Decorative astilbe is an ideal find for a picturesque summer cottage. She is unpretentious, not afraid of shade and sun, and does not require specific care. The history of cultivation and breeding of astilbe dates back to the 1800s. Since then, many new varieties and subspecies have been developed, and new ones are constantly appearing. They differ in size, appearance and living conditions, so you can decorate any area with astilbe.
General characteristics
Despite its rich history, astilbe has been underestimated for many years. This is an ordinary wild flower - not too bright or attractive. It was first described by Lord Hamilton in 1825. This is how the name appeared, which literally means “without shine.” But the inconspicuous appearance did not stop Hamilton from bringing several varieties to Europe.
At the end of the 19th century, the botanist Emile Lemoine saw the potential of astilbe. He received a number of new varieties and for a long time honed garden forms to perfection. Later, breeders and scientists from other countries joined him.
Georg Arends devoted more than half a century to astilbe. He bred 84 new species with different shapes and colors of inflorescences, bush size, leaf appearance and flowering period. This is how a full-fledged classification of a new garden crop began to emerge. The Lemoine and Arends varieties are loved by gardeners to this day.
Astilbe groups
Botanists classify astilbe according to different criteria. Gardeners around the world use a number of generally accepted definitions. Such categories are based on the appearance, size and shape of the flower, and not on its origin. After all, it is the characteristics of the plant that determine whether it can be used in a particular area.
Flowering period. Most astilbe varieties bloom in summer, and the period lasts 1–2 weeks. There are three groups: early, middle and late.
Height. There are four groups: Tall – from 90–100 cm; Medium – 60–90 cm; Low – 30–60 cm; Dwarf - up to 30 cm.
Inflorescence shape. This is the main decorative characteristic.
- Drooping. Inflorescences on a flexible long stem droop towards the ground. They look especially elegant and sophisticated.
- Pyramidal. Side branches with flowers diverge perpendicular to the central axis, becoming thinner and shorter. The inflorescence tapers from the base to the apex.
- Paniculata. As in pyramidal inflorescences, the lateral branches diverge perpendicular to the axial one, but in this case they also branch intensively.
- Rhombic. Branches with flowers extend at right angles and form something like a diamond.
Types of astilbe
According to botanists, there are more than 350 varieties of astilbe, and their number is constantly growing. However, only about 10 varieties are most often used.
A low bush of small diameter, 12x15 cm. Pink flowers bloom in June-July. The leaves are cast bronze.
It differs from most types of astilbe in having undivided leaves of a simple configuration. The plate is green and shiny, with a rough edge. White flowers are densely collected in pyramidal drooping inflorescences. Other colors are less common. Flowering period is July-August.
A perennial fruiting plant with complex openwork leaves of several feathers. Height - up to 100 cm. Leaf blade - shiny, with veins, covered with red hairs along the edges. The largest are the basal leaves on long petioles, the stem leaves are smaller and shorter. Small lilac, pink or white flowers bloom in long dense inflorescences about 30 cm long. Flowering period - late June - early August. Chinese astilbe has been known since 1859. There are several subspecies.
Known since 1904, it originates from Korea and Northeast China. This is a relatively low herbaceous plant up to 60 cm. Wrinkled leaves are light in color, with brown fibers. The inflorescences are relatively short, up to 25 cm, but elastic and dense, slightly drooping. Flowers are creamy white. Flowering period – July.
One of the first representatives of the family of Japanese hybrids, known since 1837. A herbaceous perennial plant in the form of a wide spreading bush. Height - up to 80 cm. Dark feathery leaves with a glossy plate grow on reddish petioles. Small pink or white flowers are collected in dense rhombic inflorescences up to 30 cm. Flowering period is July.
It has been known since 1902, and its homeland is Mongolia and Northern China. This is a tall, fruitful perennial plant up to 150 cm. The leaves are light, with brownish veins, complex, pinnate and wrinkled. Lilac and pink flowers bloom in narrow pyramidal inflorescences up to 40 cm long. Flowering period is July-August.
A specific subspecies common in the East Asian regions of Russia and Japan. Grows in deciduous and mixed leaves. This variety has been known since 1878. The height of the bush reaches 80 cm. Its peculiarity is its brown woody rhizome. The oval leaves are compound and pinnate, oval in shape with serrated edges. White flowers are collected in racemose branched inflorescences of apical type 25x10 cm. Flowering period is July-August. There are several subspecies of this variety.
