Astilba is easy to care for, but it has its own whims. This plant is very water-loving. When she is constantly thirsty, she will not be happy and healthy, especially in the sun. Without moisture, the stems and tips of the leaves begin to dry out. The best place for the development of astilba is partial shade, near water bodies, in places of high air humidity. There astilba feels great, grows and develops wonderfully. But the rhizome grows every year and comes out of the ground 3-5 cm upward. They struggle with this adding soil to the rhizome or dividing and replanting the plant.

Although Astilbe has adapted to the frosts of Russia, she is afraid of the spring icing. Since it germinates very early in the spring, every year its leaves are frozen. You can put up with this. After this bad weather, the leaves will grow again, although flowering may begin later and be less lush. Or you can cover the bushes in several layers with non-woven material. If possible, planting astilba for the winter should be insulated with a material such as spruce branches.

Location in the garden

Astilba loves semi-shady, moist places, develops well in open areas, if constantly moistened and mulched with peat or leaf humus, grows poorly in dry areas. In cold winters without snow, old bushes freeze over and die. Without dividing and replanting, placing them in one place can be no more than 4-5 years, or even 3 years with large growth. Astilba is propagated by dividing bushes that have one or more faded stems that have replacement buds at the base and root segment. The pieces of roots that remain after cutting are also suitable for reproduction: new shoots will develop from their dormant buds. The old root hardens and separates with great difficulty. Separation can be done in spring or late August. Can also be propagated by seeds. They are sown in February or March in some room, the ground is not covered, the soil is moistened with a spray bottle; after 2-3 weeks, small shoots will appear.
The main care for astilba is as follows: weeding, loosening, abundant watering, which does not allow the top layer of the earth to dry out, since young roots develop in it, it is also necessary to remove faded inflorescences.

Watering

The plant is very hygrophilous. To get long and lush inflorescences, astilba should be watered abundantly in August-September, and for the splendor of the inflorescences, the soil should be mulched in May.
Astilbe does not tolerate drought very well. Soil without nutrients, open sun, along with a lack of watering will surely destroy the plant. To avoid this, it is necessary to water astilba 2 times a day - in the morning and in the evening.
In addition to watering, the plant needs fertile soil, dense planting and mulching. Astilba does not tolerate overheating of the upper part of the roots, mulching in this case reduces temperature and moisture loss, and helps to maintain the looseness of the soil.

Fertilizers and feeding

This plant requires a sufficient amount of phosphorus and potassium in the soil.
Astilbe can be grown in the same place for 5-6 years, but at proper care the plant can grow without transplanting in one area for up to 20 years, although the inflorescences will still become smaller. To save decorative view plants need annual feeding - in the spring, after regrowth, fertilizers with a predominance of nitrogen are recommended, and then after flowering or in autumn, fertilizers with potassium and phosphorus are needed - 20-25 g of active ingredient per plant. After feeding, carefully loosen the soil and then mulch.

Astilba flower serves as a wonderful decoration for parks and gardens, it is placed in separate groups on the tops of trees and shrubs, on rabatki, mixborders, lawns. Used as a cutting material for bouquets and flower arrangements.

For the purpose of distillation, the roots of Astilba are harvested in the fall and stored in pots or pots in a cold, non-freezing place until early December, then transferred to a cool place (10-12 C), then to a greenhouse, abundantly and often watered, sprinkled with warm water, I also use warm baths (25 C).

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Astilba is one of the popular garden plants. Its prevalence is explained by lush, long flowering and resistance to high soil moisture. Large, spreading bushes always look very impressive.

Astilba is a herbaceous plant native to East Asian countries and North America. The genus contains about 40 species, which are subdivided into at least 400 varieties.

Plant height is 15-200 cm, depending on the variety. The inflorescences are quite long: from 10 to 60 cm. Flowers can have different shades: white, purple, pink and red. Flowering is observed from June to August.

In fact, this is a rhizome plant, in which the ground part dies off at the beginning of winter. Astilba leaves are simple, long-petiolate or toothed reddish or dark green hue. The rhizome is dense or loose. Every year, several buds appear on the plant, and its lower part dies off. Astilba is growing rapidly. So, over the course of a year, its height increases by 4 cm, therefore, with the onset of winter, it is necessary to add some soil.

