This perennial culture grows beautifully and adorns its shady garden with its unusual colors. In this article we will understand how to plant and care for astilba in the open field. Observing the simple rules of agrotechnology, you can achieve an excellent result in the cultivation of this plant.
Description of the plant - varieties and varieties
Astilbe is a rhizomatous perennial of the stone-heel family. In the summer, curly bushes with pretty buds are very decorative, in winter the grassy aerial part of the plant dies off. Different varieties of plants have different heights - from 8 cm to 2 m. Astilbe leaves are pinnate, difficult to dissect, green or brownish in color. There are varieties with white, pink and lilac flowers.
Astilbe has many shades
Astilbe begins flowering in early summer and lasts for about a month. During this period, the plant is the most decorative. Astilbe with curly inflorescences - panicles - serve as an excellent decoration of park areas, gardens, squares and are often used for decoration of territories in landscape design.
The culture is characterized by high resistance in winter: the rhizomes withstand wintering at temperatures up to -37 ° C without the threat of freezing.
Important! When grown in open ground, astilba prefers moist, nutritious soil and even periodic watering. Subject to this condition, care for the flower crop does not present any particular difficulties.
Areas of distribution of natural species of astilbe
In nature, the plant is found in Japan, America and East Asia. In Russia, the plant habitat is the Far East, where there are 2 types of natural astilbe varieties.
All modern cultivated varieties of flower culture belong to the species - Astilbe Arends. Srednerosly and tall forms of a plant blossom bright inflorescences of pink or white flowers with numerous transitions and shades.
Astilba in landscape design
In landscape design is widely used astilba hybrid cultivars. During flowering bushes form air curtains of pink or purple hues. Plants are characterized by compact size and abundant flowering. Planting astilba hybrid in groups with other species allows lawn and coniferous crops to shade perfectly during flowering. The combination of plants with different tones of coloring revives the territory of park plantings.
An interesting type of astilba Tunberg, which is not characteristic of the species, drooping brush yellowish or pink flowers.
Early flowering astilbees of a wide range of colors of white and pink hues belong to the Japanese astilba species. This type of astilba is distinguished by high decorativeness.
Astilba: landing and care
When planting plants, the quality of planting material is of great importance. To plant survival was one hundred percent, it is worth considering some of the requirements for rhizomes intended for planting.
Planting astilbe
Important! Astilbe rhizomes should not have dead, rotted parts. It is not allowed during storage overdry or excessive moisture of planting material. Young shoots should not be elongated, curved and crumpled.
Of course, specimens with sprouting sprouts can also take root, but then the plant can lose its decorative effect and be ill for a long time.
Choosing a comfortable place for a flower
It should be remembered that astilba is a plant for penumbra, bright sunlight is destructive for it. Planting flower culture in open, unprotected from sunlight spaces is undesirable.
In addition, the flowers react poorly to areas with high groundwater levels and water stagnation. This leads to soaking and decay of rhizomes. Growing crops 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.
Planting astilba in the open field: determine the size of the pits
The depth of the planting pit is required to be provided individually for each plant, given the size of the rhizome. The root system of astilbe should be placed freely in the planting pit, while the bush should not be buried or the growth point should be filled with soil. At the bottom of the pits, you can add a hydrogel, it will help keep the soil moisture; as well as bone meal, ash and mineral fertilizers - 1 matchbox each.
Astilbe should be planted in a well-moistened soil
The surface of the ground is allowed to be barked with bark or peat crumb, which will keep the soil evenly moist, and in the future it will protect the roots of the plant from drying out.
Plant Care
Astilba shrubs grow by about 3-5 cm in height in a year. Measures for the care of plants are reduced to adding soil under the exposed parts of the rhizome. Fertile soil is added in a layer of 2-3 cm.
Planting care requires maintaining soil moisture. To do this, add a mulch layer (peat, bark, expanded clay or landscape rubble) on top of the planting soil. In winter, mulch on the soil surface helps protect delicate rhizomes from freezing.
The combination of uniform irrigation and preservation of soil in a wet state is a guarantee of plant health and lush flowering.
Astilba care is very simple.
Decorative plants supported by periodic pruning of dead stems. It is necessary to regularly remove faded inflorescences from the bushes, this is especially true when using astilbe in landscape design when designing territories.
Fertilizer and dressing
On fertilization under the bushes of astilba during planting has already been mentioned above.
For the full development of the plant is required to carry out regular feeding complex fertilizers. Given that astilbe can grow in one place without transplanting and dividing the rhizomes for more than 5 years, you should feed plants with nitrogen fertilizers from the beginning of spring. This helps the fast growth of new foliage in overwintered bushes.
Do not forget to feed astilba with mineral fertilizers.