Astilbe in the garden is suitable for shady areas and requires constant moisture. In nature, it grows in shady deciduous forests or near ponds, which affects its lifestyle.
Astilbe is planted alone or in groups, in the ground or in containers. It fits gracefully into a mixborder or border. Dwarf varieties will brightly decorate a decorative alpine hill. Most species feel best near bodies of water. With a lack of moisture, the leaves wither and the inflorescences become smaller.
The growth rate depends on moisture and heat. High varieties are planted at a distance of about 50 cm, low ones - up to 30 cm. First you need to prepare the soil: dig it, remove weeds, add fertilizers and mineral additives. Areas with high groundwater are ideal.
Sparse shade ensures regular and intense flowering. The sun is best tolerated by varieties with light and white flowers. Their period is shorter, but much more eventful.
The bush lives for about 5 years. After this it needs to be replanted.
Transplantation and propagation
Astilbe is an excellent background for flower beds. It gets along well with other foliage plants and spring-flowering varieties, such as tulips, hyacinths and saxifrage. It harmonizes well with daylilies, irises, bells, tall grasses, geraniums and other species. Different varieties also complement each other. For example, a holistic composition can be created from low-growing forms for the foreground and tall bushes for the background.
When planting, holes up to 30 cm are dug into which fertilizers, flour and humus are poured. The mixture is filled with water. Mulching the soil is necessary to retain moisture and protect against overheating.
Gardeners use two methods of propagation:
Buds renewal. The fastest option. In the spring, carefully cut off the shoots with a fragment of the rhizome. Sprinkle the cuttings with ash and plant them in a mixture of peat and gravel under a film. Astilbe will be ready for transplanting into the ground in about a year.
Dividing the bush. The simplest and most successful option. Dig up a bush, cut off the leaves and divide it into sections with 3-5 buds. Remove dead rhizomes and plant cuttings at a distance from each other. Water them daily, and then when planted in early spring, the astilbe will bloom by autumn.
Propagation by seeds used only by breeders. It is difficult, time-consuming, requires high-quality seeds and special care. First, stratification is carried out to accelerate growth. Then the seeds are planted in moist soil, but are not embedded in the ground. In spring, the leaves can be transplanted into beds.
Pest and disease control
Astilbe grows beautiful and healthy in almost any soil. The presence of potassium and phosphorus and their proportions are important. Peat and compost are used to fertilize dry soil, complex additives are used for wet soil, and phosphorus-potassium acids are used after flowering.
Astilbe hardly gets sick, and insects do not like it. The most common problems:
Pennitsa. These are small cicadas that lay eggs on leaves or young shoots. Because of the pennies, plants grow slower and inflorescences do not develop. It can also be a carrier of various diseases. She is not afraid of most chemicals, so you will have to get rid of the pest manually.
Khrushchi and slugs. The easiest and fastest way is to get rid of them manually.
Another problem with astilbe, like other moisture lovers, is root rot. This occurs due to an excess of water or insufficient oxygen in the soil. For prevention, before flowering, plants are treated with special antiseptics and Bordeaux mixture.
Astilbe - photo
We have collected the best photographs of astilbe so that you can compare and understand what the flower looks like and where to place or plant it. Watch and be inspired!
Astilbe is valued by both professional gardeners and amateurs for its unpretentiousness, as well as lush and long-lasting flowering. A spreading flower looks impressive, even if it is not blooming - beautiful green leaves of an attractive shape can decorate any garden plot. In this article we will look at how to properly grow astilbe in open ground, planting features, care and photos of different varieties of this bush.
Morphological features and characteristics of the flower
Astilbe looks quite original and presentable, and when flowering it simply transforms the entire garden area. This is decorative bush with dissected leaves bright green in color, located on branches of a reddish tint.
Gardeners prefer astilbe not only because of its lush flowering, but also because, unlike many other plants, it can be in constant shade when planting, creating magnificent colorful flowering. But strong darkening is contraindicated even for this plant. It is best to plant in partial shade.
