Planting astilbe in open ground: rules of care and cultivation. Unpretentious perennial astilbe grows well in open ground

If there is an unfilled area in your garden, it doesn’t matter whether it’s a flowerbed, a place on alpine slide or under a tree, or maybe just an empty container, plant astilbe there and you won’t regret it at all. Now we'll tell you why.

This is what astilbe looks like in the garden. Astilbe flower - description and varieties of plant Astilbe came to Russia from East Asia or Japan and adapted to our climate so much that it learned to tolerate severe frosts in winter and high temperatures in summer. The only thing this plant could not refuse was the presence of moisture in the same amount as in its natural habitat (shady forest or stream bank). Astilbe is a herbaceous perennial that forms a powerful, beautiful, sometimes multi-colored clump that dies off in the winter and grows again in the spring from its rhizomes. The height of the plant varies - from 15 cm to 2 m. The basal leaves have a beautiful carved shape and are red-green or dark green. The inflorescences are located on a high stem, have a fluffy texture and various shapes: rhombus, panicle, pyramid or downward, drooping branches. Diamond inflorescence Inflorescence panicle Inflorescence pyramid Flowering in all varieties of astilbe lasts approximately 1 month, but at different times: early bloomers bloom in June, medium flowering - in July, late - in August. Previously, these flowers were only white, pink-lilac or purple. Nowadays there is such a variety of colors and shades in the assortment that it is simply impossible not to be interested in astilbe and it is definitely worth growing it in open ground, especially since it’s easy and pleasant to do. The ease and pleasantness lies in the fact that the plant reproduces well, rarely gets sick and is almost not affected by pests. Where is the best place to plant astilbe? When choosing a place to plant astilbe, you need to consider three factors: The plant can live in one place for up to 15 – 20 years. It is growing quickly. In sunny places the flowering period is shorter. In regions with a cool climate and frequent rains, astilbe can be planted in open areas and alpine hills. In hot places, astilbe plantings should be given partial shade. This is especially important for medium-flowering specimens, since their flowering period coincides with the highest temperatures. Astilbe that blooms in June–July and August–September can be planted in the sun, since peak temperatures will not affect the duration of flowering of these species. But in this case you will have to pay Special attention I water it. Astiba plantings along the edge of an artificial reservoir look extremely beautiful! In addition, plants will really like the proximity of water. In any place it is necessary to prepare fertile light soil and provide sufficient watering and mulching. Planting time depends on the chosen propagation method. How to grow astilbe at home Breeding astilbe is completely simple. It reproduces best vegetatively: dividing an adult bush into parts, renewal buds. Growing astilbe from seeds is also possible, but it has one nuance that should be discussed separately. The problem is that specimens grown from collected seeds do not retain the qualities of the mother plants. Experience shows that the following changes are possible: difference in color, most often pale pink, loss of decorativeness (pomp) of the brush, shortening the flowering period. There is no need to completely abandon this method of growing astilbe, but for this you need to use only selection seed material. Growing astilbe from seeds Sowing seeds You can sow seeds either as seedlings or directly into the ground, the main thing to remember is that the seed material needs stratification. If you choose the method of sowing in the ground, it is better to do it in the fall. To do this, fence the prepared area with boards or flexible borders, distribute the seeds over the surface of the soil, lightly sprinkle with earth and cover with covering material. Over the winter, the process of stratification will take place, and the seeds will sprout vigorously. In apartment conditions, it will take 3 weeks to stratify the seeds. At this time, the seeds mixed with peat or sand and moistened are placed in the refrigerator at a temperature no higher than +4 - +6 degrees. Then, in early - mid-March, they are sown in containers for germination in warmth and light. Shoots appear in 2 – 3 weeks. Seedling care When 2–3 true leaves appear, the seedlings need to be picked into separate cups. Caring for astilbe at this time is very simple - timely watering and protection from direct sunlight. Planting seedlings in the ground Usually 2–3 months pass between sowing astilbe and planting it in open ground. The best time for planting is the onset of stable warm temperatures. The plant is not capricious, takes root well and grows quickly. Flowering occurs in the 2nd – 3rd year of life. Planting astilbe in the ground with rhizomes Most often, astilbe is grown from rhizomes. Moreover, their sale begins long before the start of the planting season and ends quickly, since the plant is very popular. How to store rhizomes purchased in advance? If the rhizome is still dormant, you can store it in the refrigerator and plant it in open ground as soon as possible. If a sprout has already appeared, then you need to place it in a container with soil and place it in a bright but cool place. Sometimes such specimens still form peduncles in containers. You can leave them, since astilbe is a strong plant and can tolerate both replanting and flowering at the same time. Awakened astilbe rhizome Before planting, rhizomes purchased or stored in winter must be thoroughly inspected and dry or damaged parts removed. If the rhizome was very dry, then you need to wrap it in a napkin soaked in epin for 6 hours. The planting hole is prepared taking into account the size of the rhizome, that is, for each individual: the main thing is that the roots are distributed evenly, the depth is sufficient, and the growing point is above the ground. The soil should be fertile and light. One handful of bone meal and ash, 25 - 30 g, is poured into the bottom of the pit. mineral fertilizers, humus, mix everything, add water. After this, the rhizome is placed there, buried and mulched with a layer of peat at least 3–5 cm thick. Planting rhizomes in the ground The distance between plants depends on their variety and purpose of planting. For example, when creating a border from tall astilbes, a distance of 50 cm is maintained, but in any case, it should not be less than 30 cm. How to care for astilbe in spring and summer As mentioned above, the leaves and stems of astilbe die off in the winter and grow back in the spring. In order for the plant to quickly gain green mass, it is necessary to feed it in the spring with mineral fertilizers with a high nitrogen content. During flowering, astilbe needs phosphorus fertilizing so that the brushes are lush and bloom for as long as possible. And closer to autumn, it’s time to apply potassium fertilizers to help the rhizomes prepare for winter. The main care for astilbe during the warm period is regular watering, since the plant does not tolerate a lack of moisture. On particularly hot days, it is advisable to water even 