Landing

Growing astilba is not a hassle. Plants are planted from May to June in the northern part of the site. It must be remembered that the bushes do not need a lot of light... A diffused shadow works best. Thanks to the creation of such conditions, it will be possible to achieve stable, long flowering, although the gloria variety and others with white flowers feel good in the sun. Of course, in this case, the flowering will be shorter, but much more intense. Early and late varieties grow well in sun and shade. The ideal option for all varieties is the proximity of water, for example, a pool or a fountain.

Almost any soil is suitable for astilba. In order to bloom for a long time, it is better to give preference to a place with a high level groundwater, insofar as the bushes do not tolerate a long drought... V top layer the soil should be rich in phosphorus and potassium. Loamy soil with an acidity of 5.5-6.5 is also suitable.

Many gardeners choose astilba for their plots. Growing a plant requires preliminary preparation. So, before planting, it is important to dig up the area, remove weeds and rhizomes from other plants. Further, the soil is fertilized with compost, rotted peat or rotted manure. For 1 m², you will need about 2 buckets of fertilizer. Then you need to dig holes 20 cm deep at a distance of 30 cm. In each you need to pour 1 spoon of mineral fertilizer and 0.5 cups of ash. Here you need to carefully place the root of the plant. All plants follow mulch with peat or humus... A layer of 3-5 cm will be sufficient. Thanks to mulching, it will be possible to avoid overheating and maintain the looseness and moisture of the soil.

Reproduction

Experts highlight 3 ways of plant propagation:

• Dividing the bush... This is the most common and common way. So, you need to carefully dig out the bush and remove all the leaves. Then cutting into several sections is performed, each of which should have 3-5 buds. The dead rhizome must be removed. All plants are planted in the ground. At the same time, there should be a distance of 30 cm between them. It is recommended to divide the division at the beginning of spring. Thanks to this early reproduction, the first flowers will appear in the fall.
• Reproduction by kidneys... This is the most quick way... With the beginning of spring, when the shoots begin to grow, they should be carefully cut off along with part of the rhizome. The slices themselves are sprinkled with coal powder or ash. The shoots are placed in a container with peat and gravel in a ratio of 3: 1, and then covered with foil. Astilba can be planted in the fall or wait for the next spring.
• Seed propagation... This method is not suitable for propagation of varietal plants, since they are unable to maintain the characteristics of the variety. However, astilba can be grown by purchasing quality seeds. They are sown in moist soil without deepening into the soil. To accelerate growth, stratification is preliminarily carried out. So, the seeds are harvested in a cold place, where the temperature does not exceed + 4º C, and after 20 days, the container with planting material is transferred to a warm, lighted room, where temperature regime maintained at 18-20ºC. In spring, the plant can be planted in open ground in a darkened area.

Care

Caring for astilbe is pretty simple. The plant loves water, so for him it is very regular abundant watering is important... Even if the soil is slightly dry, this can negatively affect the decorative properties. For example, the inflorescences will become smaller and the leaves will begin to wither.

It must be remembered that Astilbe is adapted to severe frosts, but spring temperature drops can be destructive. Therefore, the bushes need to be covered with any natural material in several layers, and between individual plants it is worth mulching the soil using pine needles.

To preserve the beauty of Astilba, fertilizer should be applied... Peat or compost is suitable for dry soil, and complex additives for wet soil. Immediately after flowering, you need to add a phosphorus-potassium composition. Feeding with nitrogen is carried out after frost. May-June is ideal. It is best to give preference to urea with added potassium or ammonium nitrate... For 10 liters of water, you will need about 2 tablespoons of fertilizer. Pour about 0.5 liters of the finished solution under the bush. Potassium chloride is undesirable.

Some gardeners prefer to use an infusion made from weeds, namely dandelions. Other specialists choose AVA fertilizer. It is applied three times a year, 1 teaspoon around the roots. It must be remembered that nitrogen is not present in this fertilizer, therefore, at the beginning of spring, the soil should be watered with Gumi solution or buoy fertilizer.

One the bush lives for about 5 years... After that, the plant needs a transplant. If you wish, do not dig out the bush, but separate part of it, process the cut, and then fill the vacated space with soil.