During flowering culture is required to fertilize phosphate, and by the end of flowering - potash fertilizers. This will help to increase the time and pomp 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, reproduction of perennial seeds is not accepted. Crops grown from seeds often do not meet the stated varietal characteristics:
- have a changed color;
- sparse floral tassels;
- low decorative;
- short flowering periods.
For seed propagation, you can use only high-quality seeds of varietal selection.
Astilba seedlings
The seeds of the plant are sown on the surface of the moistened soil, without covering up. For accelerated germination, they maintain high humidity (you can cover crops with glass or keep them in a greenhouse). Growing astilba seedlings is reduced to 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 germination results are achieved by performing a preliminary stratification of seeds. This agrotechnical reception consists in placing the seeds in a cold place (from + 4 ° C to -4 ° C) for 3 weeks. Hardened seeds are sown in greenhouses and kept at a temperature of + 20 ° C. Young plants in 2-3 months after sowing can be planted in a permanent place in the open field. The seedlings obtained from stratified seeds are distinguished by excellent survival rate and rapid growth.
Reproduction astilbya division bush
The vegetative breeding method of astilbe (dividing a bush) is the most reliable and customary for gardeners. The mother plant is dug out with care, trying not to damage the tender rhizome. A sharp knife divide the rhizome into parts with 2-3 buds. Sections sprinkled with crushed coal.
Astilba bush division
Planting material is laid out in the prepared furrow and moisten the ground. Excellent results when planting the delenok are achieved with the use of root stimulants. Care for young plants includes regular watering and loosening the soil.
The planting of the astilba settlement can be carried out in early spring, as early as March. With this method of reproduction, the first flowering of young plants will begin in early autumn.
Kidney division
The reproduction of perennial is carried out in another way, which is considered the fastest - the division of the kidneys. In the spring, with the beginning of the growing season of the plant, kidneys of regeneration are separated with a sharp knife. Cuttings are planted in a hothouse with a wet soil mixed with coarse sand or gravel, after having powdered the cutting sites with ash. With this method of reproduction, a very high survival rate of young plants is noted. The only drawback - getting a full-fledged plant is stretched for almost a year.
Diseases and pests
Watch out for plant health. In the case of pests - immediately begin to fight them.
Astilbe attracts not only with its decorative effect, the plant is practically not damaged by pests and diseases. The rhizomes of some crops may occasionally be affected by the gall nematode. The pest does not respond to the use of drugs, so the fight against the nematode is reduced to the destruction of diseased bushes. At the same time, it is also necessary to remove part of the soil that came into contact with the roots of the diseased plant. At this place it is advisable not to plant a culture for several years.
Another pest that can threaten a plant in the open field is slobbering pennitsa. The affected plant feels depressed, the development of leaf mass slows down. Prevention measures - collecting pests from the leaves of the plant manually.
Astilba: combination with other plants
Growing astilba in group plantings with other plants is justified. Decorative panicles of plants look great near coniferous plants with their monotonous greens. Such a neighborhood for astilba is very preferable: conifers provide sun protection for bushes.
The combination of astilbe different colors in landscape design
Perfectly in harmony with astilba bushes with late tulips, irises, hosts, periwinkle. A single astilba landing on a green lawn in the shade is very decorative.
In landscape design, with the design of planting in the shade, astilba bushes fit perfectly. The plant is used for single and group plantings, creating complex landscape solutions for shady and semi-shady places. Care for ornamental plants is absolutely no difficulty and is timely watering.
How to plant astilba: video
Astilba: photo
Grow this wonderful plant is easy, following some features of planting and care. Start by choosing a landing site.
What you need to do before landing
Choose a landing site
In the wild, astilba grows under the canopy of foliage near water bodies, therefore, the penumbra and moist soil is the best place to plant a plant.
Astilba feels good in the shade of trees and shrubs, but the shading should not be strong.
It should be noted that at present, astilbe varieties have appeared, allowing it to be planted in sunny areas, subject to abundant watering and careful mulching of the soil in order to preserve moisture. The flowering is abundant, but non-durable.
Choose a landing time
For the landing of astilbe, the end of March - the beginning of May or the beginning of autumn will do.
Astilbe grows well in moist and light soil.
A bed of about a meter long must be dug up to a depth of no more than 30 cm, after which two handfuls of bone meal and approximately 30 grams of complex fertilizers should be added to the soil.
Removing the remnants of weed roots and adding peat, humus or compost to the soil is the final step in preparing the bed for planting.
Now that the soil is ready, you can go directly to planting the plant. The rules for planting astilba vary depending on the material to be used for planting.
Step-by-step instructions for planting astilbe seeds
1. To improve seed germination, place them in a place with a temperature of -4 ° to + 4 °, and after twenty days, transfer them to a warm, bright room with a temperature above 18 °.
