Astilba is very much appreciated by professional flower growers and amateurs for its lush and long flowering and unpretentiousness. Sprawling bushes look spectacular even when not in bloom - beautifully shaped juicy green leaves will decorate any garden. In this article, you will learn everything about how to grow astilba on the site.
Morphological characteristics
Astilba looks very original and rich, and during flowering transforms the entire area. it ornamental plant with double- or thrice-dissected leaves of a dark green color, located on cuttings of a red shade.
Florists prefer astilbe not only because of its lush bloom, but also because, unlike many other flowers, it is able to grow in the constant shade of trees, giving a bright and colorful bloom. However, excessive dimming won't even do her good. Ideally, you should plant flowers in lace shade.
Astilba is able to withstand the harsh Russian winters, it is practically not susceptible to diseases, and even most insect pests bypass it. Perfect option for the novice gardener.
Astilba - perennial, whose homeland is Japan and Asia. In total, more than 200 varieties are known, each of which differs in size, splendor of flowering and color of flowers. Its growth can vary from 15 cm (Lilliput variety) to 150 cm (Arends' hybrids). Flowers are collected in panicles 10 to 50 cm long, after flowering they form fruit-boxes with very small seeds inside. Almost all varieties of astilba bloom from June to August.
The ground part of the astilbe dies off in the cold season, and the root waits out the winter and in the spring gives the next offspring. Each spring, buds appear in the upper part of the roots, giving an annual growth of 3 to 5 cm, and the lower part dies off over time. To ensure the comfortable development of new buds, after the dying off of the ground part, soil is poured onto the exposed rhizome.
Astilba varieties
As we said above, breeders are very fond of lush astilba, so much so that they bred more than 200 varieties. We will not list the advantages of each of them, but will focus on the most popular and beautiful ones.
Helpful advice: for growing astilba, it is recommended to buy varieties whose height is 50-70 cm. Such large plants better tolerate adverse climatic conditions and wintering.
Astilba Arends
it whole line astilbe, represented by 40 hybrid varieties, which appeared as a result of crossing the high astilbe of David. They are characterized by well-developed bushes up to 150 cm high. They can have a spherical or conical shape with lush foliage. Inflorescences can be completely different shades from white to deep purple.
Hybrid astilba differs not only in size, but also in a longer flowering period - up to 40 days. The most beautiful varieties were bred by G. Arends, so it was decided to name the group of hybrids in his honor. For example, astilba Gloria is a perennial up to 80 cm in height during the flowering period. She tolerates without problems cold winter and can grow on almost any soil with the exception of infertile sandy ones. It features fluffy pink rhombus-shaped inflorescences, delicate foliage and a delicate sweetish aroma. Gloria loves water, so it is recommended to plant it on the banks of a stream or an artificial reservoir.
Boogie Woogie is another hybrid variety, growing to 65-70 cm. In July, it pleases the eye with bright pink diamond-shaped inflorescences, which give the plant a magnificent shape.
Jump and Jive - astilba up to 50 cm high, blooming in late June and early July. It produces highly branched inflorescences of dark pink color, which effectively contrast with the succulent foliage.
Lilliput is a short hybrid up to 25 cm in height. Dense pinkish-salmon inflorescences bloom in mid-July-early August. Lilliputian is perfect for decoration alpine slide or a small flower garden under the window.
Chinese astilbe
Chinese astilbe can grow up to 110 cm, has large leaves at the roots and smaller ones closer to the inflorescences. It blooms with very densely knocked inflorescences up to 35 cm long with small purple flowers (rarely white or pinkish).
There are also undersized forms of Chinese astilba up to 25 cm in height and varieties with pyramidal inflorescences. This type of plant feels comfortable in unshaded sunny areas and in partial shade. The most beautiful varieties are Purpurlanze, Vision in Pink, Vision in Red.
Japanese astilba
Japanese astilbe is not as tall as the previous species (up to 80 cm) and is distinguished by small densely growing leaves with a pronounced ornament. White and pink inflorescences bloom much earlier than other varieties, and even after drying, they almost do not lose their shape and continue to decorate the flower garden until mid-autumn.
Japanese Astilbe is one of Arends' hybrids in 1837. Since then, several more varieties have been cultivated that are frost-resistant and take root well in any conditions. The most famous varieties: Deutschland, Rheinland, Europe and Montgomery with scarlet and burgundy inflorescences.
