Perennial flowers astilba planting and care in the open field

This perennial culture grows beautifully and adorns a shady garden with its unusual flowers. Within the framework of this article, we will figure out how to plant and care for astilbe in the open field. Observing the simple rules of agricultural technology, you can achieve an excellent 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 the herbaceous aboveground part of the plant dies off. Different plant varieties have different heights - from 8 cm to 2 m. Astilbe 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 characterized by high resistance in winter: the 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 the Far East, where there are 2 types of astilba natural varieties.

All modern cultivated varieties of 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 tones belong to the species "Japanese Astilba". This type of astilba is highly decorative.

Astilba: planting and care

When planting plants, the quality of the planting material is of great importance. 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 respond well to areas with high groundwater levels 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 the open field: 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.

The surface of the earth can be mulched 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 of the planting soil. In winter, mulch on the surface of the soil helps to protect delicate rhizomes from freezing.

The combination of uniform watering and keeping the soil moist 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 with nitrogen fertilizers from the beginning of spring. This helps new foliage grow 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 - with 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, high humidity is maintained (you can cover the crops with glass or keep them in a greenhouse). Growing astilbe 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 agricultural technique consists of placing the seeds in a cold place (+ 4 ° C to - 4 ° C) for 3 weeks. The 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 familiar 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 astilbe bush

Planting material is laid out in the prepared furrow and the soil is moistened. Excellent results when planting cuttings 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, the buds of renewal are separated with a sharp knife. Cuttings are planted in a greenhouse with moist 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. In the event of pests, immediately start fighting them.

Astilba attracts not only with its decorative effect, the plant is practically not damaged by pests and diseases. Rhizomes of some crops may occasionally be affected by rootworm nematodes. The pest does not respond to the use of drugs, so 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 a crop 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 is very preferable for astilba: conifers provide shrubs with protection from the sun.

The combination of astilba of different colors in landscape design

Astilbe bushes are in perfect harmony with late tulips, 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

If you want the beautiful Astilba to settle in your dacha, planting and care in the open field will not be particularly difficult, since it is rather unpretentious, but very decorative. This perennial blooms in lush color and feels good even in constant shade.

Astilba comfortably tolerates cold Russian winters (down to -37 ° C), practically does not get sick, and garden pests are not particularly interested in her. For its originality, lush beauty, everyone loves it, professional, novice gardeners, just amateurs.

Astilba - description, appearance and features

Astilba blooms most actively for about a month, starting from the first days of summer, the flowering process itself continues until August. Not only flowers are decorative, but also long-stemmed dark green leaves of astilba growing on erect stems. The color scheme of lush panicles is rich in a variety of shades: white, cream, pink, lilac, red. The delicate aroma of astilba is somewhat reminiscent of the scent of bird cherry.

The homeland of the flower is Japan and Asia, the number of varieties reaches 200 varieties, there are dwarf ("Lilliput"), tall varieties of astilbe (Arens hybrids). Compliance with simple agrotechnical rules, even for a novice gardener, allows you to grow a lush, eye-catching plant - which is why this culture is so loved by many. For ideal growth and development, astilbe needs a shadow, but not too strong. The so-called "lace" shadow from the crown of trees is what you need.

Photo of Astilba:

Astilba will make any corner of the garden cozy

With the onset of cold weather, the aerial part of the astilba dies off, and the overwintered root gives new shoots with the onset of spring. A remarkable feature of astilba is that its rhizomes grow from above. Thus, buds are tied on the upper part of the root system, which are exposed, therefore, they require an annual top-up of soil. Each year, their size increases, forming new roots, while the lower part gradually dies off. Panicle flowers reach from 10 to 50 cm in length, when the flowering period ends, in their place are boxes with seeds inside.

For comfortable cultivation, it is preferable to give your choice to tall varieties - those that grow up to 50-80 cm. They are more resilient, tolerate climatic changes and temperature changes well.

As mentioned above, there are many different types of this plant, but most summer residents liked the Japanese astilba. This variety is also called Astilba Montgomery, a hybrid bred by German breeder Georg Arends in 1837.

Arends's hybrids are the brightest, most beautiful, unpretentious, they grow well on any soil, are resistant to cold, bloom for a long time (about 40 days). In addition to Montgomery, Gloria, Deutschland, Europe, Rheinland are popular among gardeners.

Japanese Astilba grows up to 80 cm high, has ornamental leaves, its flowers bloom early. After the flowers have faded, they do not lose their decorative qualities, do not spoil the overall picture of the garden with their appearance, and are often used to compose dry bouquets.

