Planting astilba in the spring in the ground and caring for flowers in the garden. Wonderful astilba: cultivation and care

Flower growers are especially appreciated unpretentious perennials, which year after year decorate the site with bright quivering inflorescences. These crops include astilba, planting and care in open field for which it will not be difficult even for a beginner.

One has only to see the openwork foliage and the lush inflorescences rising above it, like airy foam, it is already impossible to forget the appearance of a perennial ornamental plant! Even outside the flowering season, astilbes are graceful and attractive. It is not surprising that the plant is becoming increasingly popular with gardeners in various regions of the country. There are flower enthusiasts, for example, in Siberia, where, it would seem, one can only dream of planting and caring for astilba.

In order for the beauties that appeared on the site to feel comfortable, grow and bloom to the delight of the owners, you need to know something about the culture itself and the conditions acceptable to it.

Garden beauty astilba

Astilbe is a herbaceous ornamental perennial, various species of which arrived from Asia and North America. Depending on the variety grown, the height of the plant can vary from 20 cm to 2 meters, and the shades of tiny flowers collected in paniculate inflorescences are incredibly diverse. Well-chosen plants will cover the garden with a cloud of milestone shades of white, pink, red, purple and lilac. Leaves, like inflorescences, are decorative. Not only do they have an exquisite falsely dissected shape, color sheet plates varies from ordinary green to burgundy or purplish-gray.

If you make a little effort in growing and caring, from June to August it will surprise you with friendly and long flowering.

In the open ground - a very grateful plant, perfectly responsive to attention, correct selection places to land and tireless care. This is one of the few cultures that not only tolerate, but also prefer partial shade. Astilba has very few enemies in the garden, and the flower is rarely affected by diseases.

When to plant astilba in open ground: in spring or autumn

After hibernation, the plant wakes up a little later than the rest of the perennials. In order for astilbe to start a stable vegetation, the average daily air temperature should not fall below +10 ° C. In warm areas, young astilba leaves appear at the end of April or in early May when planting and leaving in the open field.

In the north, where spring drags on, the development of the plant is delayed until the end of May or the beginning of June.

If the grower wants to replenish his collection of luxurious plants, it is important not to rush so that the flower culture does not freeze after transplantation, and not to hesitate. Otherwise, in hot weather, it will be more difficult for astilba to acclimatize.

The beginning of the growing season is the time when better in spring plant astilba in open ground.

Some gardeners practice autumn planting flower, but in this case, the plant needs to be given time to root and adapt to a new place.

Place for planting astilba in open ground

When choosing a place for astilba, you need to remember that the plant:

• prefers diffused light;
• can grow and bloom in the shade of trees and buildings;
• unpretentious when choosing a soil that should retain moisture well and not be excessively heavy;
• however, it does not tolerate stagnant moisture, which threatens to rot the roots, and in spring time increases the risk of preli.

So that the flowering perennial does not suffer from too dry air, for planting astilba in open ground and facilitating care, it is useful to choose areas near water bodies where the humidity is slightly higher.

Features of planting an astilba flower in the ground in spring

In the flower bed, the place for astilba is calculated so that about 30–40 cm remains between the bushes. Add to the prepared planting pits up to 30 cm deep and wide:

• 30 grams of complex fertilizers for ornamental crops;
• about a glass of bone meal;
• humus.

Planting is carried out in moist soil to a depth of about 20 cm, while the soil layer above the points of future growth should not be more than 3–5 cm.

Planted adult plants and cuttings at vegetative propagation astilbes are densely mulched at the top so that the soil retains moisture better, and the plants are protected from the germination of weeds.

Most suitable as mulch different materials, which include:

• chopped straw;
• large chips or pieces of bark;
• pebbles or expanded clay;
• lowland.

As necessary, the mulch layer is updated in the summer, and when planting astilbe in open ground in the fall, it helps the perennial crop to winter quietly.

When is it useful to plant astilba in open ground in the fall?

A feature of astilbe is the upper growth of the root system, which in a few years leads to the appearance of a dense island under the bush, rising above the general level of the soil. Without a regular, every 4-5 years transplant:

• astilbe roots weaken;
• the number of annually formed renewal buds decreases;
• the flowering of such a plant is shorter and poorer, the leaves are smaller.

After the flowering of an adult astilbe, it is useful to take it autumn transplant, combining the procedure with dividing the bush into several young ones.

If you have to plant and care for astilba in the Urals, in Siberia, the Non-Black Earth Region, you need to calculate the transplant time so that the plant has time to acclimatize. Autumn mulching will be a good help, which will partially replace or enhance the effect of sheltering a flower for the winter.

Vegetative propagation and planting of astilba seeds

In the conditions of an amateur garden or summer cottage, astilbes reproduce vegetatively, that is, by dividing an adult bush or with the help of individual renewal buds. Planting astilbe with seeds is a rarity used to obtain new varieties or hybrids, as well as in the presence of varietal seed.

The easiest way is to divide an adult bush. This is done in spring or autumn so that each part has several promising growth points and enough roots for nutrition.