Common Astilbe
The common-leaved hybrid does not tolerate an arid climate quite well and needs regular and abundant watering. The bush grows 20-50 cm and gives airy thinned inflorescences. The most beautiful varieties considered Praecox Alba (white lush "candles", Bronze Elegans (delicate bronze inflorescences) and Straussenfeder ( tall plant up to 90 cm with coral flowers).
Reproduction of astilba
Breeding astilba at home is quite easy. It reproduces vegetatively and by seed. With vegetative separation of the bush and reproduction by buds is permissible. And if the vegetative method is suitable for novice gardeners, then the seed method makes it possible to get new varieties of astilba.
Seed propagation
Astilba seeds are in capsules that replace lush flowers. They need to be sown at the beginning or in the middle of March, after having subjected them to stratification. For this, the seeds are placed in a container 15 cm deep with a sand-peat mixture in a ratio of 1: 1, a centimeter layer of snow is placed on top (even "snow" from the freezer will do if the winter is dry).
The snow will gradually melt, moistening the soil, saturating it with useful microelements and immersing small seeds in it. When it finally melts, the pot should be covered with transparent plastic wrap and placed on the lower shelf of the refrigerator in the vegetable compartment for 20 days. During this time, the first shoots will appear, which will be hardened and will survive the subsequent wintering well.
After 20 days, the sprouts of astilba are rearranged in a bright place with a constant temperature of about + 20C. Watering the seedlings should be very careful, using a syringe without a needle and directing the stream to the very root.
When the seedlings get a little stronger and get 2-3 true leaves, plant them in small pots.
Important: varietal astilbe cannot reproduce by seed, since hybrids are not able to retain their distinctive characteristics. Plants grown in this way are used only in breeding. However, if you come across high-quality varietal seeds, there is a chance of successful cultivation using the technology described above.
Reproduction by dividing the bush
Most often, astilba is propagated by dividing the bush. This is a very simple and effective way.
How to split a bush:
Gently excavate the soil around the plant with a radius of 15-20 cm and remove the clod of earth along with the root.
Shake off excess soil to expose roots.
Using a sharp knife, cut the root into several pieces, with at least 4 buds on each piece.
Remove the dried rhizome.
Plant the plants 30 cm apart and provide moderate watering every day.
If you divide the bush in early March, then by autumn the astilba will already delight you with lush flowering.
Reproduction by kidneys
Renal reproduction is considered the most fast way... The operation should be performed in the spring, when the shoots are just beginning to grow. Carefully cut off the buds from the beginning of the rhizome and sprinkle the cut on the cutting with wood ash or charcoal so that no infection gets inside.
Plant the scions in a 3: 1 peat-gravel mixture and cover with clear plastic wrap to create a greenhouse effect. Before planting astilba in open ground, it must get stronger and begin to develop. You can plant plants in the garden in the fall or next spring.
Landing astilba
Planting astilba in open ground and caring for it does not require much time and skills. The main thing is to choose the optimal location and immediately provide the proper conditions. Plants should be planted in late May-early June in the northern part of the garden in the sparse shade of bushes or trees. Note that some varieties like open, sunny locations or can adapt to new conditions.
If your site has a natural or artificial reservoir, plant astilba next to it. The soil is better to choose loamy, light and fertile. The acidity should be between 5.5 and 6.5 pH (if necessary, add dolomite flour or wood ash to the ground to lower the acidity). If hosts grow next to astilba, their large leaves will prevent it from overheating in the hot summer.
When choosing a place to plant flowers, you should take into account the flowering time of different varieties. So, astilba, blooming in July, prefers shaded areas more, and early and late varieties they feel equally comfortable both in the shade and in the open sun.
In principle, any soil is suitable for astilbe, but if you want to get a luxurious and long flowering, you should choose a place where the groundwater lies close to the surface. You should also take care of the saturation of the soil with potassium and phosphorus. When making beds for breeding, apply complex fertilizers at 30 g / sq. m and 2 handfuls of bone meal. When planting astilba in a flower garden, dig holes 30 cm deep and add the above fertilizers mixed with humus. In case of renal propagation, soil mulching should be carried out by 3 cm.
How is the landing of astilba:
Dig up the area and remove all weeds, including rhizomes.
Fertilize the soil with compost, rotted peat or manure, adding 2 buckets per 1 sq. m.
Liming if necessary dolomite flour(if the soil is acidic, it is better to do this in the fall).
Dig holes 30 cm deep and 30 cm apart.
Apply fertilizers and fill them with water.
Plant the shoots and cover them in such a way that the thickness of the earth layer above the buds is at least 4 cm.
Compact the soil and mulch with peat or humus.
Astilba care
Caring for an astilbe is as easy as breeding and planting. Her main feature is that the rhizome grows upward, and does not rush into the depths, as in other plants. On the contrary, the lower processes die off over time. And if you do not provide the new roots with adequate nutrition, the flower will die. Therefore, it is necessary to sprinkle bare rhizomes with soil annually and not allow them to dry out.
The main requirement for care is regular watering. Periodic mulching of the soil will not only protect the rhizomes from overheating in the sun, but will also allow you to control the appearance of weeds and extraneous plants.
Keep in mind that the frequency and abundance of watering depends on the type of astilba, so carefully study the features of the selected type. During the formation of inflorescences, all varieties need increased watering, and if the summer is very hot, then it is better to water the flowers 2 times a day - in the early morning before sunrise and in the evening after sunset.
Florists appreciate astilba for a long, lush bloom, shade tolerance and resistance to high humidity soil.
A spreading bush with openwork leaves on reddish cuttings looks spectacular not only during flowering, but also during the entire garden season.
Brief description of the plant
Astilba (Astilbe) is a herbaceous plant of the saxifrage family. Japan, East Asia and North America can be considered the birthplace of this decorative perennial. The genus includes about 40 species and more than 400 varieties. Astilbe height varies from 15 to 200 cm. Flowers are collected in panicle inflorescences 10-60 cm long. Coloring can be varied: flowers of white, red, pink and purple shades look especially attractive. Large leaves form an openwork bush of dark green, burgundy, bronze color. The fruit is a capsule with small seeds. Flowering time is June-August.Choosing the right place and time for planting will guarantee that astilbe will quickly take root.
Growing conditions
Astilbe don't need a lot of light for fast growth. Best of all, she feels in a rarefied shadow. In such conditions, flowering will be long and abundant.
Although varieties with white and light pink flowers (Weiss Pearl, Gloria, Bergkrisstal and others) feel great in the sun. Flowering in this case is shorter, but twice as intense.
Astilba looks spectacular on semi-shady, rocky hills, in ridges along the lawns, on the shore. This plant will help you to tastefully decorate the site and bring life to even the darkest corners of your garden property.
Main varieties
Astilbe davidii
A plant with a broadly spreading bush, reaches a height of 150 cm. Leaves are compound, wrinkled, light green in color and brownish veins. The flowers are lilac-pink with a lowered axis. Blooms in July-August.
Astilba is exotic plant which grows mainly in East Asia, North America and on Japanese islands... It is found in humid places, along the banks of rivers, in broadleaf forests... It was brought to Europe in the 18th century and since then it has become a fairly popular plant.
Astilba is a rhizome plant in which the ground part dies off in winter. The stems are straight and, depending on the variety, can reach a height of two meters. The leaves are long, serrated, dark green or reddish green in color. Top part rhizomes are formed every year by new buds, and the lower part dies off.
Astilba has small openwork flowers in various shades, blooms from June to August. Its inflorescences are very beautiful. Astilba fruit looks like a box.
Many gardeners are happy to plant this wonderful plant in their garden plots because of its spectacular appearance.
Depending on the flowering period, it happens:
- Early (second half of June).
- Average (July).
- Late (August - early September).
Seed growing method
Reproduction of astilba occurs vegetatively and by seeds. It is best to use the seed method, it is much easier.
Seeds begin to sow in March and it happens as follows. A wide container is filled with a mixture of peat and sand, a layer of snow is poured on top, and over it scatter seeds... When the snow thaws, it moistens the soil and the seeds begin to sink into it. After the snow melts, the container is placed in a transparent bag and placed in the refrigerator for three weeks until shoots appear. Then it is moved to a bright and warm room.
Water the seedlings very carefully, otherwise the seedlings can be easily ruined. It is best to inject water into the soil with a syringe. When two or three leaves appear, they dive into small pots, so that they can then be planted in the ground.
Planting astilba in the ground
Planting and caring for astilba is completely uncomplicated. They begin to plant it in May-June, preferably on north side, in the shade of shrubs or trees. Some varieties can be planted in a sunny place, but they will bloom, although more intense, but for a short time.
It will be great if next to the planted astilba there is pool or fountain... She prefers loamy soil, in which groundwater is located high. At the summer cottage, astilba gets along well with hosts, whose leaves keep the soil moist and do not allow it to overheat.
Before planting, the site is dug up, removing weeds, and the soil is fertilized with compost, rotted peat or rotted manure. Then, pits are prepared with a depth and width of 20 centimeters, the distance between them should be 30 centimeters... Half a glass of ash and one tablespoon of mineral fertilizer are poured into each hole, after which they are abundantly watered. Seedlings are placed in such a way that the soil above the growth buds is 4-5 centimeters thick. Pits with seedlings are covered with earth, compacted a little and mulched with a layer of humus or peat.
Planting cuttings
In early spring, a bud should be cut out from the plant, from which the shoot has already begun to develop, with a part of the root. These cuttings are used for planting in greenhouses; you need to feed the soil bone meal and mineral fertilizers ... Astilba is planted in the garden only after a year.
Care after landing
Caring for a planted astilba includes:
- Watering.
- Top dressing.
- Pruning.
- Preparing for the winter.
The main feature of astilba is that its rhizomes grow upward, and the lower part gradually dies off. Because of this, after a certain period of time, the root system remains without power, so astilbu need to huddle... The soil should always be moist. Regular watering is a must when caring for astilba. In addition, mulching protects well root system from overheating, allows the soil to retain moisture for a long time, relieves of weeds and periodic loosening of the soil. During the formation of inflorescences, the plant especially needs frequent and abundant moisture. In a drought, it is watered in the morning and evening.
In order for astilbe to bloom for a long time and abundantly, it must be fed twice a year. The first feeding is carried out in early spring when young shoots appear. They mainly use complex fertilizers containing large amounts of nitrogen.
In the fall, the following top dressing is carried out after the plant has faded. During this period, fertilizers containing phosphorus and potassium are used, mainly in liquid form, in order to avoid getting burns on the stem. Then the soil is loosened and mulched.
Astilbe pruning is produced late autumn, while cutting off the ground part of the plant at the soil level.
After the astilbe has faded, the wilted inflorescences are cut off and new leaves appear in their place.
Astilba perfectly tolerates cold winters, and all due to the fact that its roots grow upward and go out to the soil. Mulching saves them from freezing. In late autumn, the gaps between the bushes are covered with sawdust or needles, in addition, the bush is covered with spruce branches in two layers.
Astilba at the age of five is necessary transplant, but if you carefully look after her and apply fertilizers on time, then in one place she can live up to twenty years.
Here she is, astilba, planting and caring for which is not difficult.
Pest control
The main enemies of Astilba:
- Slobbering penny
- Strawberry and root-knot nematodes
Pennitsa colonizes the leaf axils and secretes saliva-like foam, inside which leafhopper larvae live. They suck up leaf tissue, causing them to turn yellow and curl. As a result, the plant gradually fades... They get rid of this pest with the help of rogor, confidor, actara and karbofos.
The strawberry nematode lives on buds, flowers and leaves, as a result of which they deform and become covered with brown or yellow spots... In this case, the plant slows down its growth.
Gall nematode damages the roots by forming small growths with nematodes inside them... Sick plants grow and bloom poorly, they may even die. As soon as this is found, the plant must be urgently removed. The rest are processed with phytoverm. In the first half of the growing season, you need to monitor the weeds and immediately remove them when they appear.
Astilba after flowering
After the astilbe has faded, you should not cut it off, because in a semi-dry form, its amazing inflorescences will unusually decorate the garden plot.
When putting things in order on the site before wintering, the stems are cut flush with the ground, and this place is mulched.
The use of astilba in garden design
On his garden plot you can break a flower garden or make a border out of astilbe alone. Its many varieties provide a riot of colors. In mixed flower beds, this plant is not lost at all and looks great. In shaded areas, varieties with white flowers look spectacular, which revive the twilight a little.