Astilbe can withstand severe frosts, it is almost not susceptible to diseases, and even many harmful insects fly around it. This is the best option for a beginning gardener.
Astilbe is a perennial flower, its homeland is Asia and Japan. There are more than 300 species in total, each of them has its own size, shape, color and splendor of flowering. The growth of this plant can be in the range of 15-250 cm. The flowers are in panicles 15260 cm long; after flowering, “boxes” appear on them, containing small seeds. Almost all types of astilbe begin flowering in June.
The above-ground part of this plant dies off in winter, and the root system waits out the frosts and begins to grow in the spring. Every year, buds form on top of the roots, giving a constant growth of about 4 cm, and the lower part dies off over time. To ensure comfortable development of the formed buds, after dying, soil is poured onto the exposed root.
As mentioned above, breeders really liked the lush astilbe, so much so that they created more than 300 of its species. We will not describe the advantages of each, but will consider only the most common and beautiful ones.
Astilbe Arends
This is a whole family of astilbes, which is represented by 50 hybrids that appeared as a result of selection of the giant astilbe David. They are distinguished by developed trunks up to 160 cm high. They have a cone-shaped or spherical shape with lush vegetation. The flowers come in completely different shades from pure white to bright purple.
Hybrid bushes differ in both size and long flowering time - more than a month. The most attractive plant species were created by G. Arends, which is why the class of hybrids was named after this scientist. For example, astilbe Gloria is a perennial plant up to 90 cm long during flowering. This bush overwinters easily and can be grown in almost any soil except sandy soil. It is characterized by fluffy pink diamond-shaped inflorescences, a delicate sweet aroma and lacy foliage. Gloria is water-loving, therefore it is best to plant it on the shore of a lake or artificial pond. Other hybrids:
- Lilliput is a small plant up to 30 cm long. Dense pinkish inflorescences begin to bloom at the end of July. Lilliput is perfect for equipping an alpine hill or a small garden flower garden.
- Jump & Jive is a bush up to half a meter long, blooming at the end of June. Produces large, branched, pinkish inflorescences that contrast beautifully with the green foliage.
- Boogie Woogie is also a hybrid species that grows 60-75 cm. In July it will delight you with contrasting pink diamond-shaped flowers, giving the bush a lush shape.
Chinese astilbe
This plant can be up to 120 cm long, it has large leaves near the roots and smaller ones near the inflorescences. Starts flowering quite tightly clustered inflorescences up to 30 cm in size with small purple flowers.
There are also low-growing varieties of Chinese astilbe up to 30 cm long and species with pyramidal flowers. This variety of bushes feels more confident when grown in unshaded areas and in partial shade.
Japanese astilbe
This is not a very tall bush, like the one described above (up to 75 cm) and is characterized by small, densely located leaves with a pronounced pattern. Pink and white flowers bloom much earlier than other varieties, and even after drying, the inflorescences practically do not lose their shape and decorate the flowerbed until the end of autumn.
Japanese astilbe is a hybrid that bred by Arendson in 1838. Since that time, several more species have been cultivated, characterized by frost resistance and excellent survival rate in any region.
Simple leaf astilbe
This hybrid does not tolerate dry climates very well and requires periodic abundant watering. The plant can be up to half a meter long and forms thinned inflorescences.
Methods for propagating astilbe
Growing astilbe in a summer cottage is not a burdensome task. The plant propagates by seed and vegetative methods. During the latter, division of the plant and propagation by buds is possible. And if this method is suitable for beginners, then the seed method allows you to breed new plant varieties.
Propagation using seeds
The seeds are located in boxes that replace beautiful flowers. They must be sown in March, having previously been subjected to stratification. Why are the seeds placed in a container with sand and peat in a 1:1 ratio and placed on top? snow layer 1 cm("snow" from the freezer is suitable).
The snow thaws over time, moistening the soil, enriching it with useful elements and immersing seeds into the soil. When the snow has completely melted, cover the container with film and place it down in the refrigerator for 3 weeks. During this period, the first shoots will form, they will be hardened and will survive the next wintering well.
After 3 weeks, the sprouts of the bush are transferred to a bright room with a temperature of +22C. You need to water the plants very carefully, using a syringe without a needle and directing the water only to the root.
When the seedlings get a little stronger and a few leaves appear, transplant them into small pots.