Combination with plants

Astilba looks very good in mixed flower beds located in a darkened area. Better neighbors hosts are counted. In sunny areas, bushes are often combined with daylilies. If you choose varieties with different flowering periods, then you can create a flower garden, which will delight the eye for a very long time.

Astilba goes well with flowers that love shade. For example, these are incense, hellebore and podophyllum. You can also plant lilies of the valley, irises, hornbeam, late tulips in the neighborhood.

Main varieties

The number of hybrid varieties of astilba is about 200 copies... The most popular are:

• Astilba arensa... Vigorous bushes reach a height of 100 cm. They have a pyramidal shape, dark green leaves and white, red, pink or lilac inflorescences. Flowering is observed during the month: from July to August.
• Chinese astilba... The height of the bush reaches 1 m. Distinctive feature the presence of large leaves at the root. The inflorescences are quite dense, and the small flowers have a pronounced lilac shade. There are also white and pink flowers.
• Japanese astilba... These are short plants with compact openwork leaves. The inflorescences are white or pink. They bloom quite early. Moreover, even after flowering, such a bush will decorate the site.
• Astilba common... Small plants are distinguished by their showy flowers. At the same time, it must be remembered that they do not tolerate well high fever and dry air.

Almost all varieties of astilba are not afraid of pests and diseases. So, in the course of numerous studies, not a single insect or disease was found that would significantly damage the plant. Thanks to this, the care and cultivation of the bush is greatly simplified.

Astilba is quite unpretentious and can grow on any type of soil, but it develops best on slightly acidic loose soils, filled with organic fertilizers. Peat is best used to mulch the soil around the plant.

If astilbe is planted from the very beginning in a properly filled hole, then they can be practically not fertilized, since the bush needs to be divided once every 3-5 years, transplanting to a new place. However, under favorable conditions, astilbe bushes can grow in one place for 15-20 years.

Humus and 25-30 g of complex fertilizer are applied under each bush. After planting and watering, the soil surface is mulched with peat.

The feeding scheme for astilba bushes largely depends on the degree of soil moisture. So, if the soil is dry, then it is undesirable to apply mineral fertilizers, it is better to provide the nutrition necessary for the plant by adding compost and peat.

If the soil is sufficiently moist, every spring after the regrowth of the shoots, it is necessary to add a solution of a mixture of nitrogen fertilizers (20 g of complex fertilizer and 10 g of urea per 10 l of water).

The second feeding is carried out with phosphorus-potassium fertilizer (20-25 g of substance per plant) immediately after flowering. In early autumn, the soil around the bush is mulched abundantly with peat and rotted compost. This measure will allow less often to rejuvenate plantings by dividing the bush.

How to feed astilba in the spring before flowering. Planting astilba in the spring in the ground and caring for flowers in the garden

How to feed astilba in the spring before flowering. Planting astilba in the spring in the ground and caring for flowers in the garden

Astilba- herbaceous perennial, which in nature grows mainly in mountainous regions with a monsoon climate, at an altitude of up to 4800 m.The plant is characterized by hardiness and rather high winter hardiness, therefore, in most climatic zones it normally tolerates a cold period and does not require careful preparing for winter.

Like most garden plants, Astilba needs especially careful care in the year of planting. In order for the bush to turn out healthy and strong, and to endure the coming winter well, you should not let it bloom. If you remove the peduncles, all the forces of the plant will go to rooting and the formation of buds on the rhizome. In addition, until the astilbe has matured, the soil around it needs to be weeded. Over time, the bush will grow, displace the weeds, and the need for weeding will disappear.

It is important to know that new buds form in the upper part of the rhizome, and the annual vertical growth is 3 - 5 cm. Therefore, when growing astilba, it is recommended to use pre-winter mulching, which will help protect young buds, creating favorable conditions for wintering. In autumn, the bushes are sprinkled with crushed bark, well-decomposed compost or peat. If this is not done, the upper part of the rhizome with renewal buds is exposed, and young adventitious roots may freeze during the cold period. After wintering, such a plant remains weakened, its inflorescences become smaller, the duration and abundance of flowering, as well as the decorativeness of the leaves, decrease.