Places of cuts on the root system should be treated with crushed charcoal. Planting in open ground and caring for astilba in this case do not have any features, except that young specimens are watered every day. If you do not be late with a transplant, already in the second half of summer, astilba will delight with the first flowers.

The branch of promising buds, which will become an independent shoot next year, will also help to get young astilba. And here it is worth taking care that the renewal kidney has a healthy root.

The future bush is planted on a separate seedling bed in a loose moisture-intensive substrate. Film covers are often used. They will help maintain a comfortable temperature, high humidity and help the plant to take root faster. In autumn or the next vein, such seedlings are ready for planting on permanent place.

Astilba care after planting in open ground

Caring for a beautiful astilba will not make it difficult for the busiest summer resident. If the place for planting is chosen correctly, during spring, summer and autumn, while the growing season is in progress, the flower needs:

• watering, providing the plant with its favorite water;
• top dressing with a predominance of potassium and;
• measures to keep the soil clean and loose, such as maintaining a layer of mulch.

The soil under the astilba must not be allowed to be covered with a dry crust. The plant immediately reacts to this with lethargic leaves, shedding of flowers and “holes” in lush inflorescences.

Astilba is not afraid of the cold, so in most regions it is not specially covered, but it is worth checking the mulch layer in the fall. When spring comes, mulching is done again. It will protect the sprouts from frost and simplify the care of astilba after planting the flower in the ground.

Experienced flower growers who have been growing a crop for a long time recommend removing fading inflorescences along with flower stalks. This measure will keep the astilbe strong and improve appearance the entire flower bed. Before the onset of cold weather, the aerial part of the plants is carefully cut off, leaving petioles 5–10 cm above the ground level.

Interesting about charming astilba - video

Astilba is a perennial plant from the saxifrage family. It has straight stems with spreading roots. A rather varied color of white, pink, red or purple flowers against a background of large burgundy or dark green leaves creates an incredibly beautiful openwork bush.

Variety of forms and flowering time of astilba

Astilbe comes from Asian countries. It is most often found in Japan.

The plant has an unusual and rich appearance, the saturation of which will successfully transform any site. Since its inception, there have been more than 200 different varieties high and undersized astilba, and each of them is unique in its own way, differing not only in size, but also in the splendor and color of the inflorescences. Surprisingly, the growth of the lowest species can reach only 15 cm, while high grades extend up to one and a half meters. Inflorescences resemble panicles of various lengths, on which, after flowering, small seeds are formed inside the fruit-box. A large number of Astilba species blooms in summer period. Different types suggest a variety of forms. Leaves can be serrated, long-petiolate, pinnate or simple. Its flowers can also be of various shapes: paniculate, drooping, pyramidal and rhombic.

For a quick reference, you need to know how to distinguish one or another species:

• When the lateral sprouts are located at an acute angle to the central branch, this is a rhombic flower shape;
• Pyramidal - if the lateral shoots leave the main branch at a right angle and evenly decrease towards the top.
• If the lateral shoots leave the main branch at an acute angle, decreasing towards the top, then this is a paniculate form;
• Drooping - has flexible branches.

Flowering time also varies depending on the species:

• Early flowering - in June.
• Average flowering - July.
• Late flowering - August or September.

It should be borne in mind that its development, flowering, and how long the flowering time will last depends on when it blooms.
Astilba, which blooms in July or August, develops actively and blooms for a long time in the sun and in the shade.
July varieties are recommended to allocate shaded areas of the garden, because it is during these periods that the sun is most active.

On a note! Being in the sun, the shrub blooms more magnificently and more abundantly, but less in time.

It is not necessary to rush to cut off dried inflorescences, since even in this state they look impressive and unusual. But at the end of the season, the stems are cut off at ground level, the soil is mulched.

Common plant species

Astilbe appeared in the nineteenth century, when hunters brought several of its species from Japan to European countries as an ornamental plant. Since that moment, the shrub has been the most popular among Europeans for decorating shady areas.
Flowering can occur in both shady and sunny areas of the garden. This flower pairs well with the trees, creating a striking contrast. Despite the fact that the favorite plant has more than 200 species, it is worth paying attention to the most popular of them:

• Liliput is a low hybrid plant up to 25 cm in height. Pinkish inflorescences are denser than usual, bloom in mid-summer or early August. The hybrid is popular in design small area under the window or alpine slide.
• Simple-leaved astilbe is a hybrid characterized in that it cannot long time to be without water, especially in the dry period of time, he needs abundant watering. This variety varies in height from 20 to 50 cm, its inflorescences are thinned out and create an airy appearance.
• Jump and Jive - stems not exceeding 50 cm tall, but with a strong branching of inflorescences. Its flowering begins in June or in the first days of July. This species produces deep pink flowers.
• Boogie Woogie - this variety reaches up to 70 cm. It pleases with its bright pink flowering and unusual diamond-shaped flowers in July. This variety is especially lush due to unusual shape inflorescences.