↑ back to contents ↑ Where to plant astilba

The most important requirement when planting an astilbe is to choose a comfortable place for it, preferably in the northern part of the site.The best time to start planting is early May / early June. Choose shady places or an area near the pool, reservoir (if you have one), keep in mind that only some varieties of astilbe prefer sunny areas. As mentioned above, this plant can grow on almost any soil, but it especially loves loams, fertile soil, soil saturated with potassium-phosphorus additives.

If the soil is acidic, it is recommended to add some wood ash before planting to lower the pH level, and dolomite flour can also be used for this purpose.

When planting, be sure to take into account the proximity of plants, for example, hostas growing nearby will not only harmonize with the leaves or flowers of astilba, but will protect it from overheating in hot summer. You also need to pay attention to the variety, the timing of its flowering. Early, late varieties will feel equally comfortable in a sunny, shaded place. For varieties that bloom in the midst of summer, only shaded areas need to be selected. The high occurrence of groundwater, as well as periodic stagnation of water in the area, is extremely undesirable for astilba. To prevent the root system from getting wet, you will need to arrange drainage or plant plants on a hill.

Make sure that the planting material (astilba roots) does not have rotten or dead fragments. The roots should not be too wet or too dry.

Please see the video selection of Astilba's photos.

↑ back to content ↑ Astilba - care and landing

The place on the site should be prepared before planting: dig up, uproot the roots of shrubs, remove weeds, fertilize the ground with manure or add peat additionally (about 2 buckets per 1 square meter). The pits for astilba bushes should be about 30 cm deep. Deep into them, it is recommended to add a little ash (a handful), mineral dressing, and then generously add water. Proceed to planting. Make sure that at least 5 cm of soil is poured over the roots of the plant, which should be carefully compacted, and then covered with a layer of mulch (also 5 cm). Peat or humus is suitable for mulching.

Astilba - photo of flowers in a flower bed:

The main decoration of this flower bed is astilba

Astilba can be propagated by seed or vegetative method, in the second case, fragments of rhizomes or buds are used. After the plant fades, seeds ripen in capsules, they are sown in early March, but before that they are "hardened" with cold. To do this, take a suitable container, pour a mixture of peat with sand (equal proportions), scatter seeds on top, lay a 2 cm layer of snow on top of them (you can use snow from the freezer).

The snow will melt naturally, burying the seeds inside the soil. After the snow melts, cover the container with glass or plastic wrap and then refrigerate for 3 weeks. For these purposes, the lower compartment, where vegetables are usually stored, is perfect. During this period, already hardened seedlings will germinate, which over time will turn into strong plants that are not afraid of cold and frost.

After the sprouts appear, move the container to a lighted place where the air temperature is at least + 20 ° C. Watering the seedlings should be extremely careful, for this it is better to use a syringe to direct the stream of water to the root. After the appearance of the first 3 full-fledged leaves, small astilbe can be seated in individual pots. It should be borne in mind that varietal crops are not propagated by seeds - hybrids do not retain their individual characteristics.

Rhizome division is the easiest, most effective way of reproduction. To do this, a full-fledged plant should be dug out, removed from the soil along with the roots, with an earthen lump. Then gently shake off the ground, expose the root system, take a knife, divide the root into fragments, and each piece should have at least 4 buds.After that, you need to plant the roots at a distance of 25-30 cm from each other, water it daily (not too abundantly).

Astilba - growing and care, photo:

Different varieties of astilba are in perfect harmony with each other.

Reproduction by buds gives the fastest results. It is best to select seed in the spring, when new shoot growth is activated. The buds are carefully cut off together with a piece of rhizome, the place of the cut is sprinkled with ash or a pill of activated carbon crushed with a mortar. After that, take a container, fill it with a mixture of peat and gravel (for 3 parts of peat, 1 part of gravel), after which the kidneys are buried there, covered with glass or foil. When the plant germinates, gets stronger, it can be planted on the site using the method described above.

Astilba is aesthetic, undemanding, planting and care in the open field is not difficult, the main thing is to remember about the unusual feature of its root system, to ensure that the roots are covered with earth. Provide astilbe with regular watering (according to the variety). Mulching is desirable. Both overheating and waterlogging are equally harmful to all plants, and the mulch layer will help keep the roots healthy. Remove weeds, water more often during the formation of flowers, apply fertilizing according to the season: in the spring - nitrogen, in the middle of summer - potash, in the end of summer - phosphorus. Astilba should be transplanted every 8-10 years. With a competent approach to business, this plant will transform your summer cottage, give positive emotions, bright colors of summer.

