Astilba planting and care in open ground which will be described in this article, is especially appreciated by gardeners for its unusual appearance, long flowering period, the ability to easily tolerate waterlogging and shade tolerance. This plant looks beautiful not only when it blooms. From spring to late autumn, astilba decorates the flower bed with openwork leaves on reddish petioles.
Our article presents detailed description and Photo plants. You can find out more about the methods of planting and the features of growing astilbe by looking video at the end of the article.
The plant is suitable for forcing and cutting. Astilba bushes are covered with lush foliage, which will be a wonderful decoration for flower baskets and bouquets.
What does astilba look like when it blooms
The herbaceous plant astilba 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 panicle inflorescences 10-60 cm long. The color of flowers can be very diverse: white, red, pink and purple.
- Foliage color can be dark green, burgundy, bronze.
- In the form of a fruit - a box with small seeds.
- The flowering period is from June to August.
Astilba varieties
More than 400 varieties of astilba, differing from each other in size, color of flowers and shape of leaves, have been bred by scientists. The most famous and popular types are:
David. The bush can reach a height of 150 cm. The inflorescences are horizontal, looking down, the flowers are lilac-pink. The flowering period is from July to August.
Naked. Plant height up to 20 cm. Flowering - in June, 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. 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, pink, red, white flowers.
The flowering period is mid-summer. This variety is distinguished by its resistance to cold, as well as 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 serrated. Inflorescences are rare, looking down, panicle width 10 cm, length 25 cm. Flowering period: July-August. This variety belongs to the pyramidal type, differs in sprawling shoots, which are covered with dense foliage. The species does not react well to low air humidity and heat.
Preparing for landing
It is advisable to choose a site for planting astilba with a close adjoining groundwater. The plant can also be planted on the banks of the garden pond. Since the sandy soil does not retain moisture well, then the site must be mulched with peat on top.
If astilba was purchased in a store, then before planting, the rhizome should be soaked in warm water for 1 hour. It is recommended to add potassium permanganate to the water so that the solution turns out to be pale pink.
Watch the video! How to plant astilba
Landing astilba
Landing technology:
- The first step is to dig a hole 30 cm deep.
- The bottom of the pit should be filled with organic fertilizer(compost), which is used in a proportion of 2 buckets per 1 sq. m.
- It is recommended to add 1 tablespoon to the hole. complex fertilizer of any kind containing nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium (nitroammofoska) or 2 handfuls of ash.
- Then the fertilizer is mixed with soil.
- Then water is poured into the hole.
- Astilba should be planted in the ground, deepening the root collar by 5-6 cm.After the water in the hole is absorbed, it should be poured on top of 3-4 cm of dry soil, which will help keep moisture in the rhizome area for as long as possible.
- For a long time, the mulching procedure will help to keep moisture in the hole, and also to facilitate the adaptation of the plant. As mulch, you can use sawdust, humus, needles, chopped bark.
Astilbe grows very slowly, so it is recommended to plant it tightly: 20 * 20 cm. Planting will become dense next year. It will be possible to thin out the plants in 2-3 years.
Combines perfectly astilbe flower with other types of plants. The easiest way to grow is in monoplants using one variety. You can also plant the plant in groups, using several varieties with flowers of the same tone, but different heights.
Leave cultivation
The main methods of flower care include:
- weeding;
- loosening;
- watering;
- mulching.
Watering
Astilba needs constant watering. It is recommended to keep the topsoil constantly moist, as the root system can only develop well in moist soil. It is necessary to water the flower at least 1 time a week; in hot weather, this procedure must be carried out at least 2 times a week. Astilba can be watered both under the root and using the sprinkler method, since this plant is resistant to the appearance and spread of fungal diseases.
Even a short drying out of the soil on the site can lead to the fact that the leaves of the astilbe will wither, the inflorescences will become smaller, and the bush itself will look sloppy. In order to prevent these undesirable consequences, the plant should be mulched with any organic material:
- dry leaves;
- sawdust;
- bark.
Advice! It is best to use compost for mulching, as it is an organic, concentrated fertilizer and maintains a sufficient moisture level in the area.
Fertilizer
The main part of fertilizers must be applied to the site when planting astilba. The plant is very fond of organic feeding. It is recommended to add up to 1 liter of humus to the planting pit, after which the composition should be well mixed with the soil.
After the end of flowering, in autumn period, at the base of the shoot formed in the current year, several buds are formed. They will subsequently develop rosettes of leaves. The next year, flower stalks will appear from the sockets. The small buds located below will begin to develop only in the next year.
Advice! The plant annually rises above the site at a distance of 3-5 cm. Therefore, every year it is necessary to bring fertile land to the site.
Reproduction
Astilba can be propagated:
- dividing the roots;
- cuttings;
- kidney renewal;
- seeds.