Read also: Features of transplanting and caring for amaryllis

• Japanese astilba, unlike previous species, grows up to 85 cm. It has small leaves that are distinguished by a clearly defined ornament. Its inflorescences can be white or pink in color, appear much earlier, unlike other species. The uniqueness of this species is also added by the fact that after drying, the inflorescences practically do not change shape, thereby continuing to delight with their appearance until the very middle of autumn. Japanese astilba is frost-resistant and can adapt to absolutely any conditions, thanks to this, it has gained great popularity among gardeners.
• hybrid - has big sizes and this is clear from the name, but it also has a longer flowering time - about 40 - 45 days. The varieties of this astilba are the most beautiful. They were brought out by G. Arends, so it was decided to name the group of these varieties after him. Thanks to crosses, only 40 hybrids were obtained. They can grow from 80 to 140 cm, tolerate the cold season well and take root in any soil, except infertile - sandy. Inflorescences have a pleasant, sweetish aroma and a different shade, and cone-shaped or spherical shape leaves.
• Chinese astilba - has stems with leaves of different sizes (large from the roots and small at the inflorescences), they reach a height of up to 120 cm. Inflorescences densely spaced to each other reach a length of up to 40 cm.

On a note! It is better to buy varieties that grow from 50 to 70 cm. It is these plants that tolerate the adverse climate and winter frosts well.

Important! Annually, renewed buds form at the top of the rhizome, and its lower part eventually dies off. Thus, every year it grows up to 5 cm, because of this, for a successful wintering, fertile soil must be added to the rhizome.

All types of astilba are whimsical in only one thing - in the presence of a sufficient amount of moisture, how much astilbe will bloom will also depend on this factor. This plant does not tolerate drought at all, the sun's rays evaporate moisture, thereby suppressing it. During the period of strong sunshine, astilba must be watered twice a day - in the morning and in the evening, it is also advisable to fertilize the soil and mulch. Mulching helps the soil not overheat and therefore retains moisture.

Read also: Care, reproduction of astilba and its varieties amethyst

How to propagate a flowering bush?

Astilba can reproduce in many ways:

1. By division.
2. From the kidneys.
3. cuttings.
4. Seeds.

For quick and less problematic reproduction, the method of dividing the shrub is used. It must be happening in early spring or in autumn. As a rule, perennials breed depending on the type of hybrid. Astilba, which blooms in spring, breeds in autumn and vice versa, autumn species breed in spring.

It needs to be divided once every 5 years, but those varieties that grow quickly are divided every three years. It can be in one place for up to 20 years, but the root system must be updated after some time. After transplanting (you can leave it in the same place, but dig and cut the roots), frequent watering is necessary for at least two weeks.

Reproduction by renewed buds should occur in the spring. Then new buds are cut with a small process of rhizome and planted in greenhouses or boxes. Rooting occurs within 30 days.

The most difficult propagation is cuttings. To do this, shoots of at least 15 cm are cut in the spring. Then they take root in boxes under the film, while maintaining moisture is mandatory.

The seed method is more often used by breeders, since maternal traits are rarely preserved. Seeds are sown in boxes with a sand-peat mixture. After sowing, the boxes are placed in a warm place, and seedlings can be seen after three weeks. Their development is slow, and seedlings will bloom in the third or fourth year.

The root system tolerates cold well, this makes it possible to store the roots in the refrigerator. No matter how long they stay in an unnatural environment, they take root safely in the soil.
At the end of autumn, the stems are cut off and the soil is mulched.
At optimal conditions the bush grows quite quickly. Old bushes do not have lush inflorescences, but this does not prevent them from existing for more than a dozen years.

Must be taken into account! To rejuvenate the plant, every autumn it is necessary to plant a shrub by dividing the root system. Each delenka should have a bud - this will ensure flowering next year.

Favorable place to land

The best place for the plant will be the neighborhood near the crowns of massive trees or the corners of the garden, which fall under the sun's rays for several hours a day. With north side it is desirable to protect the bushes with other plantings, buildings or hedges. This is done so that the sprouts are not subjected to frost.
Shrubs feel better when they are close to water bodies or rivers, as moist soil creates all the conditions for their lush flowering. With insufficient moisture or the wrong planting site, the plant may dry out and die.

Application in medicine

The Chinese and Japanese, having medicine located on good level, are often referred to healing properties astilbe.
The healing properties of this plant were known to the world of ancient people, whose knowledge passed into the possession of some healers, since in past centuries a small number of people had knowledge of these properties. Over time, and through repeated trials, medicinal properties found only in leaves and roots.

In modern medicine, astilbe is not popular, and its properties are not actively studied, as there is an abundance of potent herbs that have proven themselves and are used on a large scale. However, it is known that the plant has a tonic effect, so infusions from them are often taken after surgery or with impaired nervous system. Its leaves also have an antipyretic effect.

Read also: Features of growing katananhe from seeds

What can kill a lush plant?