↑ back to content ↑ Astilba, photo of flowers

Astilba is appreciated by both professional gardeners and amateurs for its unpretentiousness, as well as lush and long flowering. The spreading flower looks impressive, even if it does not bloom - beautiful green leaves of an attractive shape can decorate any garden plot. In this article, we will consider how to properly grow astilba in the open field, planting features, care and photos of different varieties of this bush.

Morphological features and characteristics of the flower

Astilba looks quite original and presentable, and when it blooms, it simply transforms the entire backyard territory. It is decorative bush with split leaves bright green, located on the branches of a reddish hue.

Gardeners prefer astilba not only because of its lush bloom, but also because, unlike many other plants, it can be in constant shade when planting, creating a magnificent colorful bloom. But strong darkening is contraindicated even for this plant. Landing in partial shade is best.

Astilba can withstand severe frosts, it is almost not exposed to diseases, and even many harmful insects fly around it. This is the best option for a novice grower.

Astilba is a perennial flower native to Asia and Japan. In total, there are more than 300 species, 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... Flowers are in panicles 15260 cm long, after flowering "boxes" appear on them, in which there are small seeds. Almost all Astilba species begin to bloom in June.

The ground part of this plant dies off in winter, and the root system waits out frosts and begins to grow in spring. Annually, buds form on top of the roots, giving a constant growth of about 4 cm, and the lower part dies off after a while. To ensure a comfortable development of the formed buds, after dying off, soil is poured onto the exposed root.

Varieties of astilba

As mentioned above, the breeders really liked the lush astilbe, so they created more than 300 of its species. We will not describe the benefits of each, but consider only the most common and beautiful ones.

Recommendation: when choosing an astilba, we advise you to purchase a pitchfork whose height is within 55-75 cm... These large bushes are better able to withstand negative climatic conditions and frost.

Astilba Arends

This is a whole family of astilbe, which is represented by 50 hybrids, which appeared as a result of the selection of David's giant astilbe. They are distinguished by developed trunks up to 160 cm high. They have a conical or spherical shape with lush vegetation. Flowers come in completely different shades from pure white to bright purple.

Hybrid bushes differ both in size and in a long flowering time - more than a month. The most attractive plant species were created by G. Arends, therefore the class of hybrids was named after this scientist. For example, Astilba Gloria is a perennial plant up to 90 cm long during flowering. This bush winters easily and can be grown on almost any soil except sandy. It is characterized by fluffy pink inflorescences in the form of a diamond, delicate sweet aroma and delicate foliage. Gloria is water-loving, therefore, it is best to plant it on the coast of a lake or an artificial pond. Other hybrids:

• Lilliput is a small plant up to 30 cm long. Dense pinkish inflorescences begin to bloom in late July. Lilliputian is perfect for equipping an alpine slide or a small backyard flower garden.
• Jump & Jive is a shrub up to half a meter long, blooming at the end of June. Produces large, branched, pinkish buds that contrast beautifully with 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 that give the bush a lush shape.

Chinese astilbe

This plant can be up to 120 cm long, with large leaves near the roots and smaller ones near the inflorescences. Begins to bloom quite tightly knit inflorescences up to 30 cm with small purple flowers.

There are also low-growing varieties of Chinese astilba 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 astilba

This is not a relatively tall bush, like the one described above (up to 75 cm) and is characterized by small dense leaves with a pronounced pattern. Flowers of pink and white color bloom much earlier than other varieties, while even after drying, the inflorescences practically do not lose their shape and decorate the flowerbed until the end of autumn.

Japanese astilba is a hybrids that brought Arendson in 1838... Since that time, several more species have been cultivated, characterized by frost resistance and excellent survival in any region.

Common Astilbe

This hybrid very poorly perceives a dry climate and requires periodic abundant watering. The plant can be up to half a meter long and forms thinned inflorescences.

Astilba breeding methods

Growing astilba in a summer cottage is an easy task. The plant propagates by seed and vegetative method. During the latter, separation of the plant and reproduction by buds is possible. And if this method is suitable for beginners, then the seed method allows you to breed new varieties of plants.

Propagation using seeds

The seeds are arranged in capsules replacing beautiful flowers. It is necessary to sow them in March, having subjected them to stratification before. For which the seeds are placed in a container with sand and peat in a 1: 1 ratio, put on top snow layer 1 cm ("snow" from the freezer comes up).

Snow thaws over time, moisturizing the earth, enriching it with useful elements and immersing seeds in the soil. When the snow has completely melted, cover the container with foil and set it down the refrigerator for 3 weeks. During this period, the first shoots are formed, they will be hardened and will perfectly tolerate the next wintering.