Attention: varietal astilbes will not be able to reproduce using seeds, since hybrids cannot retain their characteristic characteristics. Bushes grown by this method are used only in breeding.
Reproduction by plant division
As a rule, astilbe is propagated by dividing the plant. This is a fairly simple and effective option.
Dividing the plant:
- Carefully remove the soil near the plant with a diameter of 17-25 cm and remove the earthen ball with the root system.
- Remove excess soil to clear the roots.
- Cut the root into pieces with a knife, and each piece must have at least 3 buds.
- Plant the bushes at a distance of 25 and organize sufficient watering every day.
If you divide the plant at the end of February, then by autumn the bush will delight you with its flowers.
Reproduction using buds
This reproduction is the fastest. It should be carried out in the spring, when the shoots grow. Carefully cut off the buds with roots and cover the cut on the branch with coal, so that harmful organisms will not get inside.
Plant the cuttings in a peat and gravel mixture in a 3:1 ratio and cover with film. Before transplanting the bush into open ground, it must get stronger and begin its development. You can plant a bush on the site only in the fall.
Landing
Planting this plant in open ground and caring for it will not require much skill or expense. The most important thing is to choose the optimal location and organize the necessary conditions. Plants should be planted at the end of May on the north side of the site in partial shade.
If there is a pond in your garden area, then plant astilbe near it. It is advisable to select fertile loamy soil. Acidity is necessary in the range of 5.4-6.4 pH. If there are hostas next to the astilbe, their leaves will not allow the bush to overheat in the summer.
When choosing a place to plant a plant, you need to take into account the flowering time of different species. Thus, astilbe, which blooms in July, prefers dark places, while other species feel equally good in the shade and in the sun.
By and large, any soil is suitable for astilbe, but if you want to get lush and long-lasting flowering, then you need to choose an area where groundwater is close to the surface. You also need to take care of the presence of phosphorus and potassium in the soil. When digging holes for propagation, add complex fertilizers at 35 g/sq. m and 2 ounces of bone meal. If you plant astilbe in a flowerbed, then make a depression of 35 cm and add the above additives mixed with humus.
Stages of planting astilbe:
- Dig up the area and remove all weeds.
- Fertilize the soil.
- If necessary, liming with dolomite flour.
- Make 35 cm indentations with a distance of 40 cm.
- Add fertilizer and water them.
- Plant the sprouts and sprinkle them so that the thickness of the soil above the buds is at least 5 cm.
- Compact the soil and mulch with compost.
Care
The peculiarity of this plant is that the roots grow upward, and do not tend downward, like other bushes. In this case, the lower processes die over time. And if you don’t provide normal nutrition to the new roots, the plant will die. Therefore, every year you need to sprinkle the bare roots with soil and not let them dry out.
The main requirement during care is constant watering. Regular mulching of the soil will protect the roots from the sun and also provide an opportunity to control appearance of weeds.
Do not forget that the frequency and amount of watering will depend on the type of astilbe, so study the characteristics of the selected variety, watch a training video and photo on planting this plant. During the formation of flowers, all species require increased watering, and if the summer is hot, then it should be done twice a day. You need to feed the bush in the spring, adding nitrogen fertilizers. After fertilizing, the soil needs to be mulched.
Pests
Since the homeland of astilbe is far beyond the borders of our country, it has no enemies here, but still it is liked by some insects. There are quite a few of them, but they can still cause significant damage to the plant.
The main pest is the pennitsa. This is a small flying insect that secretes a mica-like foamy solution and lays its larvae in it. As a result, due to the certain chemical composition of these secretions and the presence of larvae, the leaves of the plant curl and covered with various spots. From which the bush partially withers or completely dies. Special chemicals such as Rogor, Aktara, Confidor or Karbofos will help get rid of this pest.
Two more pests are strawberry and root-knot nematodes. The first settles in the leaves and flowers, as a result the leaves curl and become covered with spots, the bush slows down its growth, begins to wither and dies.
To summarize, we can say that due to the variety of species, astilbe looks great as a single plant, flower beds and borders. This bush goes well with various flower and herbal crops, such as daylilies, hostas, lilies and heucheras. Due to their ease of care, these spreading bushes will truly decorate any garden area.