The use of flowering astilba

The astilba shrub is colorfully overgrown, both separated from the rest of the flowers, and in a full-fledged composition. The combination of astilba of different varieties looks unique. The plant is so versatile that it can be used in any angle. A variety of colors allows you to highlight different parts of the composition. Unpretentiousness and durability allows you to plant bushes along roads, squares and shops, decorating the city in a natural way. This is not only self-respect, but also the opportunity to feel the joy of every day.
If it is not possible to plant astilba at the window - undersized varieties come to the rescue! After all, they can be planted in pots and contemplate an unusual plant every day for many years on the windowsill. This is especially useful for those who have an unlit side of the house and many plants do not grow there for this reason. For astilba, the only important condition is constant soil moisture. But growing in a pot does not mean that the plant does not need to be fed - it is advisable to apply mineral fertilizers twice a month. AT winter period the bush also needs warming.

In addition, if you decide to grow astilbe in your garden, you should know one more thing. interesting fact: recently, juicy leaves have been popular with cooks as a spice for meat dishes- this additive saturates the food with an unusual taste.
Astilbe is an unusual plant that is distinguished by aging to severe frosts and pests. It blooms magnificently without much effort, the main thing is that the soil is sufficiently moist and the shrub will delight you for more than one year. This plant is great for a beginner gardener. Thus, a properly planted and fed astilba will delight you for quite a long period of time.

Astilba is very much appreciated by professional flower growers and amateurs for its lush and long flowering and unpretentiousness. Spreading bushes look impressive even when not in bloom - juicy green leaves of beautiful shape will decorate any garden. In this article, you will learn all about how to grow astilba on the site.