After 3 weeks, the sprouts of the bush are transferred to a bright room with a temperature of + 22C.Water the plants very carefully, using a syringe without a needle and directing the water only at the root.

When the seedlings get stronger and a few leaves appear, transplant them into small pots.

Attention: varietal Astilbe will not be able to propagate with the help of seeds, as hybrids cannot retain their characteristic features. Bushes grown by this method are used only in breeding.

Reproduction by dividing the plant

As a rule, astilba is propagated by dividing the plant. This is a fairly simple and effective option.

Dividing the plant:

• Gently remove the soil around the plant with a diameter of 17-25 cm and take out the earthen ball with the root system.
• Remove excess soil to clear the roots.
• Cut the root into parts with a knife, and each part must have at least 3 buds.
• Plant shrubs 25 apart and get enough water every day.

If you divide the plant at the end of February, then by autumn the bush will already delight you with its flowers.

Reproduction with the help of the kidneys

This reproduction is the fastest. It should be carried out in the spring, when shoots grow. Carefully cut off the buds from the root and cover the cut on the branch with charcoal, so no harmful organisms get inside.

Plant the cuttings in a 3: 1 peat and gravel mixture and cover with foil. Before transplanting a bush into open ground, it must get stronger and begin its development. A bush can be planted on the site only in the fall.

Landing

Planting this plant in open ground and care will not require great skills and costs. The most important thing is to find the optimal location and organize the necessary conditions. Plants need to be planted at the end of May on the north side of the site in partial shade.

If there is a pond on the backyard, then plant an astilba near it. It is advisable to select the soil fertile loamy. Acidity is essential in the range of 5.4-6.4 pH... If there are hosts next to astilba, then their leaves will not allow the bush to overheat in summer.

When choosing a place for planting a plant, you need to take into account the flowering time of different species. Thus, astilba, which blooms in July, loves darkened places more, while other species feel equally well in the shade and in the sun.

By and large, any soil is suitable for astilbe, but if you need to get a lush and long flowering, then you need to choose an area in which groundwater is near the surface. You also need to take care of the presence of phosphorus and potassium in the soil. Digging holes for breeding, add complex fertilizers at 35 g / sq. m and 2 pieces of bone meal. If you plant astilba in a flower bed, then make a depression 35 cm and put the additives listed above mixed in a mixture with humus.

Stages of landing astilba:

• Dig up the area and remove all the weeds.
• Fertilize the soil.
• If necessary, do the liming with dolomite flour.
• Make indentations 35 cm apart with a distance of 40 cm.
• Add fertilizer and water it.
• Plant the shoots and sprinkle so that the thickness of the soil above the buds is at least 5 cm.
• Compact the soil and compost the mulch.

Care

A feature 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 do not organize normal nutrition for the new roots, the plant will die. Therefore, every year you need to sprinkle bare roots with soil and prevent them from drying out.

The main requirement during care is constant watering. Regular mulching of the soil will protect the roots from the sun, as well as provide an opportunity to control the appearance of weeds.

Do not forget that the frequency and amount of watering will depend on the type of astilbe, therefore, study the characteristics of the selected variety, watch the training video and photos on planting this plant. During the formation of flowers, all species require increased watering, and if the summer is hot, then it must be done twice a day.You need to feed the bush from spring by 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 some insects like it. There are quite a few of them, but still they can bring significant damage to the plant.

The main pest is the penny. 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 dies completely. Special chemistry will help get rid of this pest - rogor, aktara, confidor or karbofos.

Two more pests are strawberry and rootworm nematodes. The first is populated 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.

Gall nematode settles on the roots, provoking the appearance of growths in which the larvae reproduce. The presence of this parasite can be clearly seen only the next year after infection, when the bush grows poorly, practically does not give flowers. Infected roots must be immediately removed, and the rest should be sprayed with phytoverm.

Summing up, we can say that due to the variety of species, astilbe looks great as a single plant, flower beds and curbs... This bush perfectly coexists with various flower and herbal crops, for example, daylilies, hosts, lilies and heucheras. Due to their ease of care, these branchy bushes will truly adorn any backyard area.

Beautiful astilba at their summer cottage

I love astilba! Such a variety of species, colors and varieties of inflorescences can rarely be found in perennials. It can grow in one place for a long time. Attractive inflorescences remain on its bushes for a long time. The unpretentiousness of the plant allows even the most novice florist to grow it. Astilba is appropriate both in the dacha flower bed and in the front flower garden. For those who did not grow it on their site, we will tell you more about it - how the plant looks like, what species and varieties exist, how to choose and plant, how to care.