2. Fill the containers for planting with a mixture of peat and sand in a ratio of 3: 1.
3. Considering that astilba seeds are tiny, they need to be mixed with sand before planting them in the soil.
4. Distribute the seeds evenly and gently over the soil surface.
5. Using a spray bottle, thoroughly water the seeds.
6. For 3-4 weeks, do not allow the soil to dry out.
7. Seedlings should be soped after the appearance of the first leaf:
remove each seedling from the soil; pinch back one third of the length;
8. Plant the sprout in a separate container with carefully moistened soil.
9. In early June, plant seedlings in the ground.
If you intend to plant a ready-made seedling obtained from an adult plant, the following method of planting astilbe will be useful to you.
Planting a divided bush.
It is advisable to mulch the soil around the bush after planting.
This method is very popular among fans of ornamental plants.
For planting, a part of an adult astilba bush with 1-3 buds and a root length of 3 to 5 cm is used.
Planting a plant in spring will allow observing the lush flowering of a new bush in the autumn of the same year.
For planting seedlings stands a bed of one meter in length, in which holes are formed with a depth and width of approximately 20-30 cm, at a distance of approximately 25-35 cm from each other. In each of them, a mixture of 25-30 grams of mineral fertilizers and 1-2 handfuls of bone meal with ash is poured. All this is mixed and filled with water. Place for planting astilbe ready. It will only be necessary to cover the planted bush with a layer of mulch consisting of needles, bark, foliage or sawdust.
This method of astilba transplantation allows you to plant it even during the flowering period, subject to abundant and regular watering for two to three weeks.
Experienced gardeners use another planting method.
Planting cuttings with the "heel"
In early spring, a renewed kidney is cut out of the bush, representing the kidney of a wintered plant, from which the shoot began to develop, along with a piece of the root. This part of the rhizome is called the "heel".
Such cuttings are planted in greenhouses, using a mixture for fertilizer, made in the same way as when planting in the ground. This substrate is poured on the soil with a layer height of 5-7 cm.
For planting astilba on the garden will have to wait a whole year, but flowering will begin within a few months after planting.
Transfer
At the age of five years, astilba needs a transplant, which is performed in spring or early autumn.
Transplantation can be done without digging up the plant completely: it is enough to separate part of it, fill it with ashes and add fresh soil to the hole, and transplant the resulting seedling to a new place. After such a separation, astilba will please with its flowering the very next year.
In order for a planted plant to remain healthy for as long as possible and to delight in its lush flowering, it is necessary to provide it with proper care. Care of astilba includes a number of actions that take into account the characteristic features of the plant.
Astilbe roots grow up, releasing young roots, so that it is very important to prevent moisture loss in the upper soil layer.
On hot days it is necessary to water the plant twice a day: in the morning and evening hours, accompanying the watering with mulching of the soil, which will prevent the soil from drying out. Insufficient soil moisture threatens the death of young plants and is the cause of the appearance of faded, twisted leaves and inflorescences grinding in adults. On the other hand, abundant watering in August-September contributes to the elongation of the inflorescences.
Top dressing
To preserve the lush and prolonged flowering, it is necessary to feed the astilba twice a year.
The first is carried out with the appearance of young shoots in early spring. Suitable complex fertilizers with a high nitrogen content.
The next feeding turn comes in the fall, after the astilba has faded. At this time, preference is given to phosphorus and potassium compounds, mainly in liquid form, in order to avoid burns on the stem. After feeding, the soil needs to be loosened and mulched.
Pruning
Pruning astilby, during which the aboveground part of the plant is cut at ground level, is done in late autumn.
After flowering, you can cut off all the flowering inflorescences, whose place will soon take new leaves.
Preparing for the winter
Astilba will tolerate the most severe frosts, if you remember that the roots growing up plants come to the soil. Mulching will help to save bare roots from freezing. In late autumn, fill in the gaps between the bushes with needles or sawdust and cover the bush with two layers of fir branches or bark.
Protection against pests and diseases.
Video from an experienced gardener about planting astilba.
And about astilba pruning.
Many-sided astilbaSazhaem garden http://www.sazhaemsad.ru/mnogolikaya-astilba.html
Astilba: cultivation.
Astilba calmly reacts to any type of soil, the only thing it needs is timely watering. However, if there is a choice, a slightly acid loose soil with organic fertilizer is preferable; For mulching it is best to use peat. It is possible to plant astilba both in partial shade and in open areas, but not all varieties grow well in a sunny place. The Chinese dwarf astilbe, as well as the Diamant, Frida Klapp, Strauspeder varieties are more adapted to high temperatures. With strong shading, the plant may bloom poorly. It is undesirable to place astilba in close proximity to trees: their root system weakens it. Ideal for this plant are the areas where the groundwater lies high - there she gets enough moisture all summer. And yet, it is impossible not to clarify that in areas with a dry hot climate, astilba works worse - it blooms less, it may look depressed, therefore, in southern regions astilba growing is rather problematic.