Astilbe looks very original and rich, and during flowering it transforms the entire area. This is an ornamental plant with double or triple-dissected leaves of dark green color, located on cuttings of a red hue. Flower growers prefer astilbe not only because of its lush flowering, but also because, unlike many other flowers, it is able to grow in the constant shade of trees, giving a bright and colorful bloom. However, excessive dimming will not benefit even her. Ideally, you should plant flowers in lacy shade. Astilba is able to endure harsh Russian winters, it is practically not susceptible to diseases, and even most insect pests bypass it. Ideal for the beginner gardener. Astilba is a perennial plant native to Japan and Asia. In total, more than 200 varieties are known, each of which differs in size, splendor of flowering and color of flowers. Its growth can vary from 15 cm (Lilliput variety) to 150 cm (Arends hybrids). The flowers are collected in panicles from 10 to 50 cm long, after flowering they form fruit-boxes with very small seeds inside. Almost all astilba varieties bloom from June to August. The ground part of the astilbe dies off during the cold season, and the root waits out the winter and in the spring gives the next offspring. Every spring, buds appear at the top of the roots, giving an annual growth of 3 to 5 cm, and the lower part eventually dies off. To ensure comfortable development of new buds, after the death of the ground part, soil is poured onto the exposed rhizome. Astilba varieties As we said above, the breeders fell in love with the lush astilbe, so much so that they bred more than 200 varieties. We will not list the advantages of each of them, but will focus on the most popular and beautiful. Useful advice: for growing astilba, it is recommended to buy varieties whose height is 50-70 cm. Such large plants better tolerate adverse climatic conditions and wintering. Astilba Arendsa This is a whole range of astilbes, represented by 40 hybrid varieties that appeared as a result of crossing David's high astilbe. They are characterized by well-developed bushes up to 150 cm high. They can have a spherical or conical shape with lush foliage. Inflorescences can be completely various 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 were brought out by G. Arends, so they decided to name a group of hybrids in his honor. For example, Astilba Gloria is a perennial up to 80 cm tall during the flowering period. She tolerates without problems. cold winter and can grow on almost any soil, with the exception of infertile sandy ones. Differs in fluffy pink inflorescences in the form of a rhombus, openwork foliage and a delicate sweetish aroma. Gloria loves water, so it is recommended to plant her on the banks of a stream or an artificial reservoir. Boogie Woogie is another hybrid variety, growing by 65-70 cm. In July, it pleases the eye with bright pink diamond-shaped inflorescences, which give the plant a magnificent shape. Jump and Jive - astilbe up to 50 cm high, blooming in late June and early July. Produces highly branched dark pink inflorescences that contrast effectively with the succulent foliage. Lilliput is a low hybrid up to 25 cm tall. Dense pinkish-salmon inflorescences bloom in mid-July-early August. Liliput is perfect for decorating an alpine slide or small flower garden under the window. Chinese astilba Chinese astilba can grow up to 110 cm, has large leaves at the roots and smaller ones closer to the inflorescences. It blooms in very densely clustered inflorescences up to 35 cm long with small purple flowers (rarely white or pinkish). There are also undersized forms of Chinese astilba up to 25 cm tall and varieties with pyramidal inflorescences. This type of plant feels comfortable in unshaded sunny areas and in partial shade. The most beautiful varieties are Purpurlanze, Vision in Pink, Vision in Red. Japanese astilba Japanese astilba 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 the flower garden until mid-autumn. The Japanese astilba is one of the hybrids bred by Arends in 1837. Since then, several more varieties have been cultivated that are frost-resistant and take root well in any conditions. The most famous varieties: Deutschland, Rheinland, Europe and Montgomery with scarlet and burgundy inflorescences. simple astilbe The simple-leaved hybrid does not tolerate arid climates quite well and needs regular and plentiful watering. The bush grows by 20-50 cm and gives air thinned inflorescences. by the most beautiful varieties Praecox Alba (white lush "candles", Bronze Elegans (gentle bronze inflorescences) and Straussenfeder (tall plant up to 90 cm with coral flowers) are considered. Reproduction of astilba Breeding astilba at home is quite easy. It reproduces vegetatively and seed way. With vegetative, it is permissible to divide the bush and reproduce by kidneys. And if vegetative way suitable for beginner gardeners, then seed makes it possible to obtain new varieties of astilba. Reproduction by seeds Astilba seeds are in boxes that replace 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 container 15 cm deep with a sand-peat mixture in a ratio of 1: 1, a centimeter layer of snow is placed 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, astilba sprouts are rearranged in a bright place with a constant temperature of about + 20C. Seedlings should be watered very carefully, using a syringe without a needle and directing the jet to the very root. When the seedlings get a little stronger and get 2-3 real leaves, plant them in small pots. Important: varietal astilbes cannot be propagated by seed, since hybrids are not able to maintain their features. Plants grown in this way are used only in breeding. However, if you come across quality varietal seeds, there is a chance for successful cultivation using the technology described above. Reproduction by dividing the bush Most often, astilba is propagated by dividing the bush. This is a very simple and effective way. How to split a bush: Carefully excavate the earth around the plant with a radius of 15-20 cm and take out a clod of earth along with the root. Shake off excess soil to expose roots. With a sharp knife, cut the root into several parts, while each piece should have at least 4 buds. Remove the dried rhizome. Plant the plants 30 cm apart and provide moderate daily watering. If you divide the bush in early March, then by the fall the astilbe will already delight you lush bloom. Reproduction by the kidneys Renal reproduction is considered the most fast way. The operation should be performed in the spring, when the shoots are just starting to grow. Carefully cut off the buds from the beginning of the rhizome and sprinkle the cut on the handle with wood ash or charcoal so that the infection does not get inside. Plant the cuttings in a 3:1 peat-gravel mixture and cover with clear plastic wrap to create a greenhouse effect. Before planting astilba in open ground, it must get stronger and begin to develop. You can plant plants in the garden in the fall or next spring. Astilbe planting Planting astilbe in open ground and caring for it do not require special time and skills. The main thing is to choose the optimal location and immediately provide the proper conditions. Plants should be planted in late May-early June in the northern part of the garden in the sparse 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 astilba next to it. The soil is better to choose loamy light and fertile. The acidity should be from 5.5 to 6.5 pH (if necessary, add dolomite flour or wood ash to reduce acidity). If hostas grow next to the astilba, their large leaves will not allow it to overheat in the hot summer. When choosing a place to plant flowers, you should consider the flowering time of different varieties. So, astilbe, blooming in July, prefers shaded areas, and early and late varieties feel equally comfortable both in the shade and in the open sun. In principle, any soil is suitable for astilbe, but if you want to get a luxurious and long flowering, you should choose a place where groundwater lies close to the surface. You should also take care of the saturation of the soil with potassium and phosphorus. When making beds for reproduction, apply complex fertilizers at 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. With kidney propagation, soil mulching should be carried out by 3 cm. How is astilbe planted: Dig up the area and remove all weeds, including rhizomes. Fertilize the soil with compost, rotted peat or manure, adding 2 buckets per 1 sq. m. Carry out liming if necessary dolomite flour(if the soil is acidic, it is better to do this in the fall). Dig holes 30 cm deep and 30 cm apart. Apply fertilizer and fill them with water. Plant the sprouts and cover them in such a way that the thickness of the soil layer above the buds is at least 4 cm. Compact the ground and mulch with peat or humus. astilbe care Caring for astilba is as easy as propagating and planting. Her main feature is that the rhizome grows upward, and does not rush deep into, as in other plants. On the contrary, the lower processes die off over time. And if you do not provide the new roots with good nutrition, the flower will die. Therefore, it is necessary to sprinkle bare rhizomes with soil annually and not allow them to dry out. The main requirement for care is regular watering. Periodic mulching of the soil will not only protect the rhizomes from overheating in the sun, but also allow you to control the appearance of weeds and foreign plants. Keep in mind that the frequency and abundance of watering depend on the variety of astilba, so carefully study the features of the selected type. During the formation of inflorescences, all varieties need enhanced watering, and if the summer turned out to be very hot, then it is better to water the flowers 2 times a day - early morning before sunrise and in the evening after sunset. It is logical to assume that if every year a little bit of rhizomes are sprinkled with earth, then over time a small mound will grow in the garden, so astilba must be replanted every 7-10 years. The plant should be fed in early spring, applying nitrogen fertilizers, in July - potash, and at the end of flowering - phosphorus. After each top dressing, the soil must be mulched and loosened. plant pests Since the astilbe was "born" far beyond the borders of Russia, it has no natural enemies here, but some local insects still like it. There are not many of them, but still they can cause significant damage to the flower crop. The first pest of astilba is pennitsa. This is a small flying insect that secretes a saliva-like foamy substance and lays larvae there. As a result, due to the specific chemical composition of these secretions and the vital activity of the larvae, astilbe leaves wrinkle and become covered with yellow spots. From this, the plant partially fades or completely dies. Garden chemistry helps to get rid of pennitsa - aktara, rogor, karbofos or confidor. Two other pests belong to the genus of nematodes - gall and strawberry nematodes. Strawberry settles on leaves and in flowers, as a result of which they wrinkle and become covered with brown spots, the plant slows down growth, fades and dies. Astilba: photo Finally, we suggest that you see how you can organize a flower garden with the participation of various varieties of astilba.

This perennial culture grows beautifully and decorates a shady garden with its unusual flowers. In this article, we will figure out how to plant and care for astilba in the open field. Observing simple rules agricultural technology, you can achieve excellent results in the cultivation of this plant.

Description of the plant - varieties and varieties

Astilba is a rhizomatous perennial of the saxifrage family. In summer, curly bushes with lovely inflorescences are very decorative; in winter, the herbaceous aerial part of the plant dies off. Different varieties plants have different heights - from 8 cm to 2 m. Astilba leaves are pinnate, complexly dissected, green or brownish in color. There are varieties with white, pink and lilac flowers.

Astilba has many shades

Astilba flowering begins in early summer and lasts for about a month. During this period, the plant is most decorative. Astilbes with curly inflorescences - panicles - serve as a wonderful decoration for park areas, gardens, squares and are often used to decorate areas in landscape design.

The culture is characterized by high resistance in winter: rhizomes withstand wintering at temperatures down to -37°C without the threat of freezing.

Important! When grown outdoors, astilba prefers moist, nutrient soil and uniform periodic watering. Subject to this condition, caring for a flower crop does not present any particular difficulties.

Distribution areas of natural astilba species

In nature, the plant is found in Japan, America and East Asia. In Russia, the range of the plant is Far East, where there are 2 types of astilba natural varieties.

All modern cultivated varieties of flower culture belong to the species - Arends' astilba. Medium-sized and tall forms of the plant bloom with bright inflorescences of pink or white flowers with numerous transitions and shades.

Astilbe in landscape design

In landscape design, astilbe hybrid cultivars are widely used. During flowering, the 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 you to perfectly shade lawns during flowering and coniferous crops. The combination of plants with different color tones enlivens the areas of park plantings.

An interesting view of Astilbe Thunberg, which has drooping brushes of yellowish or pink flowers that are not characteristic of the species.

Early-flowering astilbes of a wide range of colors of white and pink tone belong to the species "Japanese Astilba". This type of astilba is highly decorative.

Astilba: planting and care

When planting plants, the quality of the planting material is of great importance. In order for the survival rate of plants to be one hundred percent, it is worth considering some requirements for rhizomes intended for planting.

Astilbe planting

Important! Astilbe rhizomes should not have dead, rotten parts. Overdrying or excessive wetting of planting material during storage is not allowed. Young shoots should not be elongated, bent and crumpled.

Of course, specimens with elongated sprouts can also take root, but then the plant can lose its decorative effect and get sick for a long time.

Choosing a comfortable place for a flower

It should be remembered that astilbe is a plant for partial shade, bright sunlight is detrimental to it. It is undesirable to plant a flower culture on open, unprotected from sunlight spaces.

In addition, flowers do not respond well to areas with a high level of ground water and stagnant water. This leads to wetting and decay of the rhizomes. Growing 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.

Planting astilba in open ground: determine the size of the pits

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 astilba should be freely placed in landing pit, while deepening the bush or filling the growing point with soil is not allowed. 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 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 about 3-5 cm in height per year. Plant care measures are reduced to adding soil under the exposed parts of the rhizome. fertile soil 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 gravel) on top planting soil. In winter, mulch on the ground surface helps protect tender rhizomes from freezing.

The combination and preservation of the soil in a wet state is the key to plant health and lush flowering.

Astilbe care is very simple.

The decorativeness of the plant is maintained 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 decorating territories.

Fertilizer and top dressing

The application of fertilizers under astilba bushes during planting has already been mentioned above.

For the full development of the plant, regular feeding is required. complex fertilizers. Considering that astilbe can grow in one place without transplanting and dividing rhizomes for more than 5 years, plants should be fed with nitrogen fertilizers from the beginning of spring. This helps the rapid growth of new foliage on overwintered bushes.

Do not forget to feed astilba with mineral fertilizers

During flowering, the crop needs to be fertilized with phosphorus, and by the end of flowering - with potash fertilizers. This will help increase the timing and splendor of flowering, and also stimulates the formation of full-fledged seeds.