In the middle lane astilba does not need winter shelter. Among shade-tolerant perennials, it occupies one of the leading places in cold resistance. Healthy adult plants tolerate wintering quite well, so mulching is sufficient for them. The most dangerous are late spring frosts, which can damage the upper part of the rhizome. But, if during the growing season astilbe grew in favorable conditions, in the spring, renewing from dormant buds, they practically do not lose their decorative effect.

Old specimens become less resistant to negative weather factors. In the fourth - fifth year after planting, the viability of astilbe decreases. The rhizome growing vertically is gradually bare, and even hilling with mulching will not be able to protect it from damage by snowless frosts. If in the fall it was not possible to rejuvenate old specimens, they will have to be insulated with a light cover. To do this, you can choose one of the traditional methods used for clematis, hydrangeas and other plants that require shelter. In the fall, after pruning the bush, a light metal or wooden frame... The space inside the frame is filled with leaves, and spunbond or lutrasil is stretched over it from above. To protect against moisture, the entire structure is covered with plastic wrap, which is pressed to the ground with bricks. Any other shelter option is also suitable, providing protection from frost and preventing water from entering the bushes, which often causes the death of plants in the cold season.

The main factor necessary for the normal development of astilba is timely and sufficient hydration. When growing it, regular watering is the most important agricultural technique. Therefore, plants that survived dry and hot summers will leave weakened in winter. It is recommended to insulate them, especially in those regions, which are characterized by frosts without snow or frequent alternation of frosts and thaws.

For healthy specimens of astilba preparing for winter consists in several simple operations. The aerial part of the plant dies off during the cold season, therefore, with the onset of autumn frosts, astilbe is cut to the level of the soil. The base of the bush is spud to a height of 3 - 4 cm so that young buds are not exposed. Then the rhizome is mulched with peat or humus. This is enough for a safe wintering, since all types and varieties of astilbe are winter-hardy and do not require more thorough protection.

As an additional nutrition in the autumn, it is recommended to use potash and phosphorus fertilizers, which increase the frost resistance of plants. Application rate - 20 - 25 grams of active ingredient for each bush. Astilba prefers fertile soil rich in humus. Therefore, for its abundant flowering next year, as well as for a higher decorative effect of the leaves, organic fertilization can be applied. It decomposes slowly, turning into accessible forms that the plant will begin to use with the onset of the growing season.

Astilba appreciated by gardeners for its unpretentiousness and ease of care. When preparing Astilba for the cold season, the main rule should be remembered: the stronger the plant leaves in winter, the better it will tolerate it.

In every garden there are corners where the sun rarely looks, and the land is not very good there. What to plant in these inconveniences? Pay attention to astilba: it is unpretentious, decorative at any time, does not creep around the garden, is content with little care.

Not a plant, but a reward. And as it blooms - it feels like clouds have fallen into the garden - so airy, graceful and fragrant astilba inflorescences!

It is no coincidence that it is called the best flower of shady gardens. She will bring a color glint to a rocky flower bed, set off the strict greenery of conifers, organically and delicately fit into the hosta plantings.

The most problematic period in the life of any plant is winter. How to prepare an oriental beauty for the Russian frosts so that she pleases with her beauty for more than one season, we will tell you in detail in this article.

This perennial flower is very common in Japan, East Asia, and North America. Its habitat is along rivers and on the banks of reservoirs, in shaded areas with high humidity.

Despite its tropical origin, astilba tolerates well low temperatures due to the fact that with the onset of winter, the ground part dies off, and the powerful rhizome, which goes deep into the soil, is not afraid of frosts down to -30 degrees.

The most vulnerable part of this unpretentious flower is the upper part of the rhizome, where growth points appear annually. The annual growth is about 5 cm, while the lower part gradually dies off.

As a result, the plant seems to be squeezed out of the ground, the young growth becomes defenseless against low temperatures, and nutrition is reduced by reducing the area of ​​the root system.

Interesting! Cut astilba inflorescences live very little in a bouquet, although modern wedding fashion actively recommends using these flowers in a bouquet for the bride and her bridesmaids.

However, if you cut the peduncles with a small area of ​​the rhizome, the bouquet will not lose its freshness for several days!