Beautiful astilbe on a summer cottage
The herbaceous perennial astilbe is highly valued by experienced flower growers and beginning hobbyists for its lush flowering. And its name, which arose from the merger of two words “a” and “stilbe”, is a clear confirmation of this, translated from Greek meaning the expression “very brilliant”. Spreading bushes look unusually impressive even after flowering - dissected green leaves remain attractive throughout the entire garden season. When planning to plant this unusual perennial, it is important to know how to properly plant and care for astilbe. Knowing the subtleties and nuances in caring for this unpretentious crop, you can create beautiful plant compositions.
Astilbe naturally grows in deciduous forests of North America and East Asia, which are characterized by a humid climate.
Astilbe is a favorite of shady gardens, decorated with spectacular inflorescences collected from a variety of openwork flowers of purple, lilac, pink and snow-white shades
The plant has erect, thin stems, the height of which, depending on the species, can reach one and a half meters or more.
The woody rhizome of the plant annually forms new buds, from which stems grow in the spring, and die off with the onset of cold weather. The annual growth of the rhizome itself is about 5 cm. In the fall, each time the roots that have developed over the summer and are exposed are sprinkled with fertile soil.
The stems of the perennial are decorated with elegant pinnate, dissected or long-petioled leaves of dark green color. And the picture is completed by apical inflorescences of a pyramidal, paniculate or diamond-shaped form, delighting with flowering during the season for 25-40 days. After flowering, the flowers collected in panicles form fruit-boxes filled with small seeds.
Astilbe has been used in landscape design since the beginning of the 20th century. Thanks to the variety of shapes and rich color palette of inflorescences, designers use it to bring the most daring ideas to life.
Astilbe bushes look appropriate against the background of picturesque alpine hills or group plantings of conifers with their rich green needle-like foliage
Landscaping with astilbe is often included when designing artificial reservoirs, planting the perennial as a frame for the source. Bells can be a worthy addition to a picturesque corner.
It also looks harmonious in flower arrangements. A successful neighborhood can be achieved by planting shade-loving ferns and ferns next to astilbe. Dwarf varieties of this beautifully flowering perennial are a real decoration for a small shady flower garden. In the spring, while the leaves on the astilbe have not yet blossomed, the empty space around it in the flower garden can be filled with miniature crocuses and snowdrops.
Plants with large, dense leaves help balance the openwork foliage of a perennial: hosta, rogersia, bergenia, mantle, kupena, lilies of the valley, hellebore
One of the reasons for the popularity of astilbe is its ability to live in the shade of trees. Feeling comfortable even in shady conditions, it never ceases to delight with colorful flowering. When cut, exquisite astilbe inflorescences are used in bouquets and to create floral arrangements.
Popular varieties of astilbe
In ornamental gardening, there are about two hundred varieties of astilbe, created on the basis of a dozen species. The most popular hybrid groups are: Japanese astilbe, Arendsa, simple-leaved and Chinese.
Japonica Hybrida
Hybrids of Japanese astilbe have a height of 40-80 cm. The stems are decorated with foliage with a pronounced ornament, the color of which ranges from soft green to reddish-brown. Dense diamond-shaped inflorescences are colored in shades of crimson, red and white.
The most famous varieties: “Montgomery” with burgundy inflorescences, “Rheinland” with pink-salmon panicles, “Deutschland” with white airy inflorescences
The dense inflorescences of plants in this group bloom much earlier than other varieties. Even after drying, they remain decorative, decorating the flower garden until the onset of winter.
Arendsii Hybrida
The species is named after its creator, breeder G. Arends, and is represented by 40 varieties. The height of medium-sized crops reaches 0.6-1 m. The stems are decorated with dark green foliage with a burgundy edging, spherical or cone-shaped, and spectacular inflorescences in cream, yellow and pink shades.
Stilbe simplicifolia
Simple-leaved astilbe does not tolerate arid climates. It is distinguished by pale green undivided leaves with a glossy surface and unusual pyramidal inflorescences resembling drooping panicles.