Description of the flower

Astilbe (Astilbe) is a herbaceous perennial belonging to the genus saxifrage. There are up to 40 species in the world. This name was given to the plant by the Scottish botanist Hamilton - "A" means without, "stilbe" - shine - leaves without shine, matte, dull. Astilbe is considered the homeland of East Asia, North America, Japan. There the perennial grows in moist deciduous forests, along the streams. The Europeans were introduced to this plant by Karl-Thunberg and von Siebold. These hunters for unusual plants brought astilba home in the 18th and early 19th centuries. From that time on, she became a favorite of shady gardens.

Astilba is a rhizome, herbaceous perennial. The herbaceous part that has grown over the summer dies off in the fall. Erect shoots can grow from 8 cm to 2 m - depending on the species and variety. Serrated simple or feathery leaves sit on long petioles. The color of the leaf plate is from reddish green to dark green. The woody rhizome can be loose or dense, depending on the species. On the upper part, new shoots grow in spring, and the lower part dies off. Under a layer of snow, the plant tolerates frosts down to -37 ° C.

Small white, pink, lilac, purple or red flowers bloom on openwork apical panicles of various sizes. The peak of flowering occurs in mid-summer and lasts about a month. Small seeds ripen in a seed box - 1 g contains up to 20,000 seeds.

Astilba flowers, depending on the species, are collected in inflorescences of various shapes. They can be paniculate, rhombic, pyramidal, or drooping.

Astilba with paniculate inflorescences.Its numerous ramifications with many ramifications depart from the main axis at an acute angle and shorten towards the apex.

Astilba with pyramidal inflorescences - lateral branches extend from the main axis almost at right angles and evenly shorten from the base to the top, the inflorescence contour looks like a regular pyramid.

Astilba with rhombic inflorescences. Departing from the main stem at an acute angle form a rhombus. Such inflorescences are characteristic of Japanese astilba.

Astilba with drooping inflorescences in the form of arcs, gracefully hanging from the main axis. Such inflorescences are more common in Astilba Thunberg and Lemoine.

The decorativeness of the variety depends on the density of the arrangement and the size of the flowers. Inflorescences with several shades, such as "Peach and Cream", "Montgomery", "White Wings", look especially original.

Varieties with photos

Today, no more than 12 types of astilbe are used in garden design, from which many hybrids have been derived. The most famous of them are Arendsii Hybrida, Japanese hybrids (Japonica Hybrida), Chinese Astilbe Chinensis, and Astilbe simplicifolia.

Astilba arensa

Astilba arensa

There are about 40 varieties bred by crossing David's Astilba with other species. Most of them are tall (up to 1m) plants, spreading pyramidal or spherical. White, pink, red or lilac flowers bloom above the dark green leaves. Flowering lasts more than a month from July to mid-August.

Japanese astilba

Montgomery variety

It usually does not grow taller than 80 cm. Compact bushes have shiny leaves, panicle inflorescences of pink or white color. This variety of astilbe begins to bloom earlier than anyone else, dried flowers retain their attractiveness until the end of the season. New varieties are unpretentious to growing conditions, resistant to low temperatures.

Cultivated varieties: Deutschland - white panicles, pink Rhineland, soft lilac and elegant Europe, Montgomery with bright red or burgundy fluffy panicles.

Chinese astilba

Vision in pink

It is a herbaceous shrub about a meter high. Leaves of different sizes - growing from the base of the bush, large, on long petioles, growing on the stem - smaller, with short petioles. Dense inflorescences can grow up to 30-35 cm, most often lilac, less often white or pink. They can grow in sunny flower beds. The most famous varieties: "Purpurlanze" of an unusual lilac color, pink "Vision in Pink", "Vision in Red" dark purple.

Astilba ed

Astilba ed

Astilba gloria

Astilba gloria

Astilba white

Astilba white

Astilba amethyst

Astilba amethyst

Astilba common

Astilba common

Plants of this species and varieties derived from them are very sensitive to high temperatures and low air humidity. The drooping inflorescences of these low plants (up to 50 cm) give the plantings a special airiness. Bred varieties with white candles of inflorescences - Praecox Alba, pink - Bronze Elegans, coral Ostrich feather.

Astilba unique

Younique silvery pink

In the 2000s. a new group of varieties, Younique, was created. This group includes varieties with snow-white, purple Younique Lilac, pink Younique Silvery Pink and almost red graceful Younique Carmine inflorescences. The inflorescences of these varieties are both delicate and lush, without a long peduncle, growing from the mass of leaves.

When to plant astilba?

In order to admire the flowering of astilba every year, it must be transplanted in a timely manner and planted on time.

The most suitable period for this event was recognized as the end of summer (August) - beginning of autumn.