2 times a day - in the morning and in the evening. Periodic mulching will not only help retain moisture, but also protect against weeds, and also create a warm shelter for the rhizomes before winter. Before mulching, the soil must be loosened, then spread a layer of mulch and loosened again. It is better to repeat this procedure three times per season. Mulching with pebbles Mulching with wood chips Astilbe has one peculiarity - it seems to rise from the ground due to vertical growth. Because of this, young roots and buds are too close to the surface and can overheat or dry out. In this situation it is necessary adding fertile soil. In the spring, you also need to check the plantings and add bedding where it is required. Astilbe transplant. In open ground, astilbes multiply very quickly and they have to be periodically divided and replanted. Some varieties require this procedure every 3 to 4 years, but most require it every five years. If the transplant is scheduled for spring, then you need to wait for stable warmth and the possibility of providing frequent watering. At any other time, even during the flowering period, transplants are successful, the main thing is to ensure abundant watering within two weeks thereafter. Late-flowering astilbes, transplanted in March, bloom at their appointed time - in August - early September. So you can confidently undertake the transplant and be confident of success! 3 ways to propagate astilbe There are three methods of propagating astilbe: Seeds By dividing the rhizome Kidney renewal 1 way. Propagation by seeds As we have already discussed, not the most The best way. Collected seeds They are not suitable for sowing, as they do not retain maternal qualities. Good breeding planting material can only be purchased from the most reliable suppliers. The process of growing astilbe from seeds is long and labor-intensive, because the seeds require stratification, seedlings require diving and care at home, as well as increased watering after planting in open ground, etc. In addition, the plant blooms only in the third year. But the higher the reward! Propagation by seeds. Method 2. Dividing the bush This is a favorite method among gardeners, as it always gives good results. The best time for this is early spring, but provided there is sufficient moisture and warmth. You can divide astilbe even during flowering. Purchasing cuttings with flowering clusters allows you to see all the features of the future bush and determine its flowering period. The survival rate of such plants is good if provided proper care(abundant watering, loosening, mulching). The division procedure is as follows: The mother bush is carefully dug out. The rhizome is cut into pieces 3–5 cm long with 2–3 buds. The sections are sprinkled with wood ash and dried. Planting holes or furrows are prepared, fertile soil and fertilizers are added, and everything is watered. The divisions are placed at a distance of at least 30 cm from each other (depending on the variety, up to 50 cm) They are buried so that the growth buds are above the surface. Mulch with a layer of 3–5 cm. Further care for astilbe consists of abundant watering, application of fertilizers according to periods of plant development, mulching and loosening. Astilbes obtained by dividing the bush in the spring can bloom in the fall. Dividing the bush. 3 way. Kidney renewal This is how astilbe is propagated in early spring when the first shoots appear. To do this, you do not need to dig up the rhizome, but you just need to separate the bud and root with a sharp knife. From one mother bush You can take several kidneys, but no more than a third. The cut site must be treated with ash and the astilbe planted for rooting in a greenhouse. The soil should be light, fertile, with a film cover on top. Here the young plants will remain until autumn or next spring. As a rule, rooting proceeds without complications. You can plant it in open ground in autumn or early spring and soon you can expect the young bush to bloom. Reproduction by renewal buds Astilbe in garden design Astilbe is indispensable in garden design. It is always decorative: in the spring the first tender carved leaves unfurl, in summer the inflorescences open and the wind shakes the soft fluffy panicles, in autumn the inflorescences are replaced by no less beautiful boxes with seeds, after flowering ends, the curtain works for itself and becomes simply luxurious. However, in order for it to always look well-groomed, you need to remove dead stems in a timely manner. Pruning astilbe in early spring There are many options for using astilbe in landscaping. This flower is especially beautiful, since this is its native environment, and it has the opportunity to unfold in all its charm. Tall astilbes can be used to make and divide the area into zones. They are beautiful both in single plantings and in group plantings. Best compositions come out with the same beautiful plants, preferring partial shade, such as bergenia, hosta, heuchera, fern, etc. In regions with a cool climate, it is good to plant astilbe in a flower bed along with tulips, bells, irises, etc. Here our flower will feel great on an alpine hill, surrounded by saxifrages and tenacious plants. Low-growing astilbes are planted in containers along with geraniums and petunia and used in street flowerpots, planted next to garden figurines and make borders out of them. Astilbe border Flowering period different varieties astilbe lasts from June to September, so you can safely create for a long time blooming flower bed only from the collection of these beautiful plants and from them to collect a bouquet of dried flowers for the winter. Diseases and pests Astilbe is one of the few plants that almost never gets sick. Most pests are indifferent to it. But there are still some that attack this flower, for example, pennitsa. It is also called the slobbering pennitsa, since the insect finds a secluded place in the axils of astilbe leaves, secretes foamy contents and lays larvae there. Soon the leaves begin to wrinkle, turn yellow and dry out. If measures are not taken, the plant may wither. Slobbery pennies. It is easy to spot the pennix, as its nest looks like foaming juice or a clot of saliva. If such lesions are isolated, then it is better to destroy the nests manually. If the situation gets out of control, then you need to use insecticides: kinmiks, actellik, akarin, etc. Occasionally, but still, astilbe is damaged by the strawberry nematode. You can try to compete for the plant by carrying out 2 - 3 sprayings with an interval of 3 - 5 days mercaptophos, heterophos, phosphamtide. Signs of nematode damage But most often such plants are disposed of. Preparing for winter Astilbes tolerate our harsh winters well. Preparation for wintering involves applying potassium fertilizers and mulching the soil around the plant. It is better not to trim the leaves. They will create additional shelter for the rhizomes. You don’t even have to remove the flower stalks if they look decorative. In winter, this will be an additional decoration for your garden and a reminder that spring will certainly come. And with spring comes concerns about filling your site with interesting, beautiful and easy-to-care plants. Astilbe is exactly such a flower. Invite her into your garden and you will never regret it! Continuation of the topic:

Astilbe is an excellent ornamental plant for shady garden or edges.

Astilbe is beautiful thanks not only to its flowering, but also to its unusual carved leaves, the expressiveness of which is enhanced by sunlight through the treetops.

Near a decorative pond, astilbe will be able to show all its decorativeness.

It has more than a dozen species, from the smallest, 15 cm tall, to the giant, up to 2 m. They go well with ferns and irises, due to the clear contrast of the leaves. By planting different ones, you can admire the beauty of their blooms from late June to September.

Planting site and soil for growing astilbe

Astilbe can be planted in any area, but partial shade is preferable, on sunny place she will need frequent watering and mulching to retain soil moisture. Open area, lack of watering and rain will adversely affect the development of astilbe. What if there is no partial shade on the site? But there are always fences under which you can plant astilbe. Even a wire fence can provide shade (let bindweed run over it).

If for many ornamental plants Fertile soil is required, then this is not necessary here. Heavy loams are the most fertile soil for growing astilbe; flowering will be late, but very lush. Stagnant water will also have a good effect on the development of astilbe. Before planting astilbe, dig up the soil to a depth of at least 20 cm and remove plant debris.

Astilbe is planted at a distance of 30-50 cm from each other, depending on the height of the variety.

How to propagate astilbe

You can propagate in three ways:

• seeds
• dividing the bush
• kidneys.