Astilba care

It is extremely important for the agricultural technology of this beautiful perennial flower to monitor the condition of the bush, regularly spudding it with fertile soil and removing the dead part of the rhizome. Throughout the growing season, regular watering is required: in summer, in hot weather, up to 2 times a day.

You can reduce the amount of watering by mulching, thus reducing evaporation from the surface of the root circle.

Particular attention should be paid to plants over 5 years old. At this age, the beauty of astilba flowers fades away: the inflorescences become smaller, paler, the number of flower shoots is significantly reduced.

If you leave the plant without special attention, you can get an already non-flowering astilbe, although in this form it is very beautiful due to the carved leaves. Rejuvenating the bush will restore its beauty and youth.

For this:

• dig up an old bush;
• remove dead bottom roots;
• divide the bush so that in each division there are at least 3-4 buds;
• put in a new place, deepening by 4-5 cm.

The soil for planting should be slightly acidic or neutral, without close approaches to groundwater. This operation is optimally combined with the preparation of Astilba for the winter period.

Note! It is most profitable to plant undersized varieties, their flowering is longer - in some dwarf varieties up to 40 days!

How to prepare astilba for winter

Oddly enough, but preparation begins from the moment flowering stops. Even faded panicles of astilba look very decorative, so many gardeners leave them until winter: they decorate the garden even under the snow.

However, it must be remembered that the inflorescences contain seeds, and the plant spends a lot of energy on their ripening, which would be useful for preparing for winter. Therefore, for lush flowering next year, you need to donate faded panicles. They are cut off as soon as the inflorescences change color to brown.

Depending on the type of astilba, this is the end of July-August. Cut inflorescences look great in dry bouquets, and treated with hairspray (so that small petals do not fall off) or acrylic paints allow you to create amazing compositions.

Second important point when preparing astilba for winter, top dressing is. At this time, the flower needs an increased dose of phosphorus-potassium fertilizer. Complex fertilizer, for example, Agrofoska, is applied at the rate of 30-40 grams for each bush.

If potassium fertilizer is used separately, then potassium sulfate or potassium salt should be preferred. Potassium chloride is not well tolerated by all types of astilba. Good result gives pollination of the near-trunk circle with wood ash, 1-1.5 cups of sifted ash under a bush.

Among the phosphorus fats, superphosphate and phosphate rock are especially good for astilba. After fertilization, the plant is watered abundantly.

The leaves are not removed during this period, food passes through them to the roots, helping to accumulate nutrients for a long winter. In addition, the bush at this time is very decorative: of the correct rounded shape with carved graceful leaves, it will decorate the most exquisite flower bed.

Closer to September, the leaves begin to fade, changing color from green to reddish-brown.

This is a signal for the second stage of preparing Astilba for winter. At this time, you can rejuvenate the bush: there is still enough time for the transplanted bushes to take root, at the same time the active growth of green mass is already slowing down, the plant pays all attention to the root system.

With the onset of the first frost, all leaves and shoots of astilba are cut to the root, level with the ground.

Important! Do not leave "hemp" - pests can overwinter there. In addition, these half-trimmed bushes look ugly in spring.

The cut bushes huddle, trying to close the upper middle part of the root - this is where the buds of the next year are formed. It is best to spud with rotted manure or ripe humus. It is advisable to cover the top with breathable mulch - fallen leaves, straw, bark scraps. This layer should be at least 10 cm.

Do I need to cover astilba for the winter

Modern hybrids can withstand temperatures down to -30 degrees. However, additional shelter for astilbe is necessary if:

• bush at the age of 1 year;
• winters in the place where astilba grows are snowless;
• winter temperatures range from plus to minus, and with a large amplitude in a short time.

How to build a winter shelter for Astilba

Young plants can be additionally covered with spruce branches on top. The main thing is that this shelter is breathable, to prevent the bush from drying out during possible thaws. In the event of severe snowless winters, additional shelter is required.

To do this, a low side of bricks, boards or any available material is erected around the perimeter of a bush covered with mulch. Cover with non-woven material (lutrasil, spunbond) and tuck it under the side.

As a rule, under this shelter, astilba withstands any whims of winter weather.