On sunny places astilba harmonizes well with daylilies... Its small openwork leaves look good against the background of large flowers and narrow leaves. Both those and other plants have varieties that bloom in different terms, so you can create a wonderful flower garden that long time will delight with its blossoming buds.
For many gardeners and landscape designers, Astilba enjoys well-deserved attention and love. Unpretentious and beautifully blooming, it can diversify any corner of the site and add bright colors both by itself and in various original mixborders.
Beautiful bloom of astilba
Astilba inflorescences do not leave indifferent anyone who has ever seen it, and even more so grown it. This chic perennial varies depending on the cultivar in height from 9 to 150cm. Planted as a green curb 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 who please with inflorescences throughout the summer season.
Some varieties bloom with delicate flowers, and some are fluffy, as if filled with air and are lighter in weight than a feather. In total, astilba has four variants of inflorescences - pyramidal, diamond-shaped, paniculate and drooping. Some varieties can be with several shades at once.
There are more than three dozen varieties of astilba, but only a dozen of them are cultivated in our country. A third of this dozen are quite tolerant of bright sunlight, the rest are grown in partial shade and even tolerate shade well.
Photo gallery of astilba varieties
Astilba Chinese grade "Pumila" Astilba Arends grade "Amethyst" Astilba Japanese hybrid variety"Deutschland" Astilba Arends grade "Sister Teresa"
How to propagate astilba
The plant can be propagated in three ways - by seed, by dividing the root, or by using germinated buds. Astilba does not oppose transplants and rather quickly takes root in a new place, then starting its rapid spread.
Reproduction of astilba seeds can only be afforded by a person with incredible patience or honing the skill of breeding garden flower crops... The thing is that astilba seeds are small and grow for a long time. They are harvested in September and sown in boxes in early spring. Even with proper care, they will only germinate three to four weeks after planting. Now they will need to be grown for another 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 astilba as soon as possible, you will have to use other breeding methods.
Namely, by dividing the root or dividing the bush, as this process is also called. This is the most common and affordable option reproduction of astilba. 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. When dividing in this way in early spring, you can enjoy the flowering of astilba already in the fall.
It must be remembered that the roots of astilba are hard, almost wooden, and sometimes you have to separate them with a hacksaw for wood.
The third method is something in between the previous two in terms of difficulty. It will take patience for him too. In the spring, one regeneration bud is cut off from an adult plant and transplanted into a prepared substrate in a greenhouse. Here the astilba will take root for a year until next spring. After planting in open ground, it will bloom in July-August. This way faster than the first brings results, but it also requires a lot of patience.
Disembarkation time and place
Regarding the time for planting astilbe, there are different opinions, but they all agree on one thing - the best period is spring. It's a time of awakening warmth and large stock moisture in the soil, which is very necessary when planting astilba. Of course, you can plant it both in summer and autumn, providing abundant watering in the first days after planting.
Astilba works best on loams and soils with a high level of groundwater
If you have decided on the time of planting the plant, then now it's time to find appropriate place... Assume that Astilba is very fond of moisture. V wildlife it settles near water bodies, and in areas grows well on soils with a high level of groundwater.
When choosing a place, take into account the position of the sun throughout the day - choosing a place that is open to the sun all day long is strongly discouraged.
The best place to land would be a point shaded by tall shrubs or trees. If you do not find such places, you can plant astilba on the shady side near the house, where the sun's rays will reach only for part of the day.
The best place to plant astilba is a shaded area with tall shrubs and trees.
If the plant is exposed to sunlight all day, the flowering period will be greatly reduced and its quality will drop. The flowers will shrink and lose their inherent brightness, as will the leaves, which, instead of a rich juicy green color, will have a pale green appearance. Mid-flowering varieties of astilba generally show their best bloom only in the shade.
Soil preparation and planting (video)
For planting astilbe, they dig holes with a diameter of 25-35 cm, between which they maintain a distance of at least 30 cm. Flower complex fertilizer, bone meal, ash and humus are introduced into the pits. Fertilizers are mixed with each other, while the proportion of nitrogen should not exceed 10% so that the plant does not suffer.
Do not skimp on water when watering holes, since Astilba is very fond of moisture and high groundwater levels. So excess water it certainly wouldn'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, covered with soil, which must be tamped. Dry leaves and sawdust placed under the bush help to better retain moisture for the roots.
In the future, you only need to maintain moisture at the roots of astilba by regular watering. In addition to watering, it will periodically be necessary to apply fertilizers to the soil and mulch the root zone. Since the soil must always be moist, this creates favorable conditions for bacteria, so to avoid problems, sometimes add potassium permanganate to the water to disinfect the soil.
Astilba is quite good about transplanting even in a flowering state.
Further care for astilba is not so difficult, but important. Since it is the maintenance favorable conditions for astilba allows her to show her 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 astilba in your garden, which will delight you with its beautiful flowering for 10-15 years.
If you want the beautiful Astilba to settle in your dacha, planting and leaving open ground will not be particularly difficult. It is quite unpretentious, but very decorative. This perennial blooms in a lush color, feels good even in constant shade. Astilba comfortably tolerates cold Russian winters (down to -37 ° C), practically does not get sick, and garden pests not particularly interested in her.
Photo of blooming astilba:
For originality, lush beauty, everyone loves her, professional, novice gardeners, just amateurs.
Astilba - description, appearance and features
What is Astilba? It is a perennial plant from the Saxifragaceae family, with delicate foliage and beautiful fluffy panicle inflorescences.
When does astilba bloom? It blooms from the first days of summer. How long does astilba bloom? The plant blooms most actively for about a month. The flowering process itself continues until August. Not only flowers are decorative, but also long-stemmed dark green leaves growing on erect stems. The color scheme of lush brooms is rich in a variety of shades: white, cream, pink, lilac, red. The delicate aroma of astilba is somewhat reminiscent of the scent of bird cherry.
The homeland of the flower is Japan and Asia. The number of varieties reaches 200 varieties. There is dwarf varieties, for example, Lilliputian. There are tall varieties, for example, Arens hybrids. Compliance with simple agrotechnical rules, even for a novice gardener, allows you to grow a lush, eye-catching plant - which is why this culture is so loved by many. For ideal height, the development of astilbe needs a shade, but not too strong. The so-called "lace" shadow from the crown of trees is what you need.
Photo of Astilba:
Astilba will make any corner of the garden cozy With the onset of cold weather aerial part dies off, and the overwintered root in the spring gives already new shoots. A remarkable feature of Astilba is that its rhizomes grow from above. Thus, buds are tied on the upper part of the root system, which are exposed, therefore, they require an annual top-up of soil. Each 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, in their place are boxes with seeds inside.
The height of the astilba plant depends on the variety. There are tall varieties, there are dwarf ones. For comfortable cultivation, it is preferable to give your choice to tall varieties - those that grow up to 50-80 cm. They are more resilient, tolerate climatic changes, temperature changes well.
As mentioned above, there are many different types of this plant, but most summer residents liked the Japanese astilba. This variety is also called Montgomery, a hybrid bred by German breeder Georg Arends in 1837.
Astilba Montgomery Arends's hybrids are the brightest, most beautiful, unpretentious, they grow well on any soil, are resistant to cold, bloom for a long time (about 40 days). Besides Montgomery, Gloria, Deutschland, Europe, Rheinland are popular among gardeners.
Japanese Astilba grows up to 80 cm high, has ornamental leaves, its flowers bloom early. After the flowers have faded, they do not lose their decorative qualities, do not spoil the big picture garden, are often used to compose dry bouquets.
Where to plant astilba
Where to plant astilba in the country, in the garden? The best place- in the northern part of the site. This is the most comfortable place for her. Where to plant astilba in the sun or shade? Choose shady places or an area near the pool, pond (if you have one). Only a few varieties of astilba prefer sunny areas. When planting, be sure to take into account the proximity of plants, for example, hostas growing nearby will not only harmonize with the leaves or flowers of astilba, but will protect it from overheating in hot summer. For varieties that bloom in the midst of summer, only shaded areas need to be selected.
The best time to start planting is early May / early June.
What kind of soil does astilba like? It can grow on almost any soil. But he especially loves loams, fertile soil, soil saturated with potassium-phosphorus additives.
If the ground has high acidity, it is recommended to add a little before planting wood ash dolomite flour can also be used for this purpose to lower the pH level.
You also need to pay attention to the variety, the timing of its flowering. Early, late varieties will feel equally comfortable in a sunny, shaded place. The high occurrence of groundwater, as well as periodic stagnation of water in the area, is extremely undesirable for astilba. To prevent the root system from getting wet, you will need to arrange drainage or plant plants on a hill.
Make sure that planting material(roots) had no rotten or dead fragments. The roots should not be too wet or dry.
Please see the video selection of Astilba's photos.
Astilba - care and landing
How to plant astilba? How to plant astilba correctly? The place on the site should be prepared before planting: dig up, uproot the roots of shrubs (if any), remove weeds, fertilize the ground with manure or add peat additionally (about 2 buckets per 1 square meter). The bush holes should be about 30 cm deep. Deep into them, it is recommended to add a little ash (a handful), mineral dressing, 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.
Astilba - photo of flowers in a flower bed:
Astilba in landscape design, Photo How astilba reproduces
Astilba can be propagated by seed or vegetative propagation. In the second case, fragments of rhizomes or buds are used. After the plant fades, seeds ripen in capsules, they are sown in early March, but before that they are "hardened" with cold.
To do this, take a suitable container, pour a mixture of peat with sand (equal proportions), scatter seeds on top, lay 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 melts, cover the container with glass or plastic wrap and then refrigerate for 3 weeks. For these purposes, the lower compartment is perfect, where vegetables are usually stored. During this period, already hardened seedlings will germinate, which will eventually turn into strong plants that are not afraid of cold and frost.
After the sprouts appear, move the container to a lighted place where the air temperature is at least + 20 ° C. Watering the seedlings should be extremely careful, for this it is better to use a syringe to direct the stream of water to the root. After the appearance of the first 3 full-fledged leaves, small seedlings can be planted in individual pots. It should be borne in mind that varietal crops are not propagated by seeds - hybrids do not retain their individual characteristics.
How to grow astilba from rhizomes? Rhizome division is the easiest, efficient way reproduction. To do this, a full-fledged plant should be dug out, removed from the soil along with the roots, with an earthen lump. Then gently shake off the ground, expose the root system, take a knife, divide the root into fragments, and each piece should have at least 4 buds. After that, you need to plant the roots at a distance of 25-30 cm from each other, water it daily (not too abundantly).
Astilba - growing and care, photo:
Astilba at the beginning of flowering Reproduction by buds gives the fastest results. It is best to select seed in the spring, when new shoot growth is activated. The buds are carefully cut off along with a piece of rhizome. The place of the cut is sprinkled with ash or a tablet of activated carbon crushed with a mortar. After that, take a container, fill it with a mixture of peat and gravel. For 3 parts of peat take 1 part of gravel. After that, the kidneys are buried there, covered with glass or film. When the plant germinates, gets stronger, it can be planted on the site using the method described above.
How to care for astilba? The main thing to remember about unusual feature its root system, make sure that the roots are covered with earth. Provide regular watering (according to the variety). Mulching is desirable. Both overheating and waterlogging are equally harmful to all plants, and the mulch layer will help keep the roots healthy. Remove weeds, water more often during the formation of flowers, apply fertilizing according to the season: in the spring - nitrogen, in the middle of summer - potash, in the end of summer - phosphorus. Astilba should be transplanted every 8-10 years. With the right approach to business, this plant will transform your country cottage area, will give positive emotions, bright colors summer. Thus, astilba is aesthetic, undemanding. outdoors are not difficult.
What year does astilba bloom after planting? Grown from seed, blooms in the 3rd year. And those that you planted by dividing the rhizome can bloom in the year of planting.
When to transplant astilba in spring or autumn? Can be transplanted in spring and autumn. If you decide to transplant the plant in the fall, then wait until the end of flowering. But do not delay the transplant: the plant should be transplanted about a month before the onset of cold weather (not lower than + 5 ° C). V middle lane In Russia it is about September, in the Kuban - in October. If you plant or transplant astilba 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 the Kuban. Astilba may not be transplanted for many years. But sooner or later, its flowering will become scarce. Fluffy panicles will become rare and will lose their decorative effect. Experts believe that astilba should be transplanted about once every four years. But, if you see that your plant has not lost its fluffiness and splendor, then do not touch it for another year or two.