The flowering of the plant has already ended, and the cold weather is still far away - the plant will have time to take root and prepare for wintering.

The experience of many gardeners recommends planting and dividing astilbe bushes after 4 years. A feature of astilbe can be considered their gradual protrusion from the soil - the rhizomes grow upward, dying off from below. After a while, the roots become bare. This phenomenon can be eliminated by annually adding soil or compost to the bare rhizome. This procedure allows you not to transplant the plant, but only to divide and plant.

The choice of planting material (how to save after purchase before planting)

Many growers purchase Astilba seedlings via the Internet or at garden centers. Plants in such trading companies are packed in bags, which in most cases are stored in a dark place. The rhizomes germinate, but the resulting shoots stretch out from lack of light, turn out a pale green color and bend. Planted in open ground, such seedlings are sick for a long time and do not take root well.

Advice. It is worth purchasing planting material as early as possible, as soon as the seedlings are on sale. Store in the refrigerator until planting, periodically checking its condition.

Storing the seedlings in a cool place will keep the buds from germinating.
From the whole set of bags with rhizomes, it is worth choosing those in which it is clear that the seedlings are alive, the shoots are small, fresh and green. Saplings with long, pale and thin shoots will also take root if the rhizome is not dry and rotten. In the first year of life in a flower bed, such a plant will adapt to new conditions for a long time, will give a weak growth and will not bloom.

The largest selection of astilba planting material in chain stores can be observed at a time when it is still far from planting plants in the ground - in February - March. How to preserve the acquired rhizomes until the time when they can be planted in open ground?

Astilbe can easily transfer home content before planting in a flower garden. One storage option is a household refrigerator or basement. We need a positive temperature close to zero. Plastic containers with ventilation holes are filled with a damp substrate such as sawdust, coconut fiber, light earth or moss. Rhizomes are laid on the surface and slightly covered with the same substrate. In this state, the astilbe will survive until spring without loss.

Rhizomes, which buds have awakened and sprouts have appeared, can be planted in a flower pot and placed on the windowsill. Water as needed, avoiding waterlogging. It is necessary to plant seedlings with regrown leaves in a flower garden after the end of the frost. At first, such plants need to be protected from excessive sun.

Landing

Planting any plant begins with choosing a place. For astilba, light shading, partial shade is needed. In an open sunny meadow, Astilba will feel uncomfortable. The flowering of perennials in such places is more abundant, but ends faster and the shoots have a paler color.

The choice of the planting site is also influenced by the flowering period of the seedling. Early and late flowering varieties bloom equally in sun and shade. Shaded areas are more suitable for mid-flowering varieties, where the astilba will be protected from the hot midday sun.

Loamy soil, pH 5.5-6.5, and the surrounding air should be moist. The perennial will be especially grateful for the close location of groundwater. Only astilba Chinese can tolerate a slight drying out of the soil. For other species, the dried soil of death is similar. A perennial will feel very good on the shore of a decorative reservoir.

The best spring planting date is May-June.

Preparing the site for planting, they dig it up, remove the roots of perennial weeds, add 2 buckets of organic matter per 1 m2

Preparing the landing hole. Its size should be such that the seedling rhizomes can freely settle in it. The bottom of the hole is loosened, we pour organic matter, you can spill it with liquid Biohumus or any other fertilizer diluted according to the instructions. In areas where a lack of moisture is possible in summer when planting, hydrogel granules can be added to the soil.

We put the rhizome on the prepared soil. The planting depth should be such that there is 4-5 cm of soil above the base of the sprouts. It is necessary to sprinkle the seedling with a substrate, taking into account the fact that the watered soil will settle and the roots may appear on the surface.The hole around the seedling will not allow water to spread over the surface, but will direct it to the roots.

Mulch in the planting hole will retain moisture and make it easier for the plant to adapt to its new location. Spreading a protective layer of 3-4 cm around the sprouts leave a place free of mulch. As such a layer, you can use humus, sawdust, needles or crushed bark.

In dry weather, astilba will need to be watered every other day before the young leaves appear.
When planting perennials in groups between neighboring plants, leave from 40 to 50 cm of free space.

Landing astilba: video

Care

Planted on fertilized soil, astilba grows in one place for up to seven years. With careful care and timely feeding and watering, this period can increase to twenty.

In the spring, after the snow melts, the plantings are fertilized. Liquid fertilizers quickly enter the root layer. You can mulch seedlings with organic material. During the entire growing season, it is necessary to maintain soil moisture at the proper level.

When the flowering of astilba is over and the peduncles are dry, it is better to leave them on the plant - even in a dried form, they look impressive. When preparing plantings for winter, the aerial part of the perennial is cut off at ground level and the plantings are covered with them. For additional protection of the bush from frost, you can use coniferous spruce branches or tops of vegetable plants.

From the moment of emergence in spring until mid-summer, it is very important to remove weeds in the plantings. Towards the end of summer, astilba rhizomes grow so much that they can strangle the weeds on their own.

Diseases and pests

Astilba, as an alien from another climatic zone, did not create a large number of enemies among insects and microorganisms in our latitudes. The greatest harm to this perennial is caused by the slobbery penny and two types of nematodes - gallic and strawberry.

The stump in the axils of the leaves creates foam-like nests for its larvae. Under the influence of the pest, astilba withers. Any insecticidal preparation can destroy the pest.

Plants damaged by strawberry nematodes become covered with necrotic spots, their buds, leaves and flowers are deformed.

Gall nematode parasitizes on the roots, where gall outgrowths are formed, inside of which the nematodes live. You can notice the parasite on the roots only in the second year of life. Plants with nematodes on the roots lag behind in development, bloom poorly and may die. Perennials infected with nematodes must be removed from the flower garden in a timely manner.

Preparing Astilba for winter

It is necessary to prepare a newly planted astilba bush for wintering in advance - in the summer. In plants of the first year of life in a new place, the peduncle is removed as soon as it is isolated. Throughout the season, soil is weeded around the bush and weeds are removed. When loosening the crust on the soil surface, you need to do it carefully, trying to keep the young roots intact.

After the first autumn frost, the blackened leaves are cut off at ground level and placed on the growing bushes. Then, an earthen mound about 4 cm high is created above the bush, and then cover the place where the astilba grows with dry leaves or peat. Crushed bark or humus is also suitable.

On the bushes of the second and subsequent years of life, flower stalks are left, and for the winter they are insulated with peat or fallen leaves in the same way. Every year, the rhizomes of astilba rise higher and higher and soon begin to bulge out of the ground, becoming defenseless against the winter cold. Astilbe, frozen in winter, become less decorative.

Four-five-year-old astilbe plants are fully covered before the onset of frost. To begin with, cut off the foliage and flower stalks. At the next stage, a frame is built in which insulation can be laid - dry leaves or tops. You can fix the leaves in the frame with nonwoven spunbond or lutrasil.You need to protect the planting from getting wet with plastic wrap pressed along the edges.

A strong, healthy plant will more easily endure winter colds and return frosts.

It is possible to increase the immunity of astilba with the autumn application of potash and phosphorus fertilizers. Under each bush, 50 g of a mixture of fertilizers are scattered in a 1: 1 ratio. Good results are obtained by using well-rotted organic matter - manure or compost. Slowly decaying organic matter warms the bush in winter and provides food in an accessible form in summer.

Blackberry mushroom - photo and description of how to cook

Reproduction

There are several ways of reproduction of astilba: seeds, renewal buds and division of the bush. Most often they are propagated vegetatively - by dividing the bush, but when propagated by seeds, you can get new varieties, start breeding.

Seed reproduction

Astilba seeds are so small that they can only be seen through a magnifying glass. To collect 1 g of seeds, you need to collect 20,000 pieces. Ripe seeds are quickly poured out of the seed pods. To collect seeds, the inflorescences are cut in September and put on paper in a warm, dry place, and kept from two weeks to a month. The spilled seeds are collected and stored in a paper bag.

With seed reproduction, sowing begins in March. The container is chosen wide, about 15 cm deep. A mixture of peat and sand in a 1: 1 ratio is used as a soil. Snow is poured onto the soil, in a layer of 1 cm. You can replace natural snow with artificial one - from the freezer. You can evenly distribute the seeds over the surface of the snow by mixing them with liquid. Seeds are poured into a growth stimulant solution and sown with a pipette over the surface of the snow. On a white background, the seeds are especially visible and can be distributed more evenly. The melted snow will moisten the soil and tighten the seeds to the desired depth.

After waiting for the snow to melt, a container with seeds in a transparent bag, or even better wrapped in plastic wrap, is placed in the refrigerator for three weeks. During this time, seedlings appear in the container. The greened container is transferred to a warm, bright place. Especially carefully you need to water the sprouts - you can pour it with a spray bottle and a fine spray of water or a syringe without a needle. Seedlings with 2-3 true leaves are cut into separate pots, and subsequently planted in the ground.

Sowing astilba seeds: video

Renal reproduction renewal

• With the beginning of the growth of shoots or buds of renewal, they are cut off with a piece of rhizome.
• Wounds are disinfected with crushed charcoal or cinnamon powder.
• Sections with buds are planted in a mixture of gravel and peat, in a ratio of 1: 3 and covered with polyethylene (film or a cut bottle).
• In the fall of the current year or in the spring of the next, the seedlings are transplanted to a permanent place.