Plant propagation

Reproduction by seeds

To preserve the decorativeness and varietal characteristics of the plant, perennial propagation by seeds is not accepted. Crops grown from seeds often do not correspond to the declared varietal characteristics:

• have a changed color;
• sparse flower brushes;
• low decorative effect;
• short flowering periods.

For seed propagation, only high-quality seeds of varietal selection can be used.

astilbe seed sprouts

The seeds of the plant are sown on the surface of moistened soil, without covering. For accelerated germination support high humidity(you can cover the crops with glass or keep them in a greenhouse). Growing astilbe seedlings comes down to timely watering of seedlings. At this time, it is especially dangerous to overdry 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 cultural practice consists of 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. Seedlings obtained from stratified seeds are distinguished by excellent survival and rapid growth.

Reproduction of astilba by dividing the bush

The vegetative method of propagation of astilba (dividing a bush) is the most reliable and familiar to flower growers. mother plant dig out with care, trying not to damage the tender rhizome. With a sharp knife, the rhizome is divided into parts with 2-3 buds. Slices are sprinkled with crushed coal.

The division of the astilba bush

Planting material is laid out in the prepared furrow and the soil is moistened. Excellent results when planting delenok are achieved with the use of root stimulants. Care for young plants includes regular watering and loosening the soil.

Planting of astilba delenok can be carried out in early spring, already in March. With this method of reproduction, the first flowering of young plants will begin in early autumn.

Division by the kidneys

Perennial reproduction is carried out in another way, which is considered the fastest - by bud division. In the spring, with the beginning of the vegetation of the plant, the renewal buds are separated with a sharp knife. The cuttings are planted in a greenhouse with moist soil mixed with coarse sand or gravel, after dusting the cut points 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 stretches for almost a year.

Diseases and pests

Keep your plants healthy. If pests appear, immediately start fighting them.

Astilba attracts not only with its decorative effect, the plant is practically not damaged by pests and diseases. The rhizomes of some crops can occasionally be affected by root-knot 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 also necessary to remove part of the soil that was in 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 the plant in the open field is the slobber penny. The affected plant feels oppressed, the development of the leaf mass slows down. Prevention 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 panicles plants look great near conifers with their monotonous greenery. Such a neighborhood is very preferable for astilba: the conifers provide protection from the sun to the bushes.

The combination of astilbe of different colors in landscape design

Astilbe bushes are in perfect harmony with late, irises, hostas, periwinkle. Single plantings of astilba on a green lawn in the shade are very decorative.

In landscape design, when 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 ornamental plants does not constitute absolutely no difficulties and consists in timely watering.

How to plant astilba: video

Astilba: photo

At the dacha, more and more often the eye is attracted by such beautiful plant like astilba. It is successfully grown by both amateurs and professional flower growers. The perennial plant has decorative foliage and a beautiful panicle inflorescence, so it can become a garden decoration for many years.

Astilba is a member of the Saxifrage family. The word is translated as "very brilliant" due to the special brilliance of the leaves. The plant develops in the form of a bush with different heights - from 20 cm to 2 m. The inflorescences also have different heights depending on the variety and can reach from 8 to 60 cm in length. Shades of flowers are purple, pink, red in a variety of variations. The flowering period is June-September. The seeds are in a small box.

The inflorescence can be formed various form, therefore, astilba is distinguished drooping, pyramidal and rhombic.

One way to classify astilba is based on the height of an adult bush. There are such types:

• Dwarf varieties - up to 30 cm.
• Low-growing varieties - up to 60 cm.
• Medium height - up to 90 cm.
• Tall - 1.2-2 m.

Astilba in its kind has about 400 different species, but the harsh Russian climate allows you to grow only a small part of them. On the summer cottages you can find these varieties:

Astilba Arendsa- got its name in honor of the famous scientist. It belongs to a tall variety with an inflorescence length of about 1.5 m. Flowering is long, shades of flowers vary from white to rich burgundy;

Chinese astilba- inflorescences are rarely more than 0.4 m long. The variety is unpretentious and has a drooping bush structure. Panicle shades come in red, white, or pink;

Japanese astilba- refers to dwarf species, reaching a maximum height of 0.4 m. It prefers constantly moist soil, therefore it can become an ornament to both natural and artificial reservoirs. The structure of the bush is drooping;

simple astilbe- most frost-resistant variety, shades of flowers are white, yellow or cream;

Astilba Tunbrga- refers to a pyramidal species, a sprawling bush, densely covered with foliage. The variety is tall, belongs to a moisture-loving species, therefore it is suitable for decorating reservoirs.

Astilbe is unpretentious plant to growing conditions, but to obtain the most lush bush and abundant flowering should be respected certain rules its cultivation.

Site selection and soil requirements

Astilbe grows well in brightly lit areas, but without direct sunlight. It also should not be planted in dense shade, especially under garden trees, since their root system will have a depressing effect on the plant.

Depending on the variety, the level of soil moisture is regulated. So some types of astilba are best grown near water bodies. Light shade is best tolerated by varieties with white inflorescences.