Let's note the main thing

• When preparing astilba for winter, 4 mandatory operations must be performed:

1. trimming peduncles immediately after flowering;
2. top dressing with potassium-phosphorus fertilizer;
3. removal of leaves and shoots at ground level after the first frost;
4. hilling with fertile soil, rotted manure, ripe humus, to create a mound above the center of the bush, where the buds of the next year are located.

• In the case of severe snowless winters, it is necessary to build an additional shelter from any breathable material over the earthed astilbe bush.

Beautiful Astilba. Care, feeding, wintering, types, varieties:

Amazing plant with incredible bright colors is slowly beginning to win a place for itself on the personal plots of our country. The name of this perennial is astilba. One of the main advantages of this truly mesmerizing plant is the huge variety of varieties. Throughout the entire flowering period, the plant retains its decorative effect, thanks to its amazing leaves. In wildlife, astilbe can be found in East Asia and North America. A total of 30 plant species are known, 10 of which are successfully cultivated in our gardens.

Of ten species, breeders were given the opportunity to grow a large number of varieties. Conventionally, all of them can be divided into dwarf (up to thirty centimeters high), undersized (from thirty to sixty centimeters), medium tall (from sixty to ninety centimeters) and tall (from ninety centimeters to one and a half meters). In nature, astilbe prefers to grow along river banks and on forest edges. One of the main advantages of astilba is its exceptional hardiness and increased frost resistance, so the plant can survive even the most severe winters. But still, flowers must be prepared for the onset of the cold season.

Autumn care. Preparing for winter

Pruning

Depending on the variety, astilba has different flowering times. Some plants bloom as early as June, others not earlier than mid-summer, and others, late-flowering, at the end of August. With the onset of autumn cold weather, the plant stops blooming, but many gardeners are in no hurry to cut it. For even a faded plant surprisingly beautifully and exquisitely complements its dacha plantings with its semi-dry peduncles until late autumn.

It is important! Let's move on to removing the aerial part of the plant. It can be produced using a well-known summer cottage tool - a secateurs. In order not to harm the plant and not infect it with fungal and other diseases, garden shears should be disinfected first. This can be done by lowering the instrument for twenty to thirty minutes in a solution of potassium permanganate. It will be great if the grower can work the tool from bush to bush. So it will reduce the risk of transferring fungal diseases from plant to plant.

How to prune correctly? First, the entire aerial part of the plant should be completely removed. Secondly, care must be taken to ensure that young kidneys are not exposed. It is important to know that the new buds of astilba are located in the upper part of the rhizome. Therefore, after pruning, the bushes should be carefully spud and mulched. Bushes should be spud to a height of three to four centimeters.

Mulching

In order to protect the root system of the plant, as well as young buds, it is necessary to cover the soil of the astilba district with mulch. Dry sawdust, peat or rotted manure are perfect as an overhead shelter. Sometimes gardeners use shredded tree bark as mulch. Mulching protects both young buds and adventitious roots.

Fertilizer

In preparation for the winter cold, astilbe should be fertilized. This will allow the plant to survive the winter safely and not lose its decorative effect. Potassium-phosphorus fertilizers are perfect. It will be enough to add no more than twenty grams of top dressing for each bush.

In addition to potassium-phosphorus fertilizers, it is desirable to add humus to the soil. Astilba prefers to grow in nutrient-rich soils. Therefore, it will be great if the summer resident, before the first frosts come, enriches the land with organic matter. Do not worry that the plant will grow, because rotted manure will decompose slowly, and only by the onset of the spring thaw can the plant be used as an additional source of energy.

Shelter

Astilba is a surprisingly cold-resistant plant, so if a summer resident grows it in the middle lane, then you don't have to worry about shelter. It will be enough just to mulch the plantings well. However, the situation is different if we are talking about four-five-year-old plants. Weakened, with a gradually growing bare rhizome, astilbe run the risk of not surviving the cold. Some gardeners choose classic shelter options for their protection: spruce branches, dry leaves, sawdust, hay. The main thing is to use natural materials so as not to create a greenhouse effect for plants. It is very important to protect the bushes from the ingress of excess water, which can subsequently cause the death of the perennial.

