as deep. Set the crown level with the soil, backfill with compost-enriched soil, water thoroughly, and mulch 2–3 inches deep to conserve moisture.

Watering

First Year: Keep the soil consistently moist, watering 2–3 times per week. Do not let astilbe dry out.
After Year One: Continue regular watering, especially during heat.
Drip Irrigation: A soaker hose or drip line provides the steady moisture astilbe requires.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will Pretty in Pink grow in shade?
Yes. Part to full shade is ideal; full sun works only with consistently moist soil.

Is it hardy in Minnesota?
Yes, it's hardy to Zone 4 and overwinters reliably across most of the state.

Is it deer resistant?
Yes, deer and rabbits generally avoid astilbe.

Are the plumes good for cutting?
Yes, they make lovely fresh or dried cut flowers.

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Pair Pretty in Pink with our red and white astilbes, hostas, and ferns for a soft, layered shade planting.