The scheme of fertilizing depends on the degree of soil moistening. On dry soil it is undesirable to make mineral fertilizers; in this case, the nutrition required for the plant is provided by adding compost and peat. With sufficiently moist soil, complex fertilizer is applied every spring (20 g of fertilizer and 10 g of urea are required for a bucket of water), and after flowering, astilba is fed with phosphorus and potassium fertilizer and mulched with humus.
Faded astilba inflorescences need to be cut. Her stalks are flexible and resilient, they are not afraid of gusty wind, and the severity of inflorescences that have become wet after the rain only makes the stalks elegantly bow without the risk of being broken. Older plants do not require shelter for the winter; it is better to shelter young ones: they can freeze in the snowless winter. Astilbe has decent winter hardiness, and also it is practically not damaged by pests.
Astilba: planting, care and reproduction In favorable conditions, with regular dressings, astilba can grow up to 10 - 15 years in one place. But at the same time decorative plants often decreases. Astilbe is characterized by a rapid vertical growth of the rhizome, therefore adult bushes tend to “stick out” from the ground over time, at the same time young roots are too close to the ground, which causes them to dry quickly, and the plant starts to bloom worse - inflorescences become smaller , and the number of peduncles is reduced. This is the reason for the regular division and transplantation of astilbe (every 3-5 years). To do this, the bush is divided with a sharp knife or shovel into 4-6 parts, each of them must have developed buds. Young delenki planted at a distance of 0.3-0.5 m from each other and provide good watering over the next few days. It is possible to plant and replant astilba practically at any time of the year (except for winter, of course).
When transplanting, remove the lower parts of the rhizome and place the seedling in the planting pit so that the renewal buds are approximately 4–5 cm deep. Under the shrub they apply humus and complex fertilizer (25–30 g per plant), soil surface after planting and watering mulch with peat. In the first year, all flower stalks should be removed so as not to weaken the plant; it will reach full development in the next year after division.
If for some reason you can not replant astilba so often, then you can do by pouring fertile land to the base of the bushes and regular dressings (in the spring - with complex mineral fertilizer, and in the fall - with phosphorus-potassium).
If every autumn to richly mulch the soil around the bush with peat and rotted compost, it will be necessary to rejuvenate plantings less often.
In addition to dividing the bush, astilba is well propagated by cuttings, renewal buds and seeds. Buds of renewal are formed at the base of the shoot, on the rhizome. In order to separate them, you do not need to dig up a bush - it is enough to remove the soil from it and with a sharp knife to separate the bud with part of the rhizome. This operation is done in spring when astilbe shoots reach 4–6 cm. At a time, more than a quarter of all renewal buds should not be separated.
The resulting planting material is placed on the prepared bed with a distance of 9 x 6 or 7 x4 cm. The bed is placed in the shade; After landing, you can cover it with a film. By autumn, the seedlings take root, and in the spring they start off to grow. As in the case of dividing the bush, in the first year the plants are not allowed to bloom. In the second year in June - July, regular (every 10 days) liquid supplements are recommended. Mineral and organic fertilizers are alternately used for them.
You can cut astilba in spring and summer. In spring, young shoots are cut down to a length of 15 cm, in the summer they use shoots that are formed from daughter buds. The bed for cuttings equip in partial shade; its upper layer (up to 4 cm) is made of sand. Planting material is regularly watered; in the heat used spraying. The cuttings are held under the film until they take root. Planted in a permanent place of the plant in a year. Using this method of reproduction, note that it takes root from 30 to 60 percent cuttings.
Seed propagation is used less frequently and mainly for species astilbe - varietal, as a rule, reproduce in this way only breeders. Astilba seeds are characterized by low germination and require stratification. They are sown for winter over the soil surface on shaded beds. In spring, small shoots appear, which should be swooped after the appearance of the first true leaf. Seedlings require mandatory shelter for the winter; transplant them a year later in the spring. Grown from astilbe seeds bloom three years later.
Astilba in garden design.