Most shaded flower beds will include astilbe. The perennial has long gained popularity as unpretentious plant... Today we will reveal the topic of planting astilba and caring for it in open ground, since novice and experienced gardeners are interested in the basics of agricultural technology and the peculiarities of growing a flower.

Unpretentious culture for a shady flower garden loves a cool climate

Plant characteristics

Consumer qualities

Summer residents would probably not have paid attention to the panicles of wild astilba. Tiny buds, nondescript colors, resemble weeds, which are around in abundance. However, the breeders managed to accomplish the incredible - to bring out such bright varieties of astilba that simply cannot go unnoticed.

Popular cultural qualities:

• decorative openwork leaves;
• catchy strong inflorescences;
• abundant and long flowering;
• winter hardiness;
• shade and moisture-loving.

This flower is widely grown in central Russia. Moreover, in the south, astilbe often burns and dries, and tamed to the specific climate of Western and Eastern Siberia, it is successfully cultivated in the Altai Territory, the Urals, as well as in the Far East (in the Primorsky, Khabarovsk Territories).

Conclusion: astilba is not a culture for hot regions.

Flower garden companions

Gardeners plant astilba together with coniferous and decorative deciduous shrubs, create original sites around the perimeter of reservoirs, combining varieties adjacent in color and height.

Low-growing perennials successfully manifest themselves as a pot culture, and dwarf astilbe perfectly take root in rocky areas of rockeries or rock gardens.

Undersized A. Arends "Fanal" opens the flowering season

Astilbe is comfortable in the circle of the following, tolerant of lack sunlight, plants:

• hydrangeas;
• hosts;
• Siberian iris;
• fern;
• badana.

It is noteworthy that even the absence of astilba flowers will not make such a flower bed boring. The leaves of the "neighbors" are distinguished by their unique decorative shape and different colors. Moreover, for all plants to live, it is enough to see the sun only at sunrise or closer to sunset. Moisture, diffused shade and minimal maintenance are all that is needed for the healthy growth and prosperity of Astilba.

Typical company for a rocky garden

The basics of reproduction and agricultural technology

Growing a crop from seeds at home

Astilba is propagated vegetatively and by seeds. Novice growers prefer the first method. The second often raises a number of intractable questions such as: "how to collect and germinate tiny seeds", "when to sow for seedlings", etc.

Many experimenters are stopped by the low percentage of germination of astilbe (which is often indicated on the packaging label), as well as possible problems when transplanting seedlings into open ground. Agree, it is much easier to buy ready-made roots with buds in the nursery and not bother with unnecessary efforts to create a greenhouse, stratify and pick young plants, followed by "moving" astilba to a flower bed.

However, those who like to take risks often receive well-deserved rewards. It is the seed method of growing astilba that allows you to become an amateur breeder, experiment and get an unpredictable result - new varieties.

On a note! The polymorphic properties of astilba lead to natural consequences - the seedlings partially retain the characteristics of the parent plant. Be prepared for the fact that by propagating by seeds a white low-growing flower, you will end up with a tall perennial with pink panicles.

Astilba seeds for seedlings are sown in early March. A mixture of peat and sand (in parts 3: 1) is placed in a wide container 15 cm high. A handful of snow is scattered on top, on which small seeds are distributed. Thus, conditions are artificially created for the stratification of seeds and an increase in their germination. Together with the melting snow, astilbe penetrates into the soil.

1 g of perennial inflorescence contains about 20 thousand tiny seeds invisible to the naked eye

Then the pot is placed in a transparent bag and sent to the refrigerator for 15-20 days. At the end of the specified period, the "greenhouse" is taken out, taken out to a warm (+18 degrees), well-lit place, for example, on a balcony. Astilbe shoots should appear within 3-4 weeks. The soil should not be allowed to dry; a pulverizer is used to moisten it.

Perennial seedlings grow very slowly. If necessary, the sprouts dive into separate containers after 2-3 leaves appear. Practice shows that in most cases, a full-fledged outlet barely has time to form by the end of the year, and therefore astilbe is transplanted into open ground only next spring.

Young bushes will throw out their first peduncles no earlier than in the third year of life.

