If you want the beautiful astilbe to live in your dacha, planting and caring for it in the open ground will not be particularly difficult. It is quite unpretentious, but very decorative. This perennial blooms lushly and feels good even in constant shade. Astilbe comfortably tolerates cold Russian winters (down to -37°C), practically does not get sick, and garden pests are not particularly interested in it.
Photo of blooming astilbe:
For its originality and lush beauty, everyone loves it, professional, novice gardeners, and just amateurs.
Astilbe - description, appearance and features
What is astilbe? This is a perennial plant from the Saxifragaceae family, with lacy foliage and beautiful fluffy panicle inflorescences.
When does astilbe bloom? It blooms starting from the first days of summer. How long does astilbe bloom? The plant blooms most actively for about a month. The flowering process itself continues until August. Not only the flowers are decorative, but also the long-petioled dark green leaves growing on erect stems. The color range of lush panicles is rich in a variety of shades: white, cream, pink, lilac, red. The delicate aroma of astilbe is somewhat reminiscent of the fragrance of bird cherry.
The birthplace of the flower is Japan and Asia. The number of varieties reaches 200 varieties. Eat dwarf varieties, for example, Lilliput. There are tall varieties, for example, Arens hybrids. Compliance with simple agrotechnical rules allows even a novice gardener to grow a lush, eye-catching plant - which is why this crop is so loved by many. For ideal growth and development, astilbe needs shade, but not too strong. The so-called “lace” shadow from the tree crowns is what you need.
Photo of astilbe:
Astilbe will make any corner of the garden cozy With the onset of cold weather, the above-ground part dies off, and the overwintered root produces new shoots in the spring. A remarkable feature of astilbe is that its rhizomes grow from above. Thus, buds form on the upper part of the root system, which are exposed, and therefore require annual addition of soil. Every year their size increases, forming new roots, while the lower part gradually dies off. Panicle flowers reach from 10 to 50 cm in length; when the flowering period ends, boxes with seeds inside remain in their place.
The height of an astilbe plant depends on the variety. There are tall varieties, and there are dwarf varieties. For comfortable cultivation, it is preferable to choose tall varieties - those that grow up to 50-80 cm. They are more resilient and tolerate climate changes and temperature changes well.
As mentioned above, there are many different types of this plant, but most summer residents liked Japanese astilbe. This variety is also called Montgomery - a hybrid bred by German breeder Georg Arends in 1837.
Astilbe Montgomery Arends hybrids are the brightest, most beautiful, unpretentious, they grow well on any soil, are resistant to cold, and bloom for a long time (about 40 days). In addition to "Montgomery", "Gloria", "Deutschland", "Europe", and "Rheinland" are popular among gardeners.
Japanese astilbe grows up to 80 cm in height, has ornamental leaves, and its flowers bloom early. After the flowers fade, they do not lose their decorative qualities, do not spoil the overall picture of the garden, and are often used to make dry bouquets.
Where to plant astilbe
Where to plant astilbe at the dacha, in the garden? The best place is in the northern part of the site. This is the most comfortable place for her. Where to plant astilbe in the sun or in the shade? Choose shady places or an area near a pool or pond (if you have one). Only some varieties of astilbe prefer sunny areas. When planting, be sure to take into account the proximity of the plants; for example, hostas growing nearby will not only harmonize with the leaves or flowers of astilbe, but will protect it from overheating in the hot summer. For those varieties that bloom in midsummer, you need to select only shaded places.
It is best to start the planting process at the beginning of May/early June.
What kind of soil does astilbe like? It can grow on almost any soil. But he especially loves loams, fertile soil, and soil saturated with potassium and phosphorus additives.
If the soil is highly acidic, it is recommended to add a little before planting. wood ash To lower the pH level, dolomite flour can also be used for these purposes.
You also need to pay attention to the variety and its flowering time. Early and late varieties will feel equally comfortable in a sunny or shaded place. High groundwater levels, as well as periodic stagnation of water in the area, are extremely undesirable for astilbe. To prevent the root system from getting wet, you will need to arrange drainage or plant plants on a hill.
Make sure that the planting material (roots) does not have rotten or dead fragments. The roots should not be too wet or dry.
Please watch a video selection of photos of astilbe.
Astilbe - care and planting
How to plant astilbe? How to plant astilbe correctly? The area on the site should be prepared before planting: dig up, uproot the roots of bushes (if any), remove weeds, fertilize the ground with manure or add additional peat (about 2 buckets per 1 square meter). The holes for the bushes should be approximately 30 cm deep. It is recommended to add a little ash (a handful) or mineral fertilizer deep into them, and then generously add water. Now you can start planting. Make sure that at least 5 cm of soil is poured over the roots of the plant, which should be carefully compacted and then covered with a layer of mulch (also 5 cm). Peat or humus is suitable for mulching.
Astilbe - photo of flowers in a flowerbed:
Astilbe in landscape design, photo How does astilbe propagate?
Astilbe can be propagated by seed or vegetative methods. In the second case, fragments of rhizomes or buds are used. After the plant fades, the seeds ripen in the boxes; they are sown in early March, but before that they are “hardened” with cold.
To do this, take a suitable container, pour in a mixture of peat and sand (equal proportions), scatter the seeds on top, and place a 2 cm layer of snow on top of them. By the way, you can use snow from the freezer. The snow will melt naturally, burying the seeds inside the soil. After the snow has melted, cover the container with glass or plastic wrap and then place it in the refrigerator for 3 weeks. The bottom compartment, where vegetables are usually stored, is perfect for these purposes. During this period, already hardened seedlings will sprout, which over time will turn into strong plants that are not afraid of cold and frost.
After the sprouts appear, move the container to a bright place where the air temperature is at least +20°C. You should water the seedlings very carefully; for this it is better to use a syringe to direct the stream of water to the root. After the first 3 full leaves appear, small seedlings can be planted in individual pots. It must be taken into account that varietal crops are not propagated by seeds - hybrids do not retain their individual characteristics.
How to grow astilbe from rhizomes? Dividing the rhizome is the easiest, effective way reproduction. To do this, a full-fledged plant should be dug up, removed from the soil along with the roots, with a lump of earth. Then carefully shake off the soil, expose the root system, take a knife, divide the root into fragments, and each piece should have at least 4 buds. After this, you need to plant the roots at a distance of 25-30 cm from each other, water them daily (not too much).
Astilbe - cultivation and care, photo:
Astilbe at the beginning of flowering Reproduction by buds gives the most quick results. It is best to select seed material in the spring, when the growth of new shoots is activated. The buds are carefully cut off along with a piece of rhizome. The cut area is sprinkled with ash or an activated carbon tablet crushed with a mortar. After this, take a container and fill it with a mixture of peat and gravel. Take 1 part gravel to 3 parts peat. Then the buds are buried there and covered with glass or film. When the plant germinates and gets stronger, it can be planted on the site using the method described above.