Dividing the bush
Even old bushes can be used for reproduction, since after the procedure dormant buds wake up on them.
The division procedure should be carried out more often 1 time in 3 years. The plant should be dug in early spring - in March, or at the end of August.
Propagating a bush by dividing, you need to make sure that each delenka has 3-4 buds. The rhizomes are divided into 4-5 parts and planted in a new area, observing a gap of 35-40 cm between the bushes. Places of cuts on the roots are treated with crushed charcoal.
Renal renewal
- In early spring, when young shoots have not yet had time to grow, it is necessary to cut off the buds with the beginning of the rhizome with a sharp garden knife, and then process the cuts with wood ash.
- The planting material obtained in this way is planted in a mixture consisting of 3 parts of peat and 1 part of gravel, and then covered with a film to create a greenhouse effect.
- Then you should wait for the rooting of the shoot, which occurs within 3 weeks.
- Young and mature bushes are transplanted to a permanent place in early autumn, or next spring.
By cuttings
Seeds
The method of propagation by seeds is used most often for selective work, since they do not germinate well.
- Sowing seeds in the garden should be 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 in 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.
- Fortified bushes can be planted in a permanent place.
- Young plantings for the winter are covered with foliage.
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, covered with a layer of snow.
- The melting snow will gradually moisten the soil and allow the seeds to sink to the depth required for growing.
- Crops for 3 weeks should be placed in a cool place, previously covered with foil.
- After the first true leaves appear on the sprouts, the picking procedure should be carried out.
- Caring for the plant in the future, consists in watering and observing the temperature regime of 20-22 degrees.
Watch the video! Astilba landing and care. Astilba 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 penny;
- rootworm nematode;
- strawberry nematode.
The stump is usually located in the leaf axils of the plant. After some time, saliva-like secretions in the form of foam appear inside them, inside which leafhopper larvae are located. Affected leaves wrinkle and become covered with yellow spots. At the same time, the bush completely or partially withers.
In order to get rid of this pest, you should use:
- Rogor;
- Confidor;
- Aktar (2-3 g per 10 l of water);
- Karbofos.
Buds, flowers, leaves of the plant are susceptible to the dispersal of the strawberry nematode. The affected areas of the bush are deformed and covered with necrotic spots of brown or yellow color... The growth of astilba is deteriorating.
Gall 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. Gauls are well distinguished already in the second growing season. The flowering and growth of the affected bushes deteriorates markedly, in some cases the death of the plant occurs. Therefore, shoots that have obvious signs of the disease must be dug up and destroyed.
Important! During the first growing season, it is very important to carry out the first weeding on time. In the second growing season, the overgrown root system of the plant will independently drown out weeds.
The young foliage of the plant sometimes suffers from frost, which occurs in late spring, but this cannot be an obstacle to the appearance of new leaves and flowers. Astilba perennial tolerates severe winters well, but suffers from spring frosts and dampness. The plant is suitable for growing in regions with unfavorable climatic conditions, including in the Urals, in Siberia.
Important! Varieties that have the greatest ornamental value, with large inflorescences may freeze slightly.
Preparing for winter
On bushes that have already bloomed, it is necessary to remove the panicles so that they do not set seeds. This procedure will preserve the vigor of the plant for wintering.
In winters with little snow, astilba must be additionally covered:
- In the fall, the bush should be cut off.
- Then install a light frame over it.
- Fill the frame with leaves inside.
- Lutrasil or spunbond is tightened on top.
- Then cover with plastic to keep out moisture. The edges are pressed with bricks.
Astilbe flower: combination with other plants
It is quite justified to grow astilba in group plantings with other plants. Ornamental bushes look great next to conifers... In addition, ephedra provide astilbe with sun protection.
Astilbe bushes are in perfect harmony with:
- late tulips;
- hosts;
- periwinkle;
- irises.
Single plantings of astilba on a green lawn look decorative.
Astilbe bushes will perfectly fit into the landscape design when planting in the shade. Also, the plant is used for single or group plantings, creating complex solutions in the shade or partial shade.
Caring for the plant is simple, it consists in timely, moderate watering and will not cause any particular difficulties.
Watch the video! Astilba: growing, care, reproduction
Gardeners appreciate astilba for its long flowering, unusual appearance, shade tolerance and the ability to tolerate waterlogging of the soil. The plant is beautiful not only during flowering. Its openwork leaves on reddish stalks are decorative from spring to late autumn.
The crop is suitable for cutting and forcing. Lush panicles of astilba are an unsurpassed decoration for bouquets and flower baskets.
What does astilba look like when it blooms
Astilba is a member of the saxifrage family, the closest relative of other common garden flowers: saxifrage, geyher, badanov. More than 400 varieties have been bred with various sizes, flower colors and leaf shapes.
Varietal astilbe have a height of 15 to 200 cm. The color of flowers is white, red, pink and purple. Flowers are collected in panicle inflorescences, up to 60 centimeters long. The leaves are large, complex-pinnate, from dark green to bronze in color.
Astilba blooms in June-August, and in September it is possible to collect small-seeded boxes from it. Flowering takes 3-5 weeks. In a thin shade, flowers will live longer than in the sun. In the sun, the flowering is shorter, but twice as lush. Panicles are short-lived when cut, but they can be dried and used in winter bouquets.
Astilba has not a root, but a rhizome that goes into the ground vertically or obliquely. It is covered adventitious roots and daughter buds. The lower roots are old and gradually die off. The upper roots are young and grow rapidly. Thus, the bush gradually grows up and rises above the ground.
Table: types of astilba
| View | Description |
| David | Height up to 150 cm. Flowers are lilac-pink, panicles are arranged horizontally or look down. Bloom in July-August |
| Naked | Height up to 20 cm. Leaves are bronze in color. Bloom in June and July |
| Chinese | Height up to 100 cm. Leaves are covered with reddish down. The flowers are lilac, pink and white. Inflorescence length up to 30 cm. Bloom from June to August. |
| Japanese | Height 70 cm. The plant grows rapidly, forming a circle of one meter in diameter. The flowers are white or pink, fragrant. Inflorescences are rhomboid, length up to 30 cm. Blooms in the middle of summer |
| Thunberg | Height up to 80 cm, serrated leaves at the edges. White flowers, panicle width 10 cm, length 25 cm. Inflorescences are rare, directed downward Blooms in July-August |
Preparing for landing
In order for astilba to take root quickly, you need to choose the place and time of planting. The plant prefers loamy soils fertilized with organic matter.
High varieties are planted at a distance of 0.5 m from each other, low ones after 20-30 cm. White and light pink varieties look better in the sun, dark ones - in the shade.
Before planting, they dig up the earth, remove the rhizomes of weeds, and introduce organic matter.
If an Astilba rhizome is purchased in a store, it is better to soak it in warm water for an hour before planting. You can add a little potassium permanganate to the water to make a pale pink solution.
When astilba propagates by seeds, stratification will be required:
- Place the seeds in a cold place with a temperature of -4 to +4 degrees, mixing with damp peat.
- Soak in the cold for 20 days, making sure that the peat does not dry out.
- Transfer the seeds after 20 days to a warm - 20-22 degrees and sow.
For planting, darkened areas are chosen, preferably with a close adherence of groundwater. You can plant astilba on the shore garden pond... Sandy soils, poorly retaining moisture, are mulched on top with a layer of peat.
Landing Algorithm:
- Dig a planting hole about 30 cm deep.
- Add organic matter to the bottom.
- You can add a tablespoon of any complex fertilizer to the hole; containing nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium, or two handfuls.
- Mix the fertilizer with the soil.
- Fill the hole with water.
Astilba is planted in the mud, deepening the root collar by 5-6 cm. When the water in the hole is absorbed, pour a 3-4-centimeter layer of dry earth on top - it "prohibits" moisture in the rhizome area and will not allow it to quickly evaporate.
Astilba grows slowly, so it is better to plant it denser - 20 by 20 cm. Such plantings become dense the next year. After 2-3 years, they can be thinned out.
Astilba does not go well with other colors. It is easier to plant it in monoplants using one variety. Can be planted in groups of several varieties with flowers of the same color, but different heights of bushes.
Care and cultivation of astilba
Flower care consists of loosening, weeding, watering, mulching the soil. It is better to cut out faded panicles so that they do not set seeds - this will preserve the strength in the plant for preparation for wintering.
Often the companion of astilba is the rhizome weed runny, which strongly oppresses cultivated plants... During care, it is important to choose the rhizomes of the dream from the soil, trying not to damage the underground part of the astilba.
In autumn, at the base of the shoot formed in the current year, several buds are formed, from which rosettes of leaves will develop. The next year, flower stalks will appear from the outlets. From the small buds located on the stem below, rosette leaves will develop only the next year. So astilba annually rises above the ground by 3-5 cm.Therefore, the plant must be sprinkled with fertile soil every year.
Transfer
Astilba bush can not be transplanted for an average of 5 years. Then it needs to be dug up and divided or thinned:
- Separate the rhizome part of the bush with a shovel.
- Powder the cuts with wood ash.
- Fill the hole in the ground with fresh soil.
Watering
Astilba loves watering. The topsoil must be kept moist at all times, as young roots can only develop in moist soil. The flower is watered at least once a week, in hot weather - 2 times a week. Astilba is not afraid fungal diseases, therefore, it can be watered both under the root and by sprinkling.