The most beautiful varieties of this group: “Bronze Elegans” with soft bronze inflorescences, “Straussenfeder” with bright coral flowers, “Praecox Alba” with lush white “candles”
Astilbe Chinensis
Chinese astilbe has a powerful rhizome, which, as it grows, displaces neighboring plants. The perennial stems, whose height does not exceed 110 cm, are decorated with lacy foliage framed by thin golden hairs and dense inflorescences of white, lilac and pink flowers.
The most beautiful varieties are considered: “Vision in Red” with bronze-green foliage and lilac-red flowers, “Vision in Pink” with blue-green foliage and light pink panicles, “Purpurlanze” with purple flowers on reddish stems
To decorate suburban areas, it is better to choose medium-sized varieties of crops. They are more resistant to adverse climatic conditions.
Numerous cultural varieties are conventionally divided into:
- Dwarf - up to 30 cm high.
- Low-growing - up to 60 cm.
- Medium height - up to 90 cm.
- Tall - up to one and a half meters.
Different varieties of this perennial also differ in terms of flowering time: early ones delight with flowering already in early June, medium-sized hybrids create bright accents in the middle of summer, and late-flowering ones decorate the garden with colorful “torches” towards the end of the season.
Methods for propagating perennials
A shrub can grow in one place for up to five years, after which it must be rejuvenated. The perennial is propagated both in early spring and late autumn, using the vegetative or seed method.
Method #1 - vegetative
This method involves dividing the rhizome into 2-3 parts, each of which contains a faded stem with a dormant bud. When propagated vegetatively, astilbe can be planted at any time. The main thing is to provide a sufficient amount of moisture in the first days after transplantation.
The bushes also take root well during the flowering period, provided that the same humidity regime is observed.
With the vegetative method, the lignified rhizome is dug out of the ground, washed in water and cut into several sections using pruning shears or a shovel.
The rhizome should be divided in such a way that in each cut plot there are 2-3 replacement buds at the base, from which young shoots will then emerge.
The size of the plot is not significant; a section of rhizome 3-5 cm long will be sufficient. They are planted at a distance of 30 cm from each other. The very next season, the planted plots are actively growing and sprouting lush panicles.
Method #2 - seed
This method is quite labor-intensive, but it allows you to produce new growth. Collect seeds from plants in early September, carefully cutting off the inflorescences and capsules. They are laid out on paper and left in a warm place for two weeks. To get the smallest peas, just shake the dried panicles. The collected seeds are placed in a bag and left until spring.
When growing astilbe from seeds, planting material is sown in February - March in containers filled with a mixture of peat and sand, taken in a 3:1 ratio.
Astilbe seeds are very small and they germinate rather slowly, so it is advisable to stratify them first
The seeds are scattered over the surface of moistened soil and covered with glass or plastic film. At this stage, it is important to maintain moisture conditions, not allowing the soil to dry out. Some gardeners recommend using “snow” from the freezer for this, which will gradually moisten the soil as it melts.
The first shoots appear after 3-4 weeks, but only towards the end of the season do they form small rosettes of leaves. Tender seedlings should be watered very carefully, directing thin streams of water to the very roots.
If the young bushes in the greenhouse do not crowd each other, they can not be disturbed until next spring. Bushes grown from seeds will delight you with flowering in the third year of planting.
Rules for planting astilbe
This crop grows best in loose and slightly acidic soils. You can reduce the acidity to the required level within 5.5-6.5 pH by adding wood ash or dolomite flour during digging.
Astilbe prefers shaded areas located a short distance from the spreading crowns of trees. The best option is a sparse shadow.
When choosing a location, you should focus on the flowering time. Early and late varieties can be placed both in open areas and in partial shade. It is better to plant medium-blooming ones in shaded corners, since the scorching July sun significantly shortens their flowering time.
Astilbes are moisture-loving by nature. Most varieties feel comfortable on marshy soils, calmly tolerating stagnant water.
The planting hole is half filled with humus, which is thoroughly mixed with the soil. It would also be useful to apply organic fertilizers, taking them at the rate of 2 buckets of manure per 1 sq.m. fertilizers The enriched soil is watered. After waiting until it is completely absorbed, the plant is planted and sprinkled with soil so that the thickness of the layer above the replacement buds is about 4 cm. The soil around the stem is compacted and, to prevent the formation of air niches in the soil, it is watered again.
To minimize the care of this beautifully flowering crop, it is enough to follow a number of simple recommendations:
- During the growing season, feed with complex fertilizers. You can provide the root layer of soil with the required volume of nitrogen, potassium and phosphorus when digging in the spring, adding at the rate of 30g/sq.m. In mid-July, they are fed with potassium nitrate (2 tablespoons per 10 liters of water) and the last feeding after flowering is completed - with superphosphate, distributing it 20 g per bush.
- Carry out timely watering. The moisture-loving plant does not tolerate long-term drought. On hot summer days it needs to be watered up to twice a day. The crop especially needs increased watering during the period of inflorescence formation. It is better to water astilbe early in the morning and after sunset.
- Mulch the soil. Mulching the planting area with tree bark or shavings will help maintain soil looseness and reduce moisture loss. Mulch will prevent the soil from overheating in the summer and the roots from freezing in the winter months.
- Rejuvenate the bush every five years. The ability of the plant’s rhizome to quickly increase mass requires periodic rejuvenation of the bush. At the end of each season, bare rhizomes must be sprinkled with fresh soil. Otherwise, the young shoots protruded by old roots become bare and dry out, which, in turn, negatively affects the quality and duration of flowering.
- Pest control. Nematodes and slobbering pennies are the main pests of the plant. They infect the leaves and rhizomes of the plant, causing it to wilt and die. You can get rid of a nematode only by completely destroying the affected specimen. It's a little easier with pennies. You can try to destroy its larvae mechanically, without injuring the roots and stems, or by using garden chemicals: confidor, aktar, karbofos.
- After flowering, trim the flower stalks. But some gardeners, on the contrary, leave dried flower stalks uncut so that they decorate the spring garden for as long as possible.
- Cover the plant for the winter. In winters with little snow, the majority of varieties of this beautifully flowering crop freeze slightly. To prevent this, before the onset of cold weather, the stems are cut to ground level, the bare roots are mulched with peat and covered with spruce branches.
In the future, the stronger plant will fight weeds on its own - its powerful roots cope with this task perfectly.
This moisture-loving beauty needs to be weeded only at the beginning of its growth at the stage of growing rhizomes and green mass.
Finally, we suggest watching an interesting video about autumn pruning of astilbe:
Astilbe, Astilbe. Perennial rhizomatous herbaceous plants with the above-ground part dying off in the winter.
The stems are erect, height depending on the type - from 8 to 200 cm. Numerous basal leaves on long petioles, double or triple pinnate, less often simple, dark green or reddish green, jagged. Small flowers, white, pink, lilac, red or purple, are collected in apical panicle inflorescences. The inflorescences can be pyramidal, rhombic, paniculate, but drooping ones are especially graceful. They bloom in June-August depending on the variety.
Etymology
The name comes from Greek words a — "very" and stilbe — “shine” and given to the plant because of its shiny leaves.
Types and varieties of astilbe
The genus includes more than 30 plant species common in the Far East and North America. The natural habitats of representatives of the genus are deciduous forests and the banks of streams, where moisture is retained in the summer. There are about 10 species in cultivation and many hybrid varieties.
Astilbe Arendsii
The most popular group of garden hybrids. Perennial plants up to 100 cm tall, with a powerful, woody branched rhizome and cord-like roots. The bush can have different shapes depending on the variety: spreading, pyramidal or spherical, up to 70 cm in diameter. The leaves are compound, double or triple pinnate, dark green, shiny. The flowers are small, of various colors, white, pink, red or lilac, collected in graceful panicles. Blooms in July-August for 30-40 days.
Classification of astilbe
In total, about 200 varieties of astilbe are known, which are divided into 12 groups, depending on their origin.
Group I - plants 80-100 cm high with purple-lilac inflorescence;
Group II - astilboides hybrids (Astilboides Hybrida), the group is composed of old varieties;
Group III - hybrids of Chinese astilbe (Astilbe chinensis), all representatives are short;
Group IV - hybrids of curly astilbe (Astilbe crispa), these are miniature plants with strongly dissected leaves;
Group V - astilbe hybrids (Astilbe x hybrida), not included in other groups;
Group VI - Japanese hybrids (Japonica Hybrida) - low compact plants (30-40, up to 50 cm in height), early flowering;
Group VII - Lemoine Hybrida hybrids, these are old varieties, for example, white ‘Montblanc’;
Group VIII - pink hybrids (Rosea Hybrida);
Group IX - simple-leaved hybrids (Astilbe simplicifolia) - with drooping inflorescence;
Group X - astilbe Take (Astilbe taquetii);
Group XI - Thunberg astilbe (Thunbergii Hybrida) - about 100 cm high, the inflorescence is loose, branched;
Group XII - hybrids of naked astilbe (Astilbe glaberrima Hybrida) - heat-loving astilbes.