How to care for astilbe? The main thing is to remember the unusual features of its root system and make sure that the roots are covered with soil. Provide regular watering (according to the variety). Mulching is advisable. Both overheating and waterlogging are equally harmful to all plants, and a layer of mulch will help keep the roots healthy. Remove weeds, water more often during the formation of flowers, apply fertilizing according to the time of year: in spring - nitrogen, in mid-summer - potassium, in late summer - phosphorus. Astilbe should be replanted every 8-10 years. With the right approach to business, this plant will transform your summer cottage, give you positive emotions and bright colors of summer. Thus, astilbe is aesthetically pleasing and undemanding. in open ground are not difficult.
What year does astilbe bloom after planting? Grown from seeds, blooms in the 3rd year. And those that you planted by dividing the rhizome can bloom in the year of planting.
When to replant astilbe in spring or autumn? Can be replanted in both spring and autumn. If you decide to replant the plant in the fall, then wait until after flowering. But don’t delay replanting: the plant should be replanted about a month before the onset of cold weather(not lower than +5°С). IN middle lane In Russia this is around September, in Kuban - in October. If you plant or replant astilbe in the spring, you will be able to see flowering already this season. Try to hold this event in April-May if you live in central Russia, and in March-April if you live in Kuban. Astilbe can not be replanted for many years. But sooner or later its flowering will become scarce. Fluffy panicles will become rare and lose their decorative effect. Experts believe that astilbe should be replanted approximately every four years. But, if you see that your plant has not lost its fluffiness and fluffiness, then do not touch it for another year or two.
Astilbe planting and care in open ground which will be described in this article, is especially valued by gardeners for its unusual appearance, long flowering period, ability to easily tolerate waterlogging and shade tolerance. This plant looks beautiful not only when it blooms. From spring to late autumn, astilbe decorates the flowerbed with openwork leaves on reddish petioles.
Our article presents detailed description And photo plants. You can learn more about planting methods and features of growing astilbe by looking at video at the end of the article.
The plant is suitable for forcing and cutting. Astilbe bushes are covered with lush foliage, which will be a wonderful decoration for flower baskets and bouquets.
What does astilbe look like when it blooms?
The herbaceous plant astilbe is a member of the saxifrage family. The first representatives of this culture grew in Japan, East Asia and North America. There are about 40 species of this plant and more than 400 varieties.
- The height of the bush can vary from 1 to 2 m.
- Flowers are collected in paniculate inflorescences 10-60 cm long. Flower colors can be very diverse: white, red, pink and purple.
- The color of the foliage can be dark green, burgundy, bronze.
- In the form of a fruit - a capsule with small seeds.
- The flowering period is from June to August.
Astilbe varieties
More than 400 varieties of astilbe, differing from each other in size, flower color and leaf shape, have been bred by scientists. The most famous and popular types include:
David. The bush can reach a height of 150 cm. The inflorescences are arranged horizontally, looking down, the flowers are lilac-pink. Flowering period from July to August.
Naked. Plant height up to 20 cm. Flowering in June and July. The foliage has a bronze tint.
Chinese. The bush can reach a height of up to 100 cm. The flowers of the plant are pink, lilac or white, and the leaves are covered with reddish fluff. The inflorescences are up to 30 cm long. The flowering period lasts from June to August.
Japanese. Reaches a height of about 70 cm. The bush grows well, forming a circle of wide diameter. Inflorescences up to 30 cm long, diamond-shaped, flowers pink, red, white.
Flowering period is mid-summer. This variety is distinguished by its resistance to cold, and also by the fact that it takes root well.
Thunberg. The height of the bush is up to 80 cm, the flowers are white, the edges of the leaves are jagged. The inflorescences are sparse, looking down, the width of the panicle is 10 cm, length – 25 cm. Flowering period: July-August. This variety belongs to the pyramidal species, characterized by spreading shoots, which are covered with dense foliage. The species reacts poorly to low air humidity and heat.
Preparing for landing
It is advisable to choose a site for planting astilbe with close contact with groundwater. The plant can also be planted on the shore of a pond located in the garden. Since sandy soil does not retain moisture well, the area above must be mulched with peat.
If astilbe was purchased in a store, then before planting you should soak the rhizome in warm water for 1 hour. It is recommended to add potassium permanganate to the water to make the solution pale pink.
Watch the video! How to plant astilbe
Planting astilbe
Planting technology:
- The first step is to dig a hole 30 cm deep.
- The bottom of the hole should be filled with organic fertilizer(compost), which is used in the proportion of 2 buckets per 1 sq.m.
- It is recommended to add 1 tbsp to the hole. complex fertilizer of any type containing nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium (nitroammofoska) or 2 handfuls of ash.
- Then the fertilizer is mixed with the soil.
- Then pour water into the hole.
- Astilbe should be planted in the ground, deepening the root collar by 5-6 cm. After the water in the hole is absorbed, 3-4 cm of dry soil should be poured on top, which will help retain moisture in the rhizome area for as long as possible.
- The mulching procedure will help retain moisture in the hole for a long time, and also facilitate the adaptation of the plant. Sawdust, humus, pine needles, and crushed bark can be used as mulch.
Astilbe grows very slowly, so it is recommended to plant it densely: 20*20 cm. The planting will become dense next year. It will be possible to thin out the plants in 2-3 years.
Goes great astilbe flower with other plant species. The easiest way to grow is in mono-plantings using one variety. You can also plant the plant in groups, using several varieties with flowers of the same tone, but of different heights.
Leave growing
The main methods of caring for flowers include:
- weeding;
- loosening;
- watering;
- mulching.
Watering
Astilbe needs constant watering. It is recommended to ensure that upper layer the soil was constantly moist, since the root system can only develop well in moist soil. It is necessary to water the flower at least once a week; in hot weather, this procedure must be carried out at least 2 times a week. Astilbe can be watered either at the root or using the sprinkling method, since this plant is resistant to the appearance and spread of fungal diseases.
Even a short drying of the soil in the area can cause the astilbe leaves to wither, the inflorescences to become smaller, and the bush itself to look sloppy. In order to prevent these undesirable consequences, you should mulch the plant with any organic material:
- dry leaves;
- sawdust;
- bark
Advice! It is best to use compost for mulching, since it is an organic concentrated fertilizer and maintains a sufficient level of moisture in the area.
Fertilizer
The bulk of fertilizers should be applied to the site when planting astilbe. The plant really loves organic fertilizers. It is recommended to add up to 1 liter of humus to the planting hole, after which the composition should be mixed well with the soil.
After flowering is completed, in the autumn, several buds form at the base of the shoot formed this year. These will subsequently develop rosettes of leaves. Next year, flower stalks will appear from the rosettes. Small buds located below will begin to develop only next year.
Advice! The plant annually rises above the site by a distance of 3-5 cm. Therefore, every year it is necessary to add fertile soil to the site.
Reproduction
Astilbe can be propagated:
- division of roots;
- cuttings;
- kidney renewal;
- seeds.
Dividing the bush
Even old bushes can be used for propagation, since after the procedure dormant buds awaken on them.
The division procedure should be carried out more often than once every 3 years. The plant should be dug up in early spring - in March, or at the end of August.
When propagating a bush by division, you need to ensure that each division has 3-4 buds. The rhizomes are divided into 4-5 parts and planted in a new area, maintaining a gap of 35-40 cm between the bushes. The cut areas on the roots are treated with crushed charcoal.
Kidney renewal
- At the beginning of spring, when the young shoots have not yet had time to grow, it is necessary to cut off the buds with the beginning of the rhizome using a sharp garden knife, and then treat the cuts with wood ash.
- The planting material obtained in this way is planted in a mixture consisting of 3 parts peat and 1 part gravel, and then covered with film to create a greenhouse effect.
- Then you should wait for the shoot to take root, which occurs within 3 weeks.
- Young and mature bushes are transplanted to permanent place early autumn, or next spring.
By cuttings
Seeds
The method of propagation by seeds is most often used for selective work, since they do not germinate well.
- Seeds should be sown in the garden bed in the spring or in the fall, without covering them with soil. The location for the plant is best chosen in the shade.
- The first shoots appear after 10-15 days, and if sowing was carried out in the fall, then in the spring.
- After the plant has its first true leaf, the seedlings should be planted at a distance of 15 cm from each other.
- Stronger bushes can be planted in a permanent place.
- Young plantings are covered with leaves for the winter.
When propagating from seedlings, pre-stratified seeds should be sown in early or mid-March.
- The seed is placed in a planting container 15-17 cm deep with a sand-peat mixture and covered with a layer of snow.
- Melting snow will gradually moisten the soil and allow the seeds to sink to the depth necessary for cultivation.
- The crops should be placed in a cool place for 3 weeks, first covered with film.
- After the first true leaves appear on the sprouts, the picking procedure should be carried out.
- Caring for the plant in the future consists of watering and observing temperature regime 20-22 degrees.
Watch the video! Astilbe planting and care. Astilbe sowing seeds
Diseases and pests
The plant very rarely becomes a victim of diseases and pests; in rare cases it can be affected by:
- slobbering pennies;
- root-knot nematode;
- strawberry nematode.
Pennywort is usually located in the leaf axils of the plant. After some time, saliva-like secretions appear inside them in the form of foam, inside of which the leafhopper larvae are located. Affected leaves wrinkle and become covered with yellow spots. In this case, the bush completely or partially fades.
In order to get rid of this pest, you should use:
- Rogor;
- Confidor;
- Aktaru (2-3 g per 10 liters of water);
- Karbofos.
The buds, flowers, and leaves of the plant are susceptible to the spread of the strawberry nematode. The affected areas of the bush are deformed and covered with necrotic spots of brown or yellow color. Astilbe growth deteriorates.
The root-knot nematode most often affects the roots of the plant and appears in the form of small galls (growths) on their surface, inside which the nematodes are located. The galls are clearly distinguishable already in the second period of the growing season. The flowering and growth of affected bushes noticeably deteriorates, and in some cases the plant dies. Therefore, shoots having obvious signs diseases must be dug up and destroyed.
Important! During the first growing season, it is very important to carry out the first weeding on time. During the second growing season, the overgrown root system of the plant will independently choke out the weeds.
The young foliage of the plant sometimes suffers from frosts that occur in late spring, but this cannot become an obstacle to the appearance of new leaves and flowers. Astilbe perennial well tolerated harsh winters, but suffers from spring frosts and wetness. The plant is suitable for cultivation in regions with unfavorable climatic conditions, including in the Urals, in Siberia.
Important! The varieties that have the greatest decorative value, with large inflorescences, can freeze slightly.
Preparing for winter
On bushes that have already bloomed, the panicles must be removed so that they do not set seeds. This procedure will preserve the plant’s strength for wintering.
In winters with little snow, astilbe must be additionally covered:
- In autumn the bush should be pruned.
- Then install a light frame over it.
- Fill the inside of the frame with leaves.
- Lutrasil or spunbond is tightened on top.
- Then cover with plastic to protect from moisture. The edges are pressed with bricks.
Astilbe flower: combination with other plants
It is quite justified to grow astilbe in group plantings with other plants. Look great decorative bushes Near coniferous trees. In addition, conifers provide astilbe with protection from the sun.
Astilbe bushes harmonize perfectly with:
- late tulips;
- hosts;
- periwinkle;
- irises.
Single plantings of astilbe on a green lawn look decorative.
Astilbe bushes will fit perfectly into landscape design when planting in the shade. The plant is also used for single or group plantings, creating complex solutions in shade or partial shade.
Caring for the plant is simple, it consists of timely, moderate watering and will not cause any particular difficulties.
Watch the video! Astilbe: cultivation, care, reproduction
Astilbe is a representative of the genus of perennials belonging to the family Saxifragaceae (Saxifragaceae) and uniting more than 30 species. The name of the plant can be literally translated as “without shine” (“a” - without, “stilbe” - shine). This name was given to the flower by Lord Hamilton, a Scottish botanist who, while studying and describing the plant, noted the lack of shine in the inflorescences and leaves.
The plant naturally grows along the banks of streams and rivers, in deciduous forests and in other places where moisture is always retained in the summer. It is distributed naturally in North America, East Asia and Japan.
Two species can also be found on the territory of Russia - on Far East and on the island of Kunashir. Astilbe has good frost resistance and in Canada is stored under a layer of snow at temperatures up to 37 degrees below zero.
General information
Astilbe is a herbaceous perennial with the above-ground part dying off in the winter. The height of erect stems can vary from 8 centimeters to 2 meters. Leaves are basal, on long petioles. They may occasionally be simple, but in most species they are double or triple pinnate with a serrated margin. The color of the leaves is dark green or reddish green.
The flowers of the plant are small, collected in lush apical inflorescences-panicles, which is why they have a very attractive appearance. Flowers come in white, lilac, cream, pink, purple or red. Astilbe blooms in June-July and the duration of its “openwork” delicate flowering is 25-35 days.
The plant has a woody, dense or loose rhizome, depending on the species. Every year, the upper part of the rhizome forms daughter buds, while the lower part gradually dies. Since vertical growth of the rhizome is observed (the growth is approximately 3-5 centimeters per year), the plant must be sprinkled with fertile soil annually at the end of autumn.
Astilbe varieties and types
Inflorescence panicles can be rhombic, pyramidal, drooping and paniculate. The petals of flowers can be short and the inflorescences look delicate and airy, or they can be elongated, giving the inflorescences softness and fluffiness.
Some varieties are particularly beautiful, having a combination of several colors or shades in the inflorescence. These varieties are "Montgomery", "Peach and Cream" and "White Wings".
Depending on the structure of the inflorescences, several groups of astilbes are distinguished:
Pyramidal shape – the lateral branches of the inflorescences extend from the main axis almost at right angles, while they evenly decrease from the lower to the upper.
Diamond shape – from the main axis under acute angle side branches come off, and the inflorescence itself resembles a diamond. This form of inflorescence is most often found in Japanese astilbe.
Paniculate form – at an acute angle, a large number of branched branches extend from the main axis, which evenly decrease towards the top. These inflorescences are most often decorated with Arends astilbe varieties.
Drooping forms – inflorescences have flexible drooping branches. This form is characteristic of varieties descended from Astilbe Lemoine and Thunberg.
Depending on the flowering period, there are:
- Early – astilbes begin to bloom in late June – early July.
- Average – blooming in July.
- Late – delight with their flowers in August.
Astilbes are also classified depending on the height of the plant:
- Low – astilbe, height from 15 to 60 centimeters.
- Average – bushes have a “growth” of 60 to 80 centimeters.
- High – plants with a height of 80 centimeters to 2 meters.
One of the smallest representatives of astilbe is the “Lilliput” variety, which has a height of only 15 centimeters, and the tallest, growing up to 2 meters in height, is David’s astilbe.
Only 10 species are grown in culture. However, breeders have done a lot of work to breed hybrids, of which there are now a large number.
Astilbe is a plant that, despite its beauty, is very easy to care for and has characteristics such as winter hardiness, shade tolerance and resistance to diseases and pests.
Astilbe planting and care in open ground
Astilbe prefers places in partial shade or shade during periods of particularly hot daytime sun. Scientists, having worked on developing new varieties and hybrids of astilbe, helped it “forget” about the growing conditions in the wild, and now many varieties grow well in the open sun. Only in this case the flowering is more abundant and shorter, and the leaves become lighter.
When choosing a place for future growth of astilbe in open ground, it is important to take into account the timing of its flowering. Early and late varieties do not care where to grow - in the sun or in the shade, but astilbe, which blooms in July, can be damaged by the hot sun, shortening its flowering period.
Astilbe is a moisture-loving plant. It can grow even in places with stagnant water, but it will not tolerate drought. In hot summer and drought conditions, astilbe may die, so in such cases it is watered in the morning and evening every day until it rains.
Also, to protect the upper part of the rhizome from overheating and to reduce moisture loss, it is recommended to mulch the plants with bark or shavings. In addition, mulch prevents the growth of weeds, helps maintain soil looseness and creates excellent conditions for astilbe rhizomes during the winter.
It is necessary to mulch astilbe in flower beds immediately after planting. Apply a 5-centimeter layer of mulch, covering the entire surface of the soil around the plants.
There are varieties of astilbe that can grow in dry soils. And most Chinese hybrids feel great on heavy clay soils.
Planting and how to fertilize astilbe in spring
An important condition for the development and growth of astilbe is a sufficient amount of potassium and phosphorus in the soil. So, 1-2 handfuls of bone meal and 25 grams of complex fertilizer are poured into the transverse grooves, 1 meter long, in the beds for plant propagation.
When planting plants in a flower garden, dig holes about 30 centimeters deep and wide, into which 2 handfuls of ash and bone meal, 30 grams, are also poured. mineral fertilizers and humus, mix everything and pour water over it. Then the plants are planted and covered with a 3-centimeter layer of mulch.
Astilbes grow quite quickly and need to be divided and replanted every 3-5 years. Due to the fact that astilbe rhizomes grow vertically upward, old bushes begin to protrude from the ground and young roots, which are located at the base of the buds, being almost on top of the ground, begin to dry out.
At the same time, flowering becomes of less quality and does not last as long, and the inflorescences decrease in size. If you constantly fertilize the soil, then astilbes can grow in one place for up to 20 years.
Feeding is carried out in early spring nitrogen fertilizers, and after flowering or in the fall, add potassium and phosphorus, 20 grams per plant. At the same time, the soil is slightly loosened and mulched.
Transplanting astilbe in spring
Astilbes can be replanted at any time of the year, even during flowering. After transplanting, it is necessary to water thoroughly every day for two weeks.
When planting in a flower garden, the distance between plants should be at least 30 centimeters, and in the case of planting tall varieties - 50 centimeters. When forming a border from astilbe, the distance between the bushes remains the same - 30-50 centimeters.
Before planting, dig up the area, remove weeds and other plants and fertilize the flowerbed with humus or peat, in the amount of 2 buckets of fertilizer per 1 square meter of flower garden.
As mentioned earlier, before planting, ash, bone meal and fertilizer are poured into each hole, watered and the plant is planted in such a way as to cover the growth bud with a layer of soil of at least 5 centimeters. The ground around the bush is compacted and mulched with peat or bark.
During the growing season, astilbes are watered as needed, weeds are removed, the soil is loosened and fertilizers are applied. Before winter, the stems of the plant are cut flush to the ground and the area is mulched.
Astilbe growing from seeds
Propagation by seeds, this method can be used for species propagation. This is due to the fact that astilbe seedlings can retain their characteristics mother plant only partially or not saved at all. Seedlings grown from varietal seeds are used for breeding.
The size of astilbe seeds is very small and they do not always have time to ripen. If you are lucky enough to wait until they ripen, they are shaken out of the inflorescences in September and stored until spring. In March, sphagnum peat and sand are placed in a wide box or other container, in a ratio of 3:1, and snow is poured on top, in a layer of 1 centimeter.
If there is no snow outside, you can use snow from the freezer or simply water the substrate. Seeds are sown on top of the snow. The melting snow moistens the soil and helps the seeds sink into it. After the snow has completely melted, the container is placed in a plastic bag and placed in the refrigerator or other sufficiently cold place for stratification for about 20 days.
As soon as the shoots appear, the container with them is moved to a bright place with an air temperature of 18 to 22 degrees Celsius. Water young plants very carefully at the root. Some gardeners even recommend watering using a syringe - injecting water directly into the substrate under the plant.
The germination rate of astilbe seeds is low, and the emerging seedlings grow very slowly and only by the end of the year form a small rosette of leaves. If young plants do not grow closely together, then they can be planted next spring.
If the seedlings have sprouted densely, then diving is carried out when 3-4 leaves appear on them. Astilbe grown from seeds blooms only in the 3rd year of its existence.
Reproduction of astilbe by renewal buds
To implement this method, in early spring, a renewal bud is cut out from the bush along with part of the rhizome. From one mother plant no more than 1/3 of the buds can be separated without harming it.
Rooting is carried out in greenhouses in a substrate consisting of 3 parts of sphagnum moss and one part of sand, which is poured in a layer of 7 centimeters on top of ordinary fertile soil. Such astilbes can only be planted in the garden next spring.
Astilbe propagation by dividing the bush
Dividing the bush is the easiest and most convenient way to propagate astilbe. The best time Early spring is the time to carry out this procedure. In this case, the newly formed bushes will still have time to bloom in the summer of this year.
The bush is divided in such a way that each division receives 1-3 buds and is left with a rhizome 5 centimeters long with adventitious roots. The size of the formed division does not matter. Both small and large parts of the bush take root equally well. Old rhizomes are removed during division.
You can divide astilbe bushes during the flowering period. In this case, you definitely won’t be mistaken in choosing a plant when purchasing and you will get exactly the variety you like.
Astilbe diseases and pests
Astilbe is slightly susceptible to diseases and pests. Occasionally, the plant succumbs to “attacks” of slobbering pennies, root-knot and strawberry nematodes. The pennitsa settles in the axils of the leaves, forming foamy secretions in which its larvae live. These larvae feed on the leaves of the plant, which become very wrinkled and covered with yellow spots.
As a result of this process, the plant begins to wither and may disappear completely. You can fight slobbering pennies manually, or you can treat astilbe with special preparations.
The root-knot nematode infects the roots, forming galls - growths with nematodes inside. They become noticeable only in the second period of the growing season. The plants stop developing and bloom very poorly. The control method is to remove infected roots or the plant completely.
The strawberry nematode attacks the leaves, buds and flowers of astilbe, and they become covered with brown and yellow necrotic spots and become deformed. The plant does not grow and begins to die. The only way to combat this nematode is to completely destroy infected plants.
Astilbe in landscape design
Astilbe is an excellent plant for decorating flower beds and parks. Small groups look impressive flowering plants against the backdrop of green bushes. Great solution Astilbe will be planted near a garden pond or on a rocky hill in shaded areas.
Astilbe goes well with plants that have large, smooth leaves that create a bright contrast with its openwork dissected leaves. Such plants include hostas, irises, bergenia, tulips and others. In front of the taller varieties of astilbe, it is good to plant low perennials that bloom in the spring, for example, saxifrage, tenacious, jasmine and navel. Borders made from astilbe also look beautiful.
Since there are varieties with different terms flowering, you can choose their combination in such a way that the openwork inflorescences of astilbe will delight you with their flowering throughout the summer. They also practice planting plants in groups, with different colors of flowers in one.
Astilbe flowers are also used for cutting. Although they do not last long when cut, they add to the interior bright colors and fill the room with a light honey aroma. It is also possible to use dried astilbe inflorescences in winter bouquets.
Upon completion of flowering, the bushes look just as decorative, thanks to the beautiful and exquisite foliage. Peduncles, even with seed pods, look very attractive, so it is not recommended to trim them until autumn. And some gardeners leave them for the winter to enliven the snowy landscape.
Astilbe also found its use for medicinal purposes. Thus, in ancient times, the Chinese used the leaves and roots of the plant as a tonic, anti-inflammatory, and antipyretic for diseases of the kidneys and skin. And seasoning for meat from astilbe leaves is still used in Japan to this day.
Forcing astilbe
Astilbe – good plant for forcing. Early-flowering, low-growing varieties are best suited for this purpose. The most commonly used varieties are Japanese hybrid astilbe, which grows as a compact small bush.
For forcing, young seedlings are taken, obtained by propagation by renewal buds, which have at least 6 buds. Plants obtained by dividing old bushes are unsuitable for this purpose. Selected astilbes are planted in pots in the fall and placed in a cool place, covered with peat or spruce branches.
At the beginning of winter, plants are brought into rooms where the air temperature is 10-14 degrees. As soon as the leaves begin to bloom, the temperature must be increased to 16-18 degrees and abundant watering and spraying should begin. Spraying is stopped when the first flowers appear, which can be expected 10-14 weeks after the start of forcing.
If you move astilbe to a warmer place in February-March, you can expect faster flowering. Recommended varieties for forcing are Peach Blossom, Bonn, Europa, Emdem, Cologne and Deutschland. Forcing astilbe is especially popular among German and Dutch gardeners. Office and public premises are decorated with such plants.
I love astilbe! Such a variety of species, colors and varieties of inflorescences can rarely be found in perennials. It can grow in one place for a long time. Attractive inflorescences remain on its bushes for a long time. The unpretentiousness of the plant allows even the most novice gardener to grow it. Astilbe is also suitable for country flower bed, and in the front flower garden. For those who have not grown it on their plot, we will tell you more about it - what the plant looks like, what types and varieties exist, how to choose and plant, how to care for it.
Astilbe is a herbaceous perennial belonging to the genus Saxifraga. There are up to 40 species in the world. This name was given to the plant by the Scottish botanist Hamilton - “A” means without, “stilbe” - shine - the leaves are without shine, matte, dull. East Asia is considered the birthplace of astilbe. North America, Japan. There, the perennial grows in moist deciduous forests along streams. Europeans were introduced to this plant by Karl Thunberg and von Siebold. These hunters for unusual plants brought astilbe home in the 18th and early 19th centuries. From that time on, she became a favorite of shady gardens.
Astilbe is a rhizomatous, herbaceous perennial. The herbaceous part that grows over the summer dies off in the fall. Erect shoots can grow from 8 cm to 2 m - depending on the type and variety. Serrated simple or pinnate leaves sit on long petioles. The color of the leaf blade is from reddish-green to dark green. The woody rhizome can be loose or dense, depending on the species. New shoots grow on the upper part in the spring, and the lower part dies. Under a layer of snow, the plant tolerates frosts down to -37 °C.
Small white, pink, lilac, purple or red flowers bloom on lacy apical panicles different sizes. Peak flowering occurs in mid-summer and lasts about a month. Small seeds ripen in the seed capsule - 1 g contains up to 20,000 seeds.
Astilbe flowers, depending on the type, are collected in inflorescences various shapes. They can be paniculate, rhombic, pyramidal or drooping.
Astilbe with paniculate inflorescences. Its numerous branches with many branches extend from the main axis at an acute angle and shorten towards the apex.
Astilbe with pyramidal inflorescences - the lateral branches extend from the main axis almost at a right angle and are evenly shortened from the base to the top, the outline of the inflorescence looks like a regular pyramid.
Astilbe with rhombic inflorescences. Branching out from the main stem at an acute angle, they form a diamond shape. Such inflorescences are characteristic of Japanese astilbe.
Astilbe with drooping inflorescences in the form of arches, gracefully hanging from the main axis. Such inflorescences are more often found in astilbe Thunberg and Lemoine.
The decorative effect of the variety depends on the density and size of the flowers. Inflorescences with several shades, such as “Peach and Cream”, “Montgomery”, “White Wings” look especially original.
Varieties with photos
Today at garden design No more than 12 species of astilbe are used, from which many hybrids have been bred. The most famous of them are Arends hybrids (Arendsii Hybrida), Japanese hybrids (Japonica Hybrida), Chinese astilbe (Astilbe Chinensis), and simple-leaved astilbe (Astilbe simplicifolia).
Astilbe rentsa
Astilbe rentsa There are about 40 varieties bred by crossing Astilbe David with other species. Most of these are tall (up to 1 m) plants, spreading pyramidal or spherical. White, pink, red or lilac flowers bloom above the dark green leaves. Flowering lasts for more than a month from July to mid-August.
Astilbe japonica
Montgomery variety It most often does not grow higher than 80 cm. The compact bushes have shiny leaves and panicle inflorescences of pink or white color. This variety of astilbe begins to bloom earlier than others; dried flowers retain their attractiveness until the end of the season. New varieties are unpretentious to growing conditions and resistant to low temperatures.
Cultivated varieties: Deutschland - white panicles, pink Rhineland, soft lilac and elegant Europe, Montgomery with bright red or burgundy fluffy panicles.
Astilbe chinensis
Vision in Pink It is a herbaceous shrub about a meter high. The leaves are of different sizes - those growing from the base of the bush are large, on long petioles; those growing on the stem are smaller, with short petioles. Dense inflorescences can grow up to 30-35 cm, most often lilac, less often white or pink. Can grow in sunny flower beds. The most famous varieties: "Purpurlanze" unusual lilac color, pink “Vision in Pink”, “Vision in Red” dark purple.
Astilbe Gloria
Astilbe Gloria Astilbe white
Astilbe white Astilbe amethyst
Astilbe amethyst Astilbe simplefolia
Astilbe simplefolia Plants of this species and varieties bred on their basis are very sensitive to elevated temperatures and low humidity air. The drooping inflorescences of these short plants (up to 50 cm) give the plantings a special airiness. Varieties with white candle inflorescences - Praecox Alba, pink - Bronze Elegans, coral Ostrich feather - have been bred.
Astilbe unic
Younique Silver Pink In the 2000s. a new group of Younique varieties has been created. This group includes varieties with snow-white, lilac Younique Lilac, pink Younique Silvery Pink and almost red graceful inflorescences of Younique Carmine. The inflorescences of these varieties are both delicate and lush, without a long peduncle, growing from a mass of leaves.
In order to admire the flowering of astilbe every year, it needs to be replanted and planted on time.
The most suitable period for this event is the end of summer (August) - the beginning of autumn.
The flowering of the plant has already ended, and the cold weather is still far away - the plant will have time to take root and prepare for the winter.
The experience of many gardeners recommends planting and dividing astilbe bushes after 4 years. A feature of astilbes can be considered their gradual protrusion from the soil - the rhizomes grow upward, dying off from below. After some time, the roots become bare. This phenomenon can be eliminated by annually adding soil or compost to the exposed rhizome. This procedure allows you not to replant the plant, but only to divide and plant it.
Many gardeners purchase astilbe seedlings online or at garden centers. Plants in such trading companies are packaged in bags, which in most cases are stored in a dark place. The rhizomes germinate, but the resulting shoots stretch from lack of light, turn pale green and become curved. Landed in open ground Such seedlings get sick for a long time and do not take root well.
Advice. It is worth purchasing planting material as early as possible, as soon as the seedlings go on sale. Store in the refrigerator until planting, checking its condition periodically.
Storing seedlings in a cool place will prevent the buds from sprouting.
From the whole variety of bags with rhizomes, it is worth choosing those in which it is clear that the seedlings are alive, the shoots are small, fresh and green. Saplings with long, pale and thin shoots will also take root if the rhizome is not dry and rotten. In the first year of life in a flowerbed, such a plant will take a long time to adapt to new conditions, will produce weak growth and will not bloom.
The largest selection planting material astilbe in chain stores can be seen at a time when the plants are still far from being planted in the ground - in February - March. How to preserve acquired rhizomes until the time when they can be planted in open ground?
Astilbes will easily tolerate indoor maintenance before planting in the flower garden. One storage option is a household refrigerator or basement. A positive temperature close to zero is needed. Plastic containers with ventilation holes filled with a moistened substrate - sawdust, coconut fiber, light soil or moss. The rhizomes are placed on the surface and lightly covered with the same substrate. In this state, astilbe will survive until spring without loss.
Rhizomes in which buds have awakened and sprouts have appeared can be planted in a flower pot and placed on the windowsill. Water as needed, avoiding overwatering. It is necessary to plant seedlings with regrown leaves in the flower garden after the end of frost. At first, such plants need to be protected from excessive sun.
Planting any plant begins with choosing a location. Astilbe requires light shading, partial shade. In an open sunny meadow, astilbe will feel uncomfortable. The flowering of perennials in such places is more abundant, but ends faster and the shoots have a paler color.
The choice of planting site is also influenced by the flowering period of the seedling. Early and late flowering varieties bloom equally in both sun and shade. Medium-flowering varieties are more suitable for shaded areas, where the astilbe will be protected from the hot midday sun.
Loamy soil, acidity pH 5.5-6.5, and the surrounding air should be moist. The perennial will be especially grateful for the close location of groundwater. Only Chinese astilbe can tolerate slight drying out of the soil. For other species, dried soil is like death. The perennial will feel very good on the shore of a decorative pond.
The best spring planting time is May-June.
When preparing a site for planting, dig it up, remove the roots of perennial weeds, add 2 buckets of organic matter per 1 m2
Preparing the landing hole. Its size should be such that the rhizomes of the seedling can fit freely in it. We loosen the bottom of the hole, pour in organic matter, you can spill it with liquid vermicompost or any other fertilizer diluted according to the instructions. In areas where there may be a lack of moisture in the summer, hydrogel granules can be added to the soil when planting.
Place the rhizome on the prepared soil. The planting depth should be such that there is 4-5 cm of soil above the base of the sprouts. It is necessary to sprinkle the seedling with substrate, taking into account the fact that the watered soil will settle and the roots may end up on the surface. The hole around the seedling will not allow water to spread over the surface, but will direct it to the roots.
Mulch in the planting hole will retain moisture and make it easier for the plant to adapt to a new location. By pouring a protective layer of 3-4 cm around the sprouts, a space free of mulch is left. Humus, sawdust, pine needles or crushed bark can be used as such a layer.
In dry weather, astilbe will need to be watered every other day until the young leaves appear.
When planting perennials in groups, leave 40 to 50 cm of free space between adjacent plants.
Planting astilbe: video
Planted on fertilized soil, astilbe grows in one place for up to seven years. With careful care and timely feeding and watering, this period can increase to twenty.
In the spring, after the snow melts, the plantings are fertilized. Liquid fertilizers reach the root layer faster. You can mulch the seedlings with organic material. Throughout the growing season, it is necessary to maintain soil moisture at the proper level.
When the astilbe flowering ends and the flower stalks dry up, it is better to leave them on the plant - even when dried they look impressive. When preparing plantings for winter, the above-ground part of the perennial is cut off at ground level and the plantings are covered with them. For additional protection To protect the bush from frost, you can use coniferous spruce branches or tops of vegetable plants.
From the moment seedlings emerge in spring until mid-summer, it is very important to remove weeds from plantings. Towards the end of summer, the rhizomes of astilbe grow so much that they can choke out the weeds on their own.
Astilbe, like a newcomer from another climatic zone, did not start in our latitudes large quantity enemies among insects and microorganisms. Most great harm This perennial is attacked by pennies and two types of nematodes - root-knot and strawberry.
The pennies create foam-like nests for their larvae in the leaf axils. Under the influence of the pest, astilbe withers. Any insecticidal preparation can destroy the pest.
Plants damaged by strawberry nematodes become covered with necrotic spots, their buds, leaves and flowers are deformed.
You need to prepare a newly planted astilbe bush for wintering in advance - in the summer. In plants of the first year of life in a new place, the peduncle is removed as soon as it separates. Throughout the season, the soil around the bush is weeded and weeds are removed. When loosening the crust on the soil surface, you need to do this carefully, trying to keep the young roots intact.
After the first autumn frosts, cut off the blackened leaves at ground level and place them on the growing bushes. Then an earthen mound about 4 cm high is created above the bush, and then the astilbe growth area is covered with dry leaves or peat. Crushed bark or humus will also work.
On the bushes of the second and subsequent years of life, flower stalks are left, and for the winter they are insulated in the same way with peat or fallen leaves. Every year, the astilbe rhizomes rise higher and soon begin to protrude from the ground, becoming defenseless against the winter cold. Astilbes frozen in winter become less decorative.
Four to five year old astilbe plants are fully covered before the onset of frost. First, cut off the foliage and flower stalks. At the next stage, a frame is built into which insulation can be placed - dry leaves or tops. You can secure the leaves in the frame non-woven material spunbond or lutrasil. Plantings need to be protected from getting wet plastic film, pressed at the edges.
A strong, healthy plant will more easily withstand winter cold and return frosts.
You can increase the immunity of astilbe by applying potassium and phosphorus fertilizers in the autumn. Under each bush, 50 g of a fertilizer mixture is scattered in a 1:1 ratio. Good results gives the use of well-rotted organic matter - manure or compost. Slowly decomposing organic matter warms the bush in winter and provides nutrition in an accessible form in summer.
Reproduction
There are several ways to propagate astilbe: by seeds, renewal buds and dividing the bush. Most often they propagate vegetatively - by dividing the bush, but when propagated by seeds, you can get new varieties and engage in selection.
Astilbe seeds are so small that they can only be seen through a magnifying glass. To collect 1g of seeds you need to collect 20,000 of them. Ripe seeds quickly spill out of the seed pods. To collect seeds, inflorescences are cut off in September and placed on paper in a warm, dry place and kept for two weeks to a month. The spilled seeds are collected and stored in a paper bag.
For seed propagation, sowing begins in March. Choose a wide container, about 15 cm deep. A mixture of peat and sand in a 1:1 ratio is used as soil. Snow is poured onto the soil in a layer of 1 cm. You can replace natural snow with artificial snow - from the freezer. You can distribute the seeds evenly over the surface of the snow by mixing them with liquid. The seeds are poured into a solution of a growth stimulator and sown with a pipette on the surface of the snow. On a white background, the seeds are visible especially clearly and they can be distributed more evenly. The melted snow will moisten the soil and draw the seeds to the required depth.
After waiting for the snow to melt, the container with the seeds in a transparent bag, or even better, wrapped in cling film, is placed in the refrigerator for three weeks. During this time, shoots appear in the container. The green container is transferred to a warm, bright place. You need to water the sprouts especially carefully - you can water them with a sprinkler and a fine spray of water or with a syringe without a needle. Seedlings with 2-3 true leaves are picked into separate pots and subsequently planted in the ground.
Sowing astilbe seeds: video
Reproduction by renewal buds
- With the beginning of the growth of shoots or renewal buds, they are cut off with a piece of rhizome.
- Wounds are disinfected with crushed charcoal or cinnamon powder.
- Sections with buds are planted in a mixture of gravel and peat, in a ratio of 1:3, and covered with polyethylene (film or a cut bottle).
- In the autumn of the current year or spring of the next year, the seedlings are transplanted to a permanent place.
The easiest and most reliable way to propagate astilbe is vegetatively - by dividing the bush. top scores bushes are produced at the age of 3-4 years. The rhizome of a perennial dug out of the ground is divided into parts with pruning shears or a shovel. There should be at least two buds on each division. The lower parts of the rhizome are removed. The resulting parts of the plant are planted in new places or wrapped in damp cloth and kept in a plastic bag, preventing the roots from drying out.
It is better to divide and plant astilbe in early spring, before flowering begins. Propagation of a perennial in the fall must be done in such a way that the plant has enough time to take root before the onset of frost, i.e. in August-early September. The plants tolerate the division procedure well, quickly take root in a new place and bloom the next year.
Astilbe: cultivation, care, reproduction: video
Landscape designers value astilbe for its long-lasting decorative effect, resistance to high groundwater levels, and ability to grow in the shade of tall plants. Openwork leaves sitting on reddish cuttings attract attention throughout the garden season.
Young purple leaves look attractive in a flower garden, which gradually turn green and acquire unusual shape. An additional bonus for carved leaves is a long flowering period, more than a month. Various shapes and shades of inflorescences decorate the flower garden from mid-summer to autumn.
Astilbe in the making flower arrangements can be used both individually and in group plantings, combining colors and sizes of different varieties.
Astilbe is an all-rounder, it will be desirable in any version landscape design. Low-growing bushes can be used in the foreground of the composition, while medium-growing bushes will decorate the middle and background of the plantings. Tall ones will decorate what you want to hide, camouflage outbuildings or an unsightly fence. Low-growing varieties will be appropriate for alpine slide or scree. They can also be used to frame garden paths.
Low-growing varieties of astilbe can be used as a border for flower beds and lawns. An astilbe bush in a flower pot will decorate open veranda or garden gazebo.
This perennial looks impressive against the background of conifers such as thujas or junipers. A successful combination of astilbes with hostas and ferns.
Carved perennial leaves will look even more delicate in joint plantings with hellebore, bergenia, podophyllum, rogersia or mantle. A very interesting combination of astilbe with daylilies, aquilegias, lilies, geraniums, phlox or ferns. Planted together with hosta, astilbe enhances the beauty of its leaves, and the leaves retain soil moisture for astilbe.
Joint planting of astilbe and ground cover plants(saxifrage, tenacious, clearweed) achieves two goals - in early spring, when the astilbe is not yet visible, the ground cover creates an attractive spot, then the astilbe that has grown and gained color attracts attention to itself. In the hot season, ground covers protect the astilbe growth site from overheating.
IN spring garden Astilbe plantings are combined with primroses, crocuses, lilies of the valley, rhododendrons, and tulips.
Planted in the company of tall flowers, astilbe camouflages the bare stems of its neighbors. She is one of the rare ornamental plants, which grow and bloom well in conditions of lack of sun and excess moisture. If necessary, you can plant astilbes under trees, but this must be done at least 1.5 meters away from the tree trunk. With such planting, the roots of the tree will not be damaged and the astilbe will not be oppressed.
You can enjoy the flowering of astilbe in winter. To do this, it is enough to make a distillation.
Two to three year old bushes will bloom most readily at home. Suitable bushes are dug up at the end of September and, dividing into two or three parts, planted in flower pots with a diameter of at least 13 cm. The substrate needs to be loose and nutritious - turf soil, leaf soil, compost and sand (2: 2: 2: 1). The planted plant is watered and placed in a greenhouse. For the winter, planted astilbe is insulated.
The pot is brought into the heat at the end of December and left in a cool place at a temperature no higher than +12 degrees. Watering should be done moderately. After about twenty days, shoots appear. The plant is transferred to more warm room Where it’s about +20, watering is increased. In a month or a month and a half, astilbe may bloom. One bush can grow up to seven full inflorescences.
If emerging shoots that have grown to 8-9 cm are sprayed with growth stimulants, the onset of flowering will accelerate. Gibbersib allows you to get flowers for 17-21 days, increase the number of inflorescences and the length of the peduncle. Astilbe flowers become exquisitely elegant.
Subsequently, the bush can be transferred to open air, but can be grown indoors.
Planting and caring for astilbe is not difficult. Grow this bright perennial and delight yourself with astilbe flowers.
Astilbe enjoys well-deserved attention and love among many gardeners and landscape designers. Unpretentious and beautifully blooming, it can diversify any corner of the site and add bright colors both on its own and in various original mixborders.
Beautiful astilbe bloom
Astilbe inflorescences do not leave indifferent anyone who has ever seen it, much less grown it. This chic perennial varies depending on the variety in height from 9 to 150 cm. Planted as a green border or even a small hedge during flowering, it is a gorgeous sight. There are varieties that bloom for about a month, and there are those that delight with inflorescences throughout the entire summer season.
Some varieties bloom with delicate flowers, while others are fluffy, as if filled with air and lighter in weight than a feather. In total, astilbe has four variants of inflorescences - pyramidal, diamond-shaped, paniculate and drooping. Some varieties can have several shades at once.
There are more than three dozen varieties of astilbe, but only a dozen of them are cultivated in our country. A third of this dozen are quite tolerant of exposure to bright sunlight, the rest are grown in partial shade and even tolerate shade well.
Photo gallery of astilbe varieties
Astilbe Chinese variety "Pumila" Astilbe Arends variety "Amethyst" Astilbe Japanese hybrid variety"Deutschland" Astilbe Arends variety "Sister Teresa"
How to propagate astilbe
The plant can be propagated in three ways - by seeds, by dividing the root, or by using sprouted buds. Astilbe does not resist transplants and quite quickly takes root in a new place, then starting its rapid spread.
Propagation of astilbe by seeds can only be afforded by a person who has incredible patience or who has honed the skill of growing garden flower crops. The thing is that astilbe seeds are small and grow for a long time. They are collected in September and sown in boxes in early spring. Even with proper care, they will germinate only three to four weeks after planting. Now they will need to be grown for another whole year in order to be planted in open ground. And the plants will bloom only in the third year. So if you want to appreciate the beauty of blooming astilbe as soon as possible, you will have to use other methods of propagation.
Namely, by dividing the root or dividing the bush, as this process is also called. This is the most common and affordable option Astilbe propagation. The bush is dug up, its root is divided into parts, each of which has at least two or three buds and a root of at least 5-7 cm. If you divide this way in early spring, you can enjoy the flowering of astilbe in the fall.
It must be remembered that the roots of astilbe are hard, almost wooden, and sometimes you have to separate them using a hacksaw.
The third method is somewhere between the previous two in terms of complexity. It will also require patience. In the spring, one renewal bud from an adult plant is cut off with roots and transplanted into a prepared substrate in a greenhouse. Here the astilbe will take root throughout the year until next spring. After planting in open ground, it will bloom in July-August. This method brings results faster than the first, but it also requires a lot of patience.
Disembarkation time and place
There are different opinions regarding the time for planting astilbe, but they all agree on one thing - the best period is spring. This is a time of awakening warmth and a large supply of moisture in the soil, which is very necessary when planting astilbe. Of course, you can plant it both in summer and autumn, providing abundant watering in the first days after planting.
Astilbe performs best on loams and soils with high groundwater levels.
If you have decided on the time for planting the plant, now it’s time to find appropriate place. Assume that astilbe loves moisture very much. In the wild, it settles near water bodies, and in areas it grows well on soils with high groundwater levels.
When choosing a place, take into account the position of the sun throughout the day - choosing an open place illuminated by the sun all day is strictly not recommended.
The best place for planting will be a point shaded by tall bushes or trees. If you don’t find such places, you can plant astilbe on the shady side near the house, where the sun’s rays will reach only part of the daylight hours.
The best place for planting astilbe is a place shaded by tall bushes and trees.
If the plant is under sun rays all day, the flowering period will be greatly reduced and its quality will decrease. The flowers will become smaller and lose their inherent brightness, as will the leaves, which will have a pale green appearance instead of a rich, rich green color. Medium-flowering varieties of astilbe generally show their best flowering only in the shade.
Soil preparation and planting (video)
To plant astilbe, dig holes with a diameter of 25-35 cm, between which a distance of at least 30 cm is maintained. Flowers are added to the holes complex fertilizer, bone meal, ash and humus. Fertilizers are mixed with each other, and the share of nitrogen should not exceed 10% so that the plant does not suffer.
Do not skimp on water when watering the holes, since astilbe loves moisture and high groundwater levels. So extra water certainly won’t hurt her.
Before planting, the roots of the plant are straightened, after which they are placed in the hole, sprinkled with a layer of mulch 3-5 cm thick. The hole is spilled with water and filled with soil that needs to be compacted. Dry leaves and sawdust placed under the bush help better retain moisture for the roots.
In the future, you will only need to maintain moisture at the roots of astilbe by regularly watering. In addition to watering, you will need to periodically add fertilizers to the soil and mulch the root zone. Since the soil should always be moist, this creates favorable conditions for bacteria, so to avoid problems, sometimes add potassium permanganate to the water to disinfect the soil.
Astilbe is quite good at transplanting even in a flowering state.
Further care for astilbe is not so complicated, but important. Since it is the maintenance favorable conditions for astilbe allows it to show its best and longest flowering. If you do not live in the southern regions, and the soil on your site is close to loam, this is best opportunity plant astilbe in your garden, which will delight you with its beautiful flowering for 10-15 years.