Reproduction by dividing the bush

The easiest and most reliable way to propagate astilba vegetatively is by dividing the bush. The best results are given by bushes at the age of 3-4 years. The rhizome of a perennial dug out of the ground is divided into parts with a pruner or a shovel. At least two buds should remain on each division. The lower parts of the rhizome are removed. The resulting parts of the plant are planted in new places or wrapped in a damp cloth and kept in a plastic bag, preventing the roots from drying out.

It is better to divide and plant astilba in early spring, before flowering. It is necessary to reproduce a perennial in autumn in such a way that the plant has enough time for rooting before the onset of frost, i.e. in August and early September. Plants tolerate the division procedure well, quickly take root in a new place and bloom the next year.

Astilba: growing, care, reproduction: video

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Astilba in landscape design

Landscape designers value astilba for its long-lasting decorative effect, resistance to high groundwater levels, and the ability to grow in the shade of tall plants.The delicate leaves that sit on reddish cuttings attract attention throughout the garden season.

Young purple leaves look attractive in the flower garden, which gradually turn green and acquire an unusual shape. An additional bonus to the carved leaves is a long, more than a month, flowering. Various shapes and shades of inflorescences adorn the flower garden from mid-summer to autumn.

Astilba in the creation of flower arrangements can be used both individually and in group plantings, combining the colors and sizes of different varieties.

Planting in groups

Astilba is a versatile person, it will be desirable in any landscape design. Low-growing bushes can be used in the foreground of the composition, medium-sized ones will decorate the middle and background of the plantings. Tall ones will decorate what you want to hide, disguise outbuildings or an unsightly fence. Low-growing varieties will be appropriate on an alpine slide or scree. They can also frame garden paths.

Clarkia graceful - growing from seed

Planting in flower beds

Low-growing varieties of astilba can be used as a border for flower beds and lawns. An astilba bush in a flower pot will decorate an open veranda or garden gazebo.
This perennial looks spectacular against the background of conifers, such as thuja or junipers. A successful combination of astilbe with hosts and ferns.

Carved perennial leaves will look even more delicate in joint plantings with hellebore, berry, podophyllum, rogers or cuffs. A very interesting combination of astilba with daylilies, aquilegia, lilies, geraniums, phlox or ferns. Planted together with the hosta, astilba emphasizes the beauty of its leaves, and the leaves retain the moisture of the soil for astilba.

The joint planting of astilba and ground cover plants (saxifrage, tenacious, lamb) achieves two goals - in early spring, when the astilbe is not yet visible, the ground cover creates an attractive spot, then the grown and colored astilbe attracts attention. In the hot season, the ground cover protects the place where the astilbe grows from overheating.

In the spring garden, astilbe planting is combined with primroses, crocuses, lilies of the valley, rhododendrons, tulips.

Planted in the company of tall flowers, astilba camouflages the bare stems of its neighbors. It belongs to rare ornamental plants that grow and bloom beautifully in conditions of lack of sun and excess moisture. If necessary, you can plant astilbe under trees, but you need to do this, stepping back from the tree trunk at least 1.5 meters. With this planting, the roots of the tree will not be damaged and the astilba will not be depressed.

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Forcing astilba

You can also enjoy the flowering of astilba in winter. For this, it is enough to distill.

Most willingly, at home, two - three-year-old bushes will bloom. Suitable bushes are dug out at the end of September and, divided into two or three parts, are planted in flower pots with a diameter of at least 13 cm. The substrate needs loose and nutritious - sod land, leafy soil, compost and sand (2: 2: 2: 1). The planted plant is watered and placed in a greenhouse. For the winter, the planted astilba is insulated.

The pot is brought into the heat at the end of December and left in a cool place at a temperature not higher than +12 degrees. Watering should be done in moderation. Shoots appear after about twenty days. The plant is transferred to a warmer room, where about +20, watering is intensified. In a month - one and a half astilba can bloom. Up to seven full-fledged inflorescences can grow on one bush.

If the emerging shoots, which have grown to 8-9 cm, are sprayed with growth stimulants, then the beginning of flowering will accelerate. Gibbersib allows you to get flowers for 17-21 days, increase the number of inflorescences and the length of the pedicel. Astilba flowers become exquisitely graceful.
Subsequently, the bush can be transferred to the open air, or it can be grown indoors.

Planting and caring for astilba is not difficult. Grow this bright perennial and delight yourself with astilba flowers.