Arends astilbe varieties:
"Amethyst’ — Group I, plant up to 80 cm tall, light lilac inflorescences;
"White Gloria" - Group I, plant up to 80 cm tall, white inflorescences;
"Hyacinth" - Group I, plant 80-90 cm tall, light lilac inflorescences;
"Rubin" - Group I, plant up to 80 cm tall, lilac inflorescences;
"Erica" - Group I, plant 85-90 cm high, light pink inflorescence;
"Final’ — Group III, plants up to 60 cm high, raspberry-red inflorescences;
"Serenade" - Group III, plant up to 40 cm high, pink inflorescences;
‘Vision in red" - Group III, plants 30 cm high, dense purple inflorescences;
‘Perkeo’ - IV group, plants 20 cm high, dark pink inflorescences;
‘America’ - Group V, plants up to 70 cm high, light purple inflorescences;
‘Germany’ - VI group, plants 50 cm tall, white inflorescences;
"Geitoe de Neige" - VII group, plant up to 95 cm tall, creamy white inflorescences;
‘Peach Blossom' And ' Queen Alexandra’ - 2 varieties, representatives of group VIII;
"Dunkelachs’ - IX group, plant 40 cm high, dark pink inflorescences;
"Superba" - X group, plant 100 cm high, pink inflorescences;
‘Prof. Van der Wielen" — Group XI, plant 90 cm high, white inflorescences;
"Hennie Graffland" - XII group, plant 40 cm high, pink inflorescence.
Popular varieties of astilbe
Chinese astilbe (Astilbe chinensis)
Chinese astilbe differs from traditional garden varieties in that, due to its rhizomes, it grows to the sides, occupying the surrounding space. It displaces weeds and can be recommended for low-maintenance gardens.
Perennial plant up to 100 cm tall. The leaves are complex, openwork, shiny, covered with small reddish hairs on both sides along the veins and edges. The flowers are small, lilac, less often pink or white, in very spectacular dense inflorescences 30-35 cm long. Blooms from mid-June to early August.
Astilbe thunbergii
Perennial short-rhizome plant. The bushes are dense, very decorative, up to 80 cm tall. The leaves are ornamental, dark green, covered with brown hairs. White flowers are collected in wide pyramidal inflorescences up to 25 cm long, with slightly drooping lateral branches. Blooms in July-August.
Astilbe Thunberg is perhaps the most graceful of the species. Its delicate white inflorescences combine perfectly with white-edged hostas, lungwort, ferns, tiarella, and sweet woodruff.
Astilbe care
Some hybrid varieties are suitable for growing in open areas, although the optimal location for astilbe is partial shade, since the flowering period is shortened in full light. Astilbes tolerate stagnant moisture in the spring, but do not grow well in dry, poor soils. For planting, choose fertile, moisture-rich soils and water them regularly during the hot season. It is useful to mulch the soil around plants with dry compost or peat or wood chips. This protects the rhizome from overheating. Astilbes are practically not damaged by diseases and pests. It is recommended to replant and divide astilbes every 4-5 years in the spring, before the start of the growing season.
Astilbe propagation
Plants are propagated by dividing the bush. On each bush, one bud and part of the rhizome “with a heel” are left. Immediately after dividing, the astilbe bushes are planted or dredged up so that the roots do not dry out. It is necessary to plant at such a depth that there is a layer of soil 3-5 cm thick above the regeneration bud. After planting, the soil around the plants is covered with a layer of peat or humus 2-3 cm thick. This retains moisture in the soil and limits the development of weeds. In the first year after transplantation, for better rooting, the plants are not allowed to bloom. Plants transplanted in the spring reach the height and size of the inflorescence characteristic of the variety the very next year.