Astilba planting methods

There are several options for breeding astilba at their summer cottage:

• planting with seeds in open ground;
• planting seedlings obtained with your own hands at home;
• rooting of perennial divisions (renewal buds).

The greatest debate among florists is caused by the first two methods, the last one does not bring much trouble and 99.9% gives a good result.

How to root renewal buds purchased in February, and when to plant astilba in the ground, is described in detail in the video on the Garden World website:

Planting seeds in open ground

This method of growing perennials in personal plots is practically not used. However, it is inappropriate to exclude it from floriculture practice forever. Some gardeners are ready to give real examples of astilba self-seeding - cases when new, distinctive in appearance, but generally wonderful plants appeared next to a varietal perennial. By the way, this is the only way of breeding Astilba in the wild.

In other words, growing a perennial from seeds at home is possible. After the panicles have faded, they do not need to be cut off. By autumn, the seed will leave the astilba bolls on its own. From 50 or more thousand dust-like seeds will fall to the ground. In winter, wilted greens will become a natural protection of a perennial from freezing.

On a note! Experts note that many varieties of astilbe do not freeze and do not dry out. Most often they die due to natural aging of the rhizome. Plants vitally need to divide the root and regularly deepen it into the soil. This measure rejuvenates the perennial, stimulates growth.

Having spent the winter in the open ground, the seeds will undergo stratification and give rare shoots in the spring. The intervention of the summer resident in the process will not play a role. For example, this is an uncontrolled way of breeding astilbe, where you should rely not on your own knowledge and skills, but at random.

If the goal is to grow a perennial from purchased varietal seeds, you need to turn to the second method - getting astilbe seedlings.

Botanists claim that the vitality of the plant can be envied.

Planting home-grown seedlings

Julia shares her experience of sowing seeds:

What are next steps a grower who has managed to grow strong seedlings? How to plant astilba in open ground? Compliance with the following rules of agricultural technology will be the key to the successful rooting of a perennial.

Firstly, astilba prefers loamy soil with a high groundwater table. The optimum acidity is 5.5 / 6.5 pH. Secondly, while the young perennial is adapting to the new environment, it is important to protect the seedling planting site, both from frost and from the active sun and dry wind.

When to plant? When choosing the time, you should trust the thermometer, and not lunar calendar... If there is a threat of return frost, it is better to postpone the event. Even a light frost can destroy astilbe seedlings. In May-June, with consistently warm weather, seedlings are transplanted into open ground from the north side of the house, in partial shade by the transshipment method.

On a note! Shelter of plants is not needed if you pre-harden the astilbe, taking it out to the open loggia, balcony.

Holes are dug in the flower garden, keeping a distance of 35-40 cm. The bottom is flavored with ash. The astilba root is lowered to a depth of 20 cm.It is important to ensure that the renewal buds are covered with soil, with a layer of up to 3 cm.

Within a week, Astilba adapts and grows

After transplanting, the soil around the seedling is well mulched. Use peat or humus. Uncovered ground quickly evaporates water, and perennials are very fond of humid places. Watering astilba is carried out regularly for 10-15 days until clear signs of rooting appear. Top dressing is not needed.

More information about the rules for transplanting on the website "7 Dachas":

Astilba care basics

Growing perennials in the open field does not cause problems and worries for gardeners. The main thing is that the place is right for the plant.

We remind you that an ideal plot is characterized by:

• diffused shadow created by shrubs or trees;
• humid air provided by a pond or stream.

Astilba is especially luxurious near ponds and streams

Adequate water as a vital requirement

Changes in humidification conditions are immediately reflected in appearance astilbe. Growth in sunny areas, combined with a lack of moisture in the soil, leads to a smaller size of bushes and panicles.

Additionally, the following consequences are observed:

• delay in the growth of rhizomes;
• falling leaves;
• shorter flowering period;
• loss of general decorativeness.

With low air humidity and constant windiness, the plant can fold and shed foliage, astilbe burns and dries.

In this case, it is necessary:

• re-mulch the soil;
• water the plant abundantly and regularly;
• spray greens;
• organize artificial shading during hot hours;
• take care of a more dense planting of a perennial.

On a note! Astilba has the ability to drive out weeds. The flower garden will always look well-groomed.

Drought tolerant varