Astilbe vs Delphinium

Side-by-side plant comparison — which is right for your garden?

Astilbe

Astilbe × arendsii

Saxifragaceae · flowers

Deer ResistantLow Maintenance

Delphinium

Delphinium elatum

Ranunculaceae · flowers

Deer ResistantHigh Maintenance

Hardiness Zone Range

Astilbe (Zones 4-8)

Delphinium (Zones 3-7)

Overlap: Both grow in zones 4–7

Detailed Comparison

Feature	Astilbe	Delphinium
Scientific Name	Astilbe × arendsii	Delphinium elatum
Family	Saxifragaceae	Ranunculaceae
Category	flowers	flowers
Sun	⛅ Part Shade	☀️ Full Sun
Water	💧💧 Medium to High	💧💧 Medium
Soil	Rich, Moist	Rich, Well-drained
Height	3'	6'
Spread	2'	2'
Bloom Season	Summer	Early Summer
Bloom Color	Red, Pink, White, Purple	Blue, Purple, White, Pink
Growth Rate	Medium	Fast
Native Region	East Asia	Europe, Asia
Maintenance	Low	High

Special Traits

Astilbe

No — EdibleYes — Deer ResistantNo — Drought Tolerant

Delphinium

No — EdibleYes — Deer ResistantNo — Drought Tolerant

Care Tips

Astilbe

✓Must have consistently moist soil — wilts quickly if dry.
✓Divide every 3-4 years.
✓Leave dried flower heads for winter texture.
✓Feed in spring with balanced fertilizer.

Delphinium

✓Stake tall varieties.
✓Cut back after first bloom for possible rebloom.
✓Needs cool summers — struggles in heat.
✓Slugs love young growth.
✓All parts are toxic.

Which Plant Is Right for Your Garden?

Choose Astilbe if you want a low-maintenance plant, and want deer resistance. It thrives in part shade with medium to high water in zones 4–8.

Choose Delphinium if you don't mind high maintenance, and want deer resistance. It thrives in full sun with medium water in zones 3–7.

Plant them together? Both overlap in zones 4–7. However, they have different sun needs, so plan your garden layout carefully.

View AstilbeProfile →View DelphiniumProfile →

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Astilbe and Delphinium grow in the same hardiness zone?

Astilbe grows in USDA zones 4-8, while Delphinium grows in zones 3-7. Both plants can grow together in zones 4 through 7.

Do Astilbe and Delphinium have the same sun and water needs?

Astilbe needs part shade and medium to high water, while Delphinium needs full sun and medium water. Their differing requirements mean you may need separate garden areas for each.

Which grows taller, Astilbe or Delphinium?

Delphinium grows taller at 6' compared to Astilbe at 3'. Delphinium spreads 2' while Astilbe spreads 2'.

Are Astilbe and Delphinium deer resistant?

Yes, both Astilbe and Delphinium are considered deer resistant, making them excellent choices for gardens in areas with deer pressure.

Which is easier to maintain, Astilbe or Delphinium?

Astilbe has low maintenance while Delphinium has high maintenance. Astilbe may be easier for beginning gardeners to manage.

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Detailed Comparison

Feature	Astilbe	Delphinium
Scientific Name	Astilbe × arendsii	Delphinium elatum
Family	Saxifragaceae	Ranunculaceae
Category	flowers	flowers
Sun	⛅ Part Shade	☀️ Full Sun
Water	💧💧 Medium to High	💧💧 Medium
Soil	Rich, Moist	Rich, Well-drained
Height	3'	6'
Spread	2'	2'
Bloom Season	Summer	Early Summer
Bloom Color	Red, Pink, White, Purple	Blue, Purple, White, Pink
Growth Rate	Medium	Fast
Native Region	East Asia	Europe, Asia
Maintenance	Low	High

Care Tips

Astilbe

✓Must have consistently moist soil — wilts quickly if dry.
✓Divide every 3-4 years.
✓Leave dried flower heads for winter texture.
✓Feed in spring with balanced fertilizer.

Delphinium

✓Stake tall varieties.
✓Cut back after first bloom for possible rebloom.
✓Needs cool summers — struggles in heat.
✓Slugs love young growth.
✓All parts are toxic.

Which Plant Is Right for Your Garden?

Choose Astilbe if you want a low-maintenance plant, and want deer resistance. It thrives in part shade with medium to high water in zones 4–8.

Choose Delphinium if you don't mind high maintenance, and want deer resistance. It thrives in full sun with medium water in zones 3–7.

Plant them together? Both overlap in zones 4–7. However, they have different sun needs, so plan your garden layout carefully.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Astilbe and Delphinium grow in the same hardiness zone?

Astilbe grows in USDA zones 4-8, while Delphinium grows in zones 3-7. Both plants can grow together in zones 4 through 7.

Do Astilbe and Delphinium have the same sun and water needs?

Astilbe needs part shade and medium to high water, while Delphinium needs full sun and medium water. Their differing requirements mean you may need separate garden areas for each.

Which grows taller, Astilbe or Delphinium?

Delphinium grows taller at 6' compared to Astilbe at 3'. Delphinium spreads 2' while Astilbe spreads 2'.

Are Astilbe and Delphinium deer resistant?

Yes, both Astilbe and Delphinium are considered deer resistant, making them excellent choices for gardens in areas with deer pressure.

Which is easier to maintain, Astilbe or Delphinium?

Astilbe has low maintenance while Delphinium has high maintenance. Astilbe may be easier for beginning gardeners to manage.