Astilba is suitable for creating alpine slides. It can be successfully combined in the neighborhood with lilies of the valley, hosta, goryanka, bergenia, tulips. The choice of foreground or background planting is carried out depending on the tallness of the variety.

Astilba will show good growth in almost any soil, but it will not be superfluous to make it looser and apply organic fertilizers.

Time and landing technology

Shrubs are planted in the spring, from the end of March to the beginning of May. If the transplant is done in the fall, then this must be done long before the onset of the first frost, otherwise the plant will take root poorly and die.

The bush is planted in a pre-prepared hole in such a way that root collar plants were not covered with earth. Between the bushes leave a distance of at least half a meter.

The planted bush is watered abundantly, and the hole is covered with a thick layer of mulch so that moisture lingers in the soil for a long time, and also in order to protect the root system from overheating by the sun's rays.

The main thing to follow the rule of caring for astilba is to constantly keep the soil moist. Drying out of the substrate is detrimental to the plant. Periodically, the soil is loosened and fertilizers containing phosphorus and potassium are applied to it. Nitrogen top dressing for the whole season is made only once - before flowering.

After each loosening, the soil surface should be covered with a thick layer of mulch.

A young plant with a small root system can be oppressed by weeds, so the bush will need regular weeding. As the astilbe grows and develops, this is no longer necessary.

Transplantation and formation of a bush

Astilba tolerates the process of transplanting it to a new place well. The plant needs to be repotted once every 5 years. If this is not done, then the root system will come close to the surface of the soil and begin to dry, and the plant itself may die. With a new transplant, the bush is deepened by 5 cm.

If astilbe was grown from seeds, then an early transplant will only harm it, since the root system of such a plant forms slowly. It is not at all necessary to change the place during transplantation, you can simply dig up the plant, pour fertilizer into the hole and plant the bush back, deepening it by 5 cm.

The bush does not need additional pruning, as it independently forms the necessary crown. Only occasionally do you need to remove dried leaves and stems, as well as wilted flower stalks.

Astilba flower can be successfully propagated by one of the following methods.

The division of the bush

The procedure is carried out in the spring when an adult plant is transplanted. In each plot, two or more buds should remain. As a result of the division, we have several full-fledged plants with an independent developed root system. The place of division of the bush is covered with ash or charcoal for disinfection.

Budding (or cuttings)

Reproduction by budding is carried out in the spring. One kidney is separated from an adult bush and planted in a greenhouse. After the cutting takes root, it is kept at home until next spring, after which it is planted in open ground.

Sowing seeds

The least preferred method, since the seeds are quite small, difficult to work with, besides, they are characterized by low germination. You can activate the seed germination process in the following way. To do this, the seeds are kept for 20 days at an ambient temperature of +4 to -4 degrees. After this period, they are placed in warm room for 3 days.

For sowing, use a container containing a substrate from a mixture of peat and sand. Seeds are scattered on its surface. It is not necessary to cover with a layer of soil. The greenhouse is ventilated daily and moistened with a spray bottle. Keep in a bright place at a high temperature. To cover the greenhouse, I use glass or a transparent plastic film.

The first shoots can be observed on the 21-28th day. As soon as the first pair of leaves is formed, astilba dive. Propagation by seeds is the least preferred method, since the resulting plant specimens can turn out with unexpected panicle color, low decorative leaves, weak and short flowering.

Proper care helps to grow a healthy and strong astilba, which will easily endure wintering and low temperatures, and in spring and summer will again please the gardener good growth and lush blooms.

Peduncles that have already withered should be cut off in time so that they do not take excess moisture from the bush and nutrients. The only exceptions are those flower stalks from which the gardener plans to receive seeds in the future.

With the onset of late autumn until the first frost, ground pruning of the entire bush is carried out. Astilba is a frost-resistant plant, therefore it does not need additional covering material. To protect from frost, it will only need snow cover. If winter in certain areas of the country passes without snow, then astilba can be covered thin layer spruce branches, straw, fallen leaves.

Diseases and pests

Astilba is a resistant plant to pests and various diseases. With improper care, its root system can dry out, which will lead to wilting of the leaves.

Among insect pests, astilba most often affects:

• Pennitsa drooling - leads to yellowing and falling of leaves;
• The gall nematode infects the roots of the plant, it stops blooming, then dies. You can cope with the pest with the help of phytoverm. If the pest does not die from exposure to the poison, then the affected bush will need to be destroyed along with the root system, otherwise the disease will spread to healthy plants. In the place where the infected bush grows, it is not recommended to plant healthy bushes during the first few years.
• Strawberry nematode - affects the leaves of the plant, leads to the formation of brown spots. You can fight it with an insecticide.
• Cicadas draw juice from the plant, causing it to become covered with light spots. It is destroyed with the help of such poisons as aktara, karbofos.

Astilba needs closer care for the first two years of life. In the future, it will not require much attention to itself, but will delight with lush flowering and beautiful decorative foliage.

Astilba: cultivation, care and reproduction (video)