Astilba inflorescences are large fluffy panicles that form on high peduncles. The most common varieties are white and yellowish inflorescences; violet-pink, light pink, deep-pink, red and purple are also found. The form distinguishes four types of inflorescences: paniculate, pyramidal, drooping and rhombic. Very beautiful flower garden or curb, consisting of some astilb, here you can use a variety of varieties - forms of inflorescences and a riot of colors. In mixed astilba flower beds look just as good, they are especially suitable for shady places, where their constant companions are many-sided hosts. In the shade, white-flowered varieties that enliven garden dusk are especially spectacular. In more sunny areas, it is good to combine astilbe with daylilies - its delicate leaves successfully set off large flowers of daydresses and their narrow, hard foliage. Since both daylilies and astilbe have varieties of different flowering periods in their assortment, it is possible to make a magnificent flower garden from them, which will be decorated for a rather long period of time. Early astilbe bloom in the second half of June, the average - in July. Later come to replace them in August and bloom until early September. Astilbe also differ in the duration of flowering, which depends on the variety and can be from 9 to 20 days; the size of the inflorescence varies from 13 to 40 cm. Toward the end of summer, Astilby’s companions will be Asian lilies and geyher of rich colors. And this is not all that can be offered for the application of astilba in garden design, since it is a flower, almost universal.
Astilba is very much appreciated by professional growers and amateurs for its magnificent and long flowering and unpretentiousness. Spreading bushes look impressive even when they do not bloom - the lush green leaves of beautiful shape will decorate any garden. In this article you will learn all about how to grow astilba on the site.
Astilba looks very original and rich, and during flowering it transforms the whole plot. This is an ornamental plant with twice-or triplicate leaves of dark green color, located on the cuttings of red shade. Flower growers prefer astilbe not only because of its lush flowering, but also because, unlike many other flowers, it is able to grow in a constant shade of trees, giving a bright and colorful flowering. However, excessive blackout will not benefit even her. Ideally, you should plant flowers in a lace shade. Astilba is capable of enduring harsh Russian winters, it is practically not susceptible to diseases, and even the majority of insect pests bypass it. Ideal for novice gardener. Astilba is a perennial plant whose homeland is considered to be Japan and Asia. In total, more than 200 varieties are known, each of which differs in size, flowering splendor and flower color. Its growth can vary from 15 cm (Liliput variety) to 150 cm (Arends hybrids). Flowers are gathered in panicles with a length of 10 to 50 cm, after flowering they form fruit-boxes with very small seeds inside. Almost all varieties of astilbe bloom from June to August. The terrestrial part of the astilba dies off during the cold season, and the root spends the winter and in spring gives the next offspring. Every spring, buds appear in the upper part of the roots, giving an annual growth of 3 to 5 cm, and the lower part dies off with time. In order to ensure comfortable development of new buds, after the ground part dies, the soil is laid on the exposed rhizome. Astilba varietiesAs we said above, the breeders are very fond of lush astilba, so much so that they bred more than 200 varieties. We will not list the virtues of each of them, but dwell on the most popular and beautiful ones. Good advice: for cultivation of astilbe it is recommended to buy varieties whose height is 50-70 cm. Such large plants tolerate adverse climatic conditions and wintering better. Astilbe ArendsThis is a series of astilbe, represented by 40 hybrid varieties, which appeared as a result of crossing high astilbe David. They are characterized by well-developed bushes up to 150 cm high. They may have a spherical or conical shape with lush foliage. Inflorescences can be completely different shades from white to deep purple.
Hybrid astilba differs not only in size, but also in a longer flowering period - up to 40 days. The most beautiful varieties brought G. Arends, so a group of hybrids decided to name in his honor. For example, astilba Gloria - perennial growth of up to 80 cm during the flowering period. It tolerates cold winters without any problems and can grow on almost any soil with the exception of infertile sands. Differs fluffy pink inflorescences in the form of a rhombus, openwork foliage and delicate sweetish aroma. Gloria loves water, so it is recommended to plant it on the bank of a stream or an artificial reservoir. Boogie Woogie is another hybrid variety, growing to 65-70 cm. In July, it is pleasing to the eye with bright pink inflorescences of diamond shape, which give the plant a luxuriant shape.
Jump and Jive - astilba height up to 50 cm, blooming in late June-early July. It gives highly branched inflorescences of dark pink color, which effectively contrast with succulent foliage.
Liliput is a low hybrid up to 25 cm tall. Dense pinkish-salmon inflorescences bloom in mid-July and early August. Liliput is perfect for decorating an alpine slide or a small flower garden under the window.
Chinese astilbeChinese astilbe can grow up to 110 cm, has large leaves at the roots and smaller ones closer to the inflorescences. Blossoms very densely knit inflorescences up to 35 cm long with small purple flowers (rarely white or pinkish). There are also undersized forms of Chinese astilbe up to 25 cm tall and varieties with pyramidal inflorescences. This type of plant feels comfortable on unshadowed sunny areas and in partial shade. The most beautiful are the varieties Purpurlanze, Vision in Pink, Vision in Red.
Japanese astilbeJapanese astilbe is not as tall as the previous species (up to 80 cm) and is distinguished by small densely growing leaves with a pronounced ornament. White and pink inflorescences bloom much earlier than other varieties, and even after drying, they almost do not lose their shape and continue to decorate a flower garden until mid-autumn. Japanese astilbe is one of the hybrids bred by Arends in 1837. Since then, several more varieties have been cultivated, which are frost-resistant and take root well in all conditions. The most famous varieties: Deutschland, Rheinland, Europe and Montgomery with scarlet and burgundy inflorescences.
Prostolistnaya astilbaPredolistnogo hybrid rather poorly tolerates arid climate and needs regular and abundant watering. The bush grows by 20-50 cm and gives air thinned inflorescences. The most beautiful varieties are Praecox Alba (white fluffy "candles", Bronze Elegans (soft bronze inflorescences) and Straussenfeder (tall plant up to 90 cm with coral flowers).
Astilba breedingBreeding astilba at home is pretty easy. It propagates in a vegetative and seed way. When the vegetative allowed division of the bush and the reproduction of the kidneys. And if the vegetative method is suitable for beginner gardeners, the seed gives the opportunity to receive new varieties of astilbe. Seed propagationAstilba seeds are in boxes that replace the lush flowers. They need to be sown at the beginning or in the middle of March, having previously subjected to stratification. To do this, the seeds are placed in a 15 cm deep tank with a sand-peat mixture in the ratio of 1: 1, a centimeter layer of snow is put on top (even “snow” from the freezer is suitable if the winter is dry). The snow will gradually melt, moistening the soil, saturating it with useful trace elements and immersing small seeds in it. When it finally melts, the pot should be covered with transparent plastic wrap and put on the bottom shelf of the refrigerator in the vegetable compartment for 20 days. During this time, the first shoots will appear, which will be hardened and will survive the subsequent wintering well.
After 20 days, the astilbe sprouts are rearranged to a bright place with a constant temperature of about + 20 ° C. Water the seedlings should be very careful, using a syringe without a needle and directing the stream at the very root. When the seedlings get a little stronger and get 2-3 real leaves, plant them in small pots. Important: Varietal astilbs cannot reproduce by the seed method, since hybrids are not able to retain their distinctive features. Plants grown in this way are used only in breeding. However, if you come across high-quality varietal seeds, there is a chance for successful cultivation according to the technology described above. Reproduction by dividing the bushMost often astilba is propagated by dividing the bush. This is a very simple and effective way. How to split a bush:
If you divide the bush in early March, then by the fall the astilbe will already delight you with lush flowering.
Kidney reproductionRenal reproduction is considered the fastest way. To perform the operation should be in the spring, when the shoots are just starting to grow. Carefully cut the buds from the beginning of the rhizome and sprinkle the slice on the cuttings with wood ash or coal to prevent infection. Plant a peat-gravel mixture in the ratio of 3: 1 and cover with a transparent plastic wrap to create a greenhouse effect. Before planting astilba in open ground, it must become stronger and begin to develop. Plants can be planted in the garden in autumn or next spring.
Planting astilbePlanting astilba in open ground and care for it does not require special time and skills. The main thing is to choose the optimal location and immediately ensure proper conditions. Plants should be planted in late May-early June in the northern part of the garden in the rarefied shade of bushes or trees. Please note that some varieties like open sunny places or can adapt to new conditions. If your site has a natural or artificial reservoir, plant an astilba near it. The soil is better to choose loamy light and fertile. Acidity should be from 5.5 to 6.5 pH (if necessary, add dolomite flour or wood ash to the ground to reduce the acidity). If in the neighborhood with astilba hosts will grow, their large leaves will not allow it to overheat in the hot summer. When choosing a place for planting flowers, you should consider the time of flowering of different varieties. So, astilba, blooming in July prefers shaded areas more, and early and late varieties feel equally comfortable both in the shade and in the open sun.
In principle, astilbe is suitable for any soil, but if you want to get a luxurious and long flowering, you should choose a place where the groundwater lies close to the surface. You should also take care of the saturation of the soil with potassium and phosphorus. When making breeding beds, apply complex fertilizers of 30 g / sq. m and 2 handfuls of bone meal. When planting astilba in a flower garden, dig holes 30 cm deep and add the above fertilizers mixed with humus. In case of renal reproduction, it is necessary to mulch the soil by 3 cm. How is the astilba landing:
Astilba careCaring for astilba is as easy as breeding and planting. Its main feature is that the rhizome grows up, and not rushes deep into, like other plants. On the contrary, the lower processes die with time. And if you do not provide new roots good nutrition, the flower will die. Therefore, it is necessary to sprinkle bare rhizomes with soil each year and not allow them to dry out. The main requirement for care - regular watering. Periodic mulching of the soil will not only protect the rhizomes from overheating in the sun, but also allows you to control the appearance of weeds and foreign plants.
Keep in mind that the frequency and abundance of irrigation depend on the type of astilbe, so carefully study the features of the selected species. During the formation of inflorescences, all varieties need enhanced watering, and if the summer is very hot, then water the flowers better 2 times a day - in the early morning before sunrise and in the evening after sunset. It is logical to assume that if every year a little bit of sprinkling of rhizomes with earth occurs, then over time a small mound will grow in the garden, so the astilbe must be replanted every 7-10 years. Feed the plant should be in early spring, making nitrogen fertilizers, in July - potash, and at the end of flowering - phosphate. After each feeding the soil must be mulched and loosened. Plant pestsSince astilba was "born" far beyond the borders of Russia, it does not have natural enemies here, but it still has to taste like some local insects. They are few, but still they can cause significant damage to the flower crop. The first astilba pest is a pennitsa. This is a small flying insect that secretes salivary foamy substance and lays larvae there. As a result, due to the specific chemical composition of these secretions and the activity of the larvae, astilba leaves shrivel and become covered with yellow spots. From this, the plant partially fades or completely dies. Helps to get rid of pennitsa garden chemistry - aktar, rogor, karbofos or konfidor.
Two other pests belong to the nematode genus, the gallic and strawberry nematodes. Strawberry plants on the leaves and in the flowers, as a result of which they shrivel and become covered with brown spots, the plant slows down the growth rate, withers and dies. Astilba: photoFinally, we offer you to see how you can organize a flower garden with the participation of various varieties of astilbe.
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If you want a beautiful astilbe to settle at your dacha, planting and leaving in the open field will not pose any particular difficulties. It is rather unpretentious, but very decorative. This perennial blooms in full color, feels good even in constant shade. Astilba comfortably carries cold Russian winters (up to -37 ° C), practically does not get sick, and garden pests are not particularly interested in it.
Photos of astilbe blooming:
Everyone loves her for originality, lush beauty, professional, beginning gardeners, just lovers.
Astilba - description, appearance and features
What is astilba? This is a perennial plant of the family Camoform (Saxifragaceae), with openwork foliage and beautiful fluffy inflorescences-panicle.
When astilbe blooms? It blooms from the first days of summer. How long does astilba bloom? The most active plant blooms about a month. The flowering process itself continues until August. Not only flowers, but also long-peeled dark green leaves growing on erect stems are decorative. The color spectrum of lush panicle is rich in a variety of shades: white, cream, pink, lilac, red. The delicate aroma of astilba is a bit like the fragrance of a bird cherry.
The birthplace of the flower is Japan and Asia. The number of varieties reaches 200 varieties. There are dwarf varieties, for example, Liliput. There are tall varieties, for example, Arens hybrids. Observance of simple agrotechnical rules even for a novice gardener can grow a lush, eye-catching plant — that is why this culture is so loved by many. For ideal growth, development astilbe need a shadow, but not too strong. The so-called "lace" shadow from the crowns of the trees - what we need.
Photos of astilbe:
Astilba will make every corner of the garden cozy With the onset of cold weather, the aerial part dies off, and the overwintering root in the spring gives new shoots. A remarkable feature of astilbe - its rhizomes are growing from above. Thus, on the upper part of the root system, kidneys are tied, which are exposed, therefore they require annual filling of the soil. Every year their size increases, forming new roots, with the lower part gradually dying off. Flowers-panicle reach from 10 to 50 cm in length, when the flowering period ends, in their place are boxes with seeds inside.
Astilba plant height depends on the variety. There are tall varieties, there are dwarf. For comfortable cultivation, it is preferable to give your choice to tall varieties - those that grow up to 50-80 cm. They are more resilient, tolerate climatic changes, temperature changes.
As mentioned above, there are many different species of this plant, but the majority of gardeners liked the Japanese astilbe. This variety is also called Montgomery - a hybrid bred by German breeder Georg Arends in 1837.
Astilba Montgomery Arends hybrids are the brightest, beautiful, unpretentious, they grow well on any soil, resistant to cold, bloom for a long time (about 40 days). In addition to "Montgomery", Gloria, Deutschland, Europe, Rheinland are popular with gardeners.
Japanese astilbe grows up to 80 cm high, has ornamental leaves, its flowers bloom early. After the flowers ottsvetut, they do not lose their decorative qualities, do not spoil the overall picture of the garden, are often used to compose dry bouquets.
Where to plant astilba
Where to plant astilba in the country, in the garden? The best place is in the northern part of the site. This is for her the most comfortable place. Where to plant astilba in the sun or in the shade? Choose a shady place or area near the pool, reservoir (if you have one). Only some astilbe varieties prefer sunny areas. When planting, be sure to take into account the proximity of plants, for example, growing nearby hosts will not only be in harmony with the leaves or flowers of astilbe, but will protect it from overheating in hot summer. Those varieties that bloom in the midst of summer, you need to pick up only shaded places.
The planting process is best to start during the beginning of May / early June.
What kind of soil does astilba like? It can grow on almost any soil. But especially loves loam, fertile soil, potassium-phosphorus-rich primer.
If there is an increased acidity on the ground, it is recommended to add some wood ash before planting to lower the pH level, also dolomite flour can be used for these purposes.
You also need to pay attention to the variety, the timing of its flowering. Early, late varieties will be equally comfortable in a sunny, shady place. High groundwater flow, as well as periodic water stagnation at the site is extremely undesirable for astilbe. To prevent the root system from getting wet, you will need to arrange drainage or plant the plants on high ground.
Ensure that planting material (roots) does not have rotten or dead skin fragments. The roots should not be too wet or too dry.
Please look at the video astilba video selection.
Astilba - care and landing
How to plant astilba? How to plant astilba? Place on the site should be prepared before planting: dig, root out the roots of shrubs (if any), remove weeds, fertilize the land with manure or add peat (approximately 2 buckets per 1 square meter). Pits for bushes should be about 30 cm deep. It is recommended to pour some ash (handful), mineral dressing into the depths of them, then generously pour water. Now you can proceed to landing. 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). For mulching suitable peat or humus.
Astilbe - photos of flowers in the flowerbed:
Astilba in landscape design, photo How astilba breeds
Astilba can be propagated by seed or vegetative method. In the second case, fragments of rhizomes or buds are used. After the plant blooms, seeds ripen in boxes, they are sown in early March, but before that they are “hardened” with cold.
To do this, take a suitable container, pour peat mixture with sand (equal proportions), sprinkle the seeds on top, put a 2 cm layer of snow on top of them. By the way, you can use the snow from the freezer. The snow will melt naturally, deepening the seeds inside the soil. After the snow has melted, cover the container with glass or plastic wrap, and then place in the refrigerator for 3 weeks. For these purposes, perfectly suited lower compartment, where they usually store vegetables. During this period, already hardened shoots will sprout, which will eventually turn into strong plants that are not afraid of cold and frost.
After the appearance of sprouts, move the container to the lighted place, where the air temperature is not below + 20 ° C. Water the shoots should be very careful, for this it is better to use a syringe to direct the stream of water to the spine. After the appearance of the first 3 full-fledged leaves, small seedlings can be seated in individual pots. It should be borne in mind that varietal cultures do not propagate by seed — hybrids do not retain their individual traits.
How to grow astilba from rhizomes? Rhizome division is the easiest, most effective way of reproduction. To do this, a full-fledged plant should be dug, removed from the soil along with the roots, with an earthy clod. Then gently shake the ground, expose the root system, take a knife, divide the root into fragments, with at least 4 buds on each piece. After that, you need to plant the roots at a distance of 25-30 cm from each other, water daily (not too plentiful).
Astilba - growing and care, photo:
Astilba at the beginning of flowering Reproduction by the kidneys gives the fastest results. It is best to select the seed in the spring, when the growth of new shoots is activated. The buds are carefully cut together with a piece of rhizome. Place the slice sprinkled with ash or crushed mortar tablet activated charcoal. After that, take the tank, fill it with a mixture of peat and gravel. On 3 parts of peat take 1 part of gravel. Then the kidneys are buried there, covered with glass or film. When the plant grows, it will get stronger, it can be planted on the plot using the method described above.
How to care for astilba? The main thing to remember about the unusual features of its root system, to ensure that the roots were covered with earth. Ensure regular watering (according to grade). 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 flower formation, apply top dressings according to the season: in the spring - nitrogen, in the middle of summer - potash, in the end of summer - phosphorus. Replace astilba should be every 8-10 years. With the right approach to business, this plant will transform your summer cottage, give positive emotions, bright colors of summer. Thus, aesthetic, undemanding astilbe. in open ground are not difficult.
What year does astilba bloom after planting? Grown from seeds, blooms in the 3rd year. And those that you planted by dividing the rhizome, can bloom in the year of planting.
When to replace astilba in spring or autumn? You can replant both in spring and autumn. If you decide to transplant the plant in the fall, then wait until the end of flowering. But do not pull with a transplant: the plant should be transplanted about a month before the onset of cold weather (not lower than + 5 ° C). In central Russia, this is approximately in the month of September, in the Kuban region - in October. If you plant or transplant astilba in the spring, you can already see flowering this season. Try to hold this event in April-May, if you live in central Russia, and in March-April, if you live in the Kuban. Astilbe can not replant many years. But sooner or later, its flowering will become scarce. Fluffy panicles will be rare, lose their decorative effect. Experts believe that astilba should be transplanted approximately once every four years. But, if you see that your plant has not lost its fluffiness and pomp, then do not touch it for another year or two.