Even after a short-term drying out of the soil, the leaves wither, the inflorescences become smaller and the astilbe takes on a sloppy appearance. To prevent this from happening, astilba is mulched with any crushed organic material: sawdust bark, dry leaves. The best compost mulch is not only a covering material, but also a concentrated organic fertilizing that Astilba loves.
Fertilizers and feeding
The main fertilizers are applied even when planting astilba. The flower loves organics. Up to a liter of humus must be added to the planting hole and mixed well with the ground.
Potash and phosphorus are used for feeding. mineral compositions- they increase the frost resistance of the plant. For each bush, 20-25 g of phosphorus-potassium fertilizer is applied. In the spring, to accelerate the regrowth of leaves, plants are fed once with a solution of urea in a dosage of a teaspoon of granules per 5 liters of water.
How to propagate astilba
The flower is propagated by dividing the rhizome, cuttings, seeds, renewal buds. The division of the bush makes it possible to use even the old lower parts of the rhizomes for reproduction, since after dividing dormant buds wake up on them.
Astilbe can be divided no more than 1 time in 3 years. Plants are dug up in spring or late August. The rhizome is cut into 4-5 parts and immediately planted in a new place at a distance of 35-40 cm from each other.
Renal renewal
- In early spring, before the young shoots have grown, cut off the buds with a small piece of rhizome from the stem.
- Plant the buds in a box filled with peat and coarse sand 3:1.
- Water.
- Wait for rooting - it will take place in 3 weeks.
- Plant young plants with leaves in a permanent place.
By cuttings
- When the shoots reach a height of 10-15 cm, cut them off and divide them into cuttings.
- Plant in a box filled with a 1: 1 mixture of peat and sand, water, cover with foil.
- Spray with a spray bottle 2 times a day.
- Maintain air temperature during rooting in the range of 20-22 degrees.
- If a peduncle forms on the cutting, break it off.
Astilba seeds do not germinate well, therefore this method of propagation is used for breeding purposes. Seeds are sown in the fall or spring in the garden and are not covered with soil. The garden bed should be located in the shade. Seedlings will appear in 10-15 days, and with autumn sowing - in spring.
As soon as the first true leaf grows, the seedlings are planted at a distance of 15 cm from each other. Fortified plants can be transplanted to a permanent place. Young plantings for the winter are covered with foliage.
What is Astilba afraid of?
The plant has few diseases and pests. Occasionally she is amazed:
- slobbering penny;
- root knot nematode;
- strawberry nematode.
Young leaves sometimes suffer from late spring frosts, but this does not prevent the plant from throwing out new leaves and blooming at the right time. Astilba withstands harsh winters, but suffers greatly from spring temperature drops and dampness.
The most decorative varieties with large inflorescences can freeze slightly. Such plants in winters with little snow need to be additionally covered:
- Cut the bush in the fall.
- Install a light frame over it.
- Fill the frame with leaves from the inside.
- Tighten with spunbond or lutrasil on top.
- To protect against moisture, cover the entire structure with polyethylene and press the edges with bricks.
This perennial culture grows beautifully and beautifies with its unusual colors shady garden. Within the framework of this article, we will figure out how to plant and care for astilbe in open ground... Observing simple rules of agricultural technology, you can achieve great result in growing this plant.
Description of the plant - varieties and varieties
Astilba is a rhizome perennial of the saxifrage family. In summer, curly bushes with lovely inflorescences are very decorative, in winter it is grassy aerial part the plants die off. Different varieties plants have different heights - from 8 cm to 2 m. Astilba leaves are feathery, complexly dissected, green or brownish in color. There are varieties with white, pink and lilac flowers.
Astilba has many shades
Astilba bloom begins in early summer and lasts for about a month. During this period, the plant is most decorative. Astilbe with curly inflorescences - panicles - serve as an excellent decoration for park areas, gardens, squares and are often used to decorate territories in landscape design.
The culture is highly resistant to winter period: rhizomes withstand wintering at temperatures down to -37 ° C without the threat of freezing.
Important! When grown outdoors, Astilba prefers moist, nutritious soil and even watering from time to time. Subject to this condition, caring for a flower culture does not present any particular difficulties.
Areas of distribution of natural species of astilba
The plant is found naturally in Japan, America and East Asia. In Russia, the area of the plant is Far East, where there are 2 types of natural astilba varieties.
All modern cultivated varieties flower culture belong to the species - Astilba Arends. Medium and tall forms of the plant bloom with bright inflorescences of pink or white flowers with numerous transitions and shades.
Astilba in landscape design
Astilba hybrid cultivars are widely used in landscape design. During flowering, the bushes form airy curtains of pink or purple hues. Plants are characterized by compact size and abundant flowering... Planting hybrid astilba in groups with other species allows you to perfectly shade lawns and conifers during flowering. The combination of plants with different color tones enlivens the parkland areas.
An interesting type of astilba Thunberg, which has not typical for the species, drooping brushes of yellowish or pink flowers.
Early flowering astilbe of a wide range of colors of white and pink tone belong to the species "Japanese astilba". This type of astilba is highly decorative.
Astilba: planting and care
When planting plants great importance has the quality of planting material. In order for the plant survival rate to be one hundred percent, it is worth considering some of the requirements for the rhizomes intended for planting.
Landing astilba
Important! Astilba rhizomes should not have dead, rotten parts. Overdrying or excessive moisture of the planting material is not allowed during storage. Young shoots should not be elongated, curved or wrinkled.
Of course, specimens with elongated sprouts can also take root, but then the plant can lose its decorative effect and hurt for a long time.
Choosing a comfortable place for a flower
It should be remembered that astilba is a plant for partial shade, bright sunlight is destructive for it. Planting a flower culture in open, unprotected spaces from sunlight is undesirable.
In addition, flowers do not react well to areas with high level groundwater and stagnant water. This leads to the soaking and damping of the rhizomes. Cultivation of a crop in such areas will not do without a reliable drainage device. And if it is not possible to equip it, you need to choose a higher place for planting plants.
Planting astilba in open ground: determine the size of the holes
The depth of the planting pit is required to be provided individually for each plant, taking into account the size of the rhizome. The root system of the astilba should be freely placed in the planting pit, while deepening the bush or filling the growth point with soil is not allowed. A hydrogel can be added to the bottom of the pits, it will help maintain soil moisture; as well as bone meal, ash and mineral fertilizers - 1 matchbox each.
Astilba should be planted in a well-moistened soil.
It is allowed to mulch the surface of the earth with bark or peat chips, which will keep the soil evenly moist, and in the future, will protect the roots of the plant from drying out.
Plant care
Astilbe bushes grow by about 3-5 cm in height per year. Plant care measures are reduced to adding soil under the bare parts of the rhizome. Fertile soil is added in a layer of 2-3 cm.
Planting maintenance requires maintaining soil moisture. To do this, add a mulching layer (peat, bark, expanded clay or landscape crushed stone) on top planting soil... In winter, mulch on the surface of the soil helps to protect delicate rhizomes from freezing.
The combination and preservation of the soil in a wet state is the key to plant health and lush flowering.
Caring for astilbe is very simple
The decorativeness of the plant is supported by periodic pruning of dead stems. It is necessary to regularly remove faded inflorescences from the bushes, this is especially true when using astilba in landscape design when decorating territories.
Fertilization and feeding
The introduction of fertilizers under the bushes of astilba during planting has already been mentioned above.
For the full development of the plant, it is required to carry out regular feeding with complex fertilizers. Considering that astilba can grow in one place without transplanting and dividing rhizomes for more than 5 years, it is necessary to feed the plants from the beginning of spring nitrogen fertilizers... This helps new foliage regrow quickly on overwintered bushes.
Do not forget to feed Astilba with mineral fertilizers
During flowering, the crop must be fertilized with phosphorus, and by the end of flowering - potash fertilizers... This will help to increase the timing and splendor of flowering, and also stimulates the formation of full-fledged seeds.
Plant propagation
Seed propagation
To preserve the decorative and varietal characteristics of the plant, propagation of perennials by seeds is not accepted. Crops grown from seeds often do not correspond to the declared varietal characteristics:
- have a changed color;
- sparse flower tassels;
- low decorative effect;
- short flowering times.
For seed propagation, only high-quality seeds of varietal selection can be used.
Astilba seed sprouts
The seeds of the plant are sown on the surface of the moistened soil, without covering them up. For accelerated germination support high humidity(you can cover crops with glass or keep them in a greenhouse). Growing astilba seedlings is reduced to the timely watering of seedlings. At this time, it is especially dangerous to dry out young plants. They need to be protected from direct sunlight, providing a bright place without access to scorching rays.
Excellent results in increasing germination are achieved by performing preliminary seed stratification. This agronomic technique consists of placing the seeds in a cold place (+ 4 ° C to -4 ° C) for 3 weeks. Hardened seeds are sown in greenhouses and kept at a temperature of + 20 ° C. Young plants can be planted in a permanent place in the open field within 2-3 months after sowing. Seedlings obtained from stratified seeds are distinguished by excellent survival rate and fast growth.
Reproduction of astilba by dividing the bush
The vegetative method of reproduction of astilba (dividing the bush) is the most reliable and habitual for flower growers. The mother plant is dug up with care, taking care not to damage the delicate rhizome. With a sharp knife, the rhizome is divided into parts with 2-3 buds. The slices are sprinkled with crushed coal.
Dividing the astilba bush
Lay out in the prepared furrow planting material and moisten the earth. Excellent results when planting divisions are achieved with the use of root formation stimulants. Caring for young plants includes regular watering and loosening the soil.
Planting of astilbe cuttings can be carried out in early spring, already in March. With this method of propagation, the first flowering of young plants will begin in early autumn.
Division by the kidneys
Reproduction of a perennial is carried out in another way, which is considered the fastest - by dividing by buds. In the spring, with the beginning of the growing season of the plant, sharp knife detach renewal buds. Cuttings are planted in a greenhouse with wet soil mixed with coarse sand or gravel, after dusting the cut with ash. With this method of reproduction, a very high survival rate of young plants is noted. The only drawback is that getting a full-fledged plant takes almost a year.
Diseases and pests
Monitor the health of your plants. If pests appear, start fighting them right away.
Astilba attracts not only with its decorative effect, the plant is practically not damaged by pests and diseases. Rhizomes of some crops can occasionally be affected by rootworm nematodes. The pest does not respond to the use of drugs, therefore, the fight against the nematode is reduced to the destruction of diseased bushes. In this case, it is required to remove part of the soil that came into contact with the roots of the diseased plant. It is advisable not to plant the culture at this place for several years.
Another pest that can threaten a plant outdoors is a drooling penny. The affected plant feels depressed, the development of the leaf mass slows down. Preventive measures - collecting the pest from the leaves of the plant by hand.
Astilba: combination with other plants
Growing astilba in group plantings with other plants is quite justified. Decorative plant panicles look great near conifers with their monotonous greenery. Such a neighborhood for astilba is very preferable: conifers provide shrubs with protection from the sun.
Astilba combination different colors in landscape design
Astilbe bushes are in perfect harmony with late ones, irises, hosts, periwinkle. Single plantings of astilba on a green lawn in the shade are very decorative.
In landscape design, when planting in the shade, astilbe bushes fit perfectly. The plant is used for single and group plantings, creating complex landscape solutions for shady and semi-shady places. Caring for ornamental plants is absolutely no difficulty and consists in timely watering.
How to plant astilba correctly: video
Astilba: photo
- Choose a landing site
- Select pick up time
- Prepare the soil
V wildlife astilba grows under the canopy of foliage near water bodies, therefore, the best place for planting the plant is partial shade and moist soil.
Astilba thrives in the shade of trees and shrubs, however shading should not be strong.
It should be noted that at present, astilba varieties have appeared, allowing it to be planted in sunny areas, subject to abundant watering and thorough mulching of the soil in order to preserve moisture. At the same time, flowering is abundant, but short-lived.
For planting astilba, the end of March - early May or early autumn is suitable.
Astilbe grows well in moist and light soil.
A garden bed about a meter long must be dug to a depth of no more than 30 cm, after which two handfuls of bone meal and about 30 grams of complex fertilizers are added to the soil.
Removing the remnants of weed roots and adding peat, humus or compost to the soil is the final step in preparing the garden for planting.
Now that the soil is ready, you can go directly to planting the plant. Astilba planting rules vary depending on the material that is supposed to be used for planting.
The name Astilba means "very brilliant", derived from the Greek words "a" - very and "stilbe" - brilliant.
First, consider a method suitable for flower growers who take special pleasure in watching a luxurious bush grow from a small seed. The most favorable time for planting seedlings is mid-March - early April
Read about the bush.
Want to know more about the popular garden shrub Fortune's euonymus? To you .
Step-by-step instructions for planting astilba seeds
- To improve the germination of seeds, place them in a place with a temperature of -4 ° to + 4 °, and after twenty days, transfer them to a warm, bright room with a temperature above 18 °.
- Fill planting containers with a 3: 1 mixture of peat and sand.
- Given that astilba seeds are tiny, they must be mixed with sand before planting in the soil.
- Spread the seeds evenly and neatly over the soil surface.
- Using a spray bottle, water the seeds well.
- Do not allow the soil to dry out for 3-4 weeks.
- Seedlings should be opened after the appearance of the first leaf:
remove each seedling from the soil; pinch off the root one third of the length; - Plant the sprout in a separate container with well-moistened soil.
- In early June, plant the seedlings in the ground.
If you intend to plant a ready-made seedling obtained from an adult plant, it will come in handy for you next way landing of astilba.
Planting a split bush
It is advisable to mulch the soil around the bush after planting.
This method is very popular among fans of ornamental plants.
For planting, a part of an adult astilba bush with 1-3 buds and a root from 3 to 5 cm long is used.
Planting a plant in spring will allow you to observe the lush flowering of a new bush in the fall of the same year.
For planting a seedling, a one meter bed is allocated, in which holes are formed with a depth and width of about 20-30 cm, at a distance of about 25-35 cm from each other. A mixture of 25-30 grams is poured into each of them. mineral fertilizers and 1-2 handfuls of bone meal with ash. All this is mixed and filled with water. The place for planting astilba is ready. It remains only to cover the planted bush with a layer of mulch, consisting of needles, bark, foliage or sawdust.
This method of transplanting astilbe allows you to plant it even during the flowering period, subject to abundant and regular watering for two to three weeks.
Experienced gardeners use another method of planting a plant.
Planting cuttings with a "heel"
In early spring, a renewal bud is cut out from the bush, which is a bud of an overwintered plant, from which a shoot began to develop, along with a piece of root. This part of the rhizome is called the "heel".
Such cuttings are planted in greenhouses using a fertilizer mixture, formulated in the same way as when planting in the ground. This substrate is poured onto the soil in a layer 5-7 cm high.
To plant astilba on a garden bed, you will have to wait a whole year, but flowering will begin within a few months after planting.
Transfer
At the age of five, astilba needs a transplant, which is carried out in the spring or early fall.
A transplant can be carried out without digging up the plant completely: it is enough to separate part of it, cover the pruning site with ash and add fresh soil to the resulting hole, and transplant the resulting seedling to a new place. After such a division, astilbe will delight with its flowering next year.
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Care
In order for the planted plant to remain healthy as long as possible and please its lush bloom, you need to provide him with proper care. Caring for astilbe includes a number of actions, taking into account the characteristic features of the plant.
- Watering
- Top dressing
- Pruning
- Preparing for winter
Astilba roots grow upward, releasing young roots, as a result of which it is very important to prevent moisture loss in the upper soil layer.
On hot days, it is necessary to water the plant twice a day: in the morning and evening hours, accompanying watering with mulching of the soil, which will prevent the soil from drying out. Insufficient soil moisture threatens the death of young plants and is the reason for the appearance of withered, twisted leaves and crushing of inflorescences in adults. On the other hand, abundant watering in August-September promotes the elongation of the inflorescences.
To keep the lush and long flowering it is necessary to feed Astilba twice a year.
The first is carried out when young shoots appear in early spring. Complex fertilizers with a high nitrogen content are suitable.
The turn of the next top dressing comes in the fall, after the astilbe has faded. This time, preference is given to phosphorus and potassium compounds, mainly in liquid form, in order to avoid burns on the stem. After fertilizing, the soil needs loosening and mulching.
Pruning of astilba, during which the aerial part of the plant is cut at soil level, is done in late autumn.
After flowering, you can cut off all faded inflorescences, which will soon be replaced by new leaves.
Astilba will tolerate the most severe frosts well, if you remember that the plant roots growing upward come out onto the soil. Mulching will help save bare roots from freezing. In late autumn, you should cover the gaps between the bushes with needles or sawdust and cover the bush with two layers of spruce branches or bark.
Protection from pests and diseases
Slobbering penny
Astilba is quite resistant to diseases and pests.
But it happens that she suffers from a slobbering penny and a pair of nematodes: strawberry and gall.
Pennitsa affects foliage, as a result of which the leaves turn yellow and curl, and the plant begins to wilt.
Cicadas living in saliva-like formations suck out the leaf tissue. In addition, they are known as carriers of phytoplasmic and viral diseases. In the fight against them, karbofos, mospilan, aktara, rogor and confidor are used.
Affects foliage and strawberry nematode, the effect of which is the deformation of the leaves and brown and yellow spots on them. All this has a depressing effect on the plant, and its growth slows down.
Rootworm nematode damages the roots, living in the growths formed on them. Sick astilbe grow and bloom poorly, and die if severely damaged. It is possible to stop the spread of pests by destroying the infected plant or using the phytoverm preparation.
Photo of astilba
A selection of photos of this beautiful plant, some varieties are marked
Not all shade-loving plants have a luxurious bloom, like a bright spot against a background of dark green foliage. Astilba differs from its herbaceous shade-tolerant relatives by its lush panicle-shaped inflorescence. The dullness of the leaves gives a special look to the plant, allowing bright colors show yourself.
About the meaning of the name of astilba and a little history
Astilba got its name for nondescript matte leaves: "A" - without, negation; "Stilba" - shine, it turns out "without shine". Scottish botanist Lord Hamilton was the first to include the plant in the herbaceous classification, which now has about 40 species, including perennial and annual varieties.
In nature, it occurs along the banks of reservoirs, more often it grows in broadleaf forests, but can grow on the shady slopes of highlands. Homeland is considered to be East Asia, North America, Japanese islands where astilba was first discovered. Wet places made green color dull, inconspicuous, but the inflorescences conquer gardeners.