The seed propagation method is mainly used by experienced breeders, as this often leads to the development of new plant varieties, often not similar to the characteristics of the mother plant.

Seeds from inflorescences are collected at the end of the season, in September, if the seeds have ripened by this time.

In a month, seedlings will appear (germination rate is low), which can be transplanted into open ground only after a year, since their growth is very slow and the rosette is formed only at the end of the year. Flowering begins in the 3rd year after planting.

Dividing a bush is the most convenient way Astilbe propagation.

Carefully dig up the plant, shake off the soil and divide the bush using sharp knife or shovels so that the new plant has a root 3-5 cm long, adventitious roots and 1-3 buds. Plant at a depth so that the buds are buried 4-5 cm into the ground.

Next, complex fertilizer is applied to each bush, watered and mulched with peat. When planted in a new permanent location, water thoroughly for 2-3 weeks until it takes root. The distance between young divisions is 30-50 cm. Expect flowering by autumn.

Propagation of astilbe by buds takes a little longer:

• In the spring, a new bud with a rhizome is cut out, and there is no need to dig up the mother bush, just rake away a little soil. Don't cut out too many buds at once.
• They are planted for rooting in a greenhouse in a soil mixture of peat and sand, sprinkled in a layer of 5-7 cm on ordinary soil. Water regularly. Plant in open ground next spring.
• This same year the plant will delight you with its flowering.
• In the second year, feed every 10 days with liquid organic or mineral fertilizers.
• Cover young plants for the winter.

Astilbe care

Avoid drought and direct sunlight on the plant, this is detrimental to it. Otherwise, caring for astilbe is very simple. Occasionally loosen, remove weeds and faded inflorescences. Mulch with peat, rotted compost, bark or dry leaves immediately after planting, since the formation of new buds occurs in the upper part of the plant, Bottom part is gradually losing vitality. A layer of mulch is 5 cm.

Feed astilbe in spring nitrogen fertilizers, in the fall with potassium and phosphorus for lush flowering next year.

Wet soil is fertilized in spring with complex fertilizer and urea (10 g of urea, 20 g of fertilizer per bucket of water). When the astilbe fades, fertilize with phosphorus-potassium fertilizer and mulch with humus.

Astilbe is replanted, regardless of the growing season, once every five to six years. This has a rejuvenating effect on plants. As a last resort, hill up the plant to deepen the adventitious roots; this will have a supporting effect and will not allow the roots, which are closer to the soil surface every year, to dry out.

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 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 – departs at an acute angle from the main axis a large number of branched branches that gradually 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 it doesn’t matter 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 of mineral fertilizers and humus are also poured, everything is mixed and watered. 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.

Fertilizing is carried out in early spring with nitrogen fertilizers, and after flowering or in the fall, potassium and phosphorus are added at a rate of 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 flower garden

As mentioned earlier, before planting, ash, bone meal and fertilizer are poured into each hole, watered with water 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 the characteristics of the mother plant only partially or not at all. Seedlings grown from varietal seeds, are used for selection.

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. No more than 1/3 of the buds can be separated from one mother plant without causing harm to 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 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 – beautiful 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 bright colors to the interior 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 plants are best suited for this purpose. low-growing varieties. 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.

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. Covers astilbe bushes 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 proximity 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:

1. The first step is to dig a hole 30 cm deep.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. Then the fertilizer is mixed with the soil.
5. Then pour water into the hole.
6. 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.
7. 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 cultivation

The main methods of caring for flowers include:

• weeding;
• loosening;
• watering;
• mulching.

Watering

Astilbe needs constant watering. It is recommended to ensure that the top layer of soil is 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 loves it very much 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 complete, autumn period, several buds are formed 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 on new site, keeping a gap of 35-40 cm between the bushes. The cut areas on the roots are treated with crushed charcoal.

Kidney renewal

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. Then you should wait for the shoot to take root, which occurs within 3 weeks.
4. Young and strong bushes are transplanted to a permanent place in 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.
• 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 become wrinkled and spotted yellow tint. 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 tolerates harsh winters well, but suffers from spring frosts and getting wet. The plant is suitable for cultivation in regions with unfavorable climatic conditions, including in the Urals, in Siberia.

Important! 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:

1. In autumn the bush should be pruned.
2. Then install a light frame over it.
3. Fill the inside of the frame with leaves.
4. Lutrasil or spunbond is tightened on top.
5. 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 fit perfectly into landscape design when designing plantings in the shade. The plant is also used for single or group plantings, creating difficult decisions 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