European gardens got acquainted with the plant thanks to travelers who were looking for interesting, unusual things in different countries... Karl Thunberg and von Siebold brought the flower from Japan along with other exclusive goods. End XVIII and early XIX century is marked by the development of park culture in Russia, rest and walks on fresh air become popular among the population. Having found its application in decorating shady gardens, the banks of ponds, small artificial reservoirs, Astilba has become popular among landscape designers and florists.
Description of astilba
How to grow astilbe in an Astilbe ‘Bressingham Beauty’ (x arendsii) photo
Astilba belongs to herbaceous perennials, top part which dies off for the winter, and the rhizome remains in the ground. Stripped for summer period the roots need to be covered with an additional layer of soil, and the harsh climatic conditions require additional cover with special industrial material or foliage.
Plant height ranges from 8 cm to 2 m, you can choose a representative for any flower bed or architectural structure. Miniature dwarf species barely reach 30 cm, their flexible stem forms the shape of an arc, for which they called the flower "drooping". There are known varieties with drooping inflorescences Tenberg, Lemoine. Despite the variety of colors, the choice remains on bright, saturated ones, which will look impressive on the shady side of the garden.
The leaf plate is not uniform, depending on the variety and place of growth. The hue can range from dark green in summer to brownish red in autumn. The leaf is planted on a long petiole, some varieties have a pinnate shape, others have a jagged edge. Most species are represented complex structure leaf, consisting of several pointed cordate leaves.
The underground part of the plant is distinguished by its heterogeneity: there are species with a loose soft root, and some are strong treelike. Many processes depart from the central rhizome, the lower ones die off, and new ones form on top. The plant increases root system upwards by 3-5 cm, so the roots are exposed in autumn.
Astilba in garden design Astilbe Japonica group ‘Europa’ photo mixborder
An original combination will be a landing with Astilbes and hosts, or Volzhanki. You will get a delicate composition with different types paniculate inflorescences. Just airy mood!
Types and varieties of astilba with photos and names
Thanks to the many years of work of breeders, several hundred hybrid varieties astilbe. There are varietal groups specially designed for warm or cold climatic zones. Some species get along well with spreading plants, others need space. Before choosing seeds, you need to focus on the weather conditions of the climatic zone, neighboring flower beds, the degree of watering.
No more than 12 species are popular; Arends, Chinese, Japanese, and common-leaved are suitable for growing in the garden. They do not require special conditions and are unpretentious in care.
Astilbe Arendsii
Created by crossing David's Astilba with others, it has about 40 varieties with a long flowering period. Its inflorescences appear in early July, and closes blooming season the end of August. In autumn, it perfectly sets off other flowering plants with dark green foliage. The bushes are powerful, reaching 1 m, with diamond-shaped or paniculate inflorescences. Famous varieties: Amethyst, Weiss Gloria, Ruby (up to 80 cm), Diamond (up to 1 m).
Chinese Astilbe Astilbe chinensis
Astilba Chinese cultivar Astilbe chinensis ‘Vision in Pink’ photo of flowers in the garden
It is a herbaceous bush of more than 1 m with a heterogeneous green mass. The lower leaves are wide on long petioles, after flowering they have a neat appearance, filling the flowerbed with a dark green lush mass. From above to the inflorescence, the leaves are short with a shiny texture. The stem ends with a 30-35 cm panicle of small, brightly colored flowers. Presented by varieties not only standard height(Purpulance, Pink, Red), but also undersized (Pumila hort, up to 15 cm).
Astilba Japanese hybrid Astilbe japonica hybrids
Astilba Japanese Astilbe 'Montgomery' (japonica hybrid) photo in the garden
A compact plant, the ornamental value of which is the green mass of green, shiny leaves. Inflorescence panicles begin to bloom by mid-June, which is several weeks earlier than other species. Excellent cold resistance made the species popular in the territory of a risky climate with an unstable temperature regime... Terry astilba Montgomery is famous among flower growers, its inflorescences can be bright burgundy or red. There are varieties of white - Deutschland, pink - Reyland, pale lilac - Europe.
Hybrid astilbe Astilbe simplicifolia
Astilbe leafy Astilbe Simplicifolia ‘Hennie Graafland’ photo of flowers in the garden
It is not at all suitable for dry and hot climates, therefore, in the steppe zone, where scorching sun, the plant will have no place. The visiting card of the species is the drooping varieties of Thunberg, Prikoks Alba, their inflorescences create a floating cobweb in a flower bed. Low growth, 25-50 cm, openwork panicles of inflorescences make the plant popular in border flower beds. Most often used as an accent on corners or central areas. This species can grow on the sunny side, but the tone of the leaves will be lighter, and the flowers are less intense.
Dwarf varieties can be grown in pots, they tolerate the home climate very well. Some blooming arrangements are perfect as a gift. Feels better outdoors, so it is advisable to take flowerpots with room astilba to the balcony or terrace of a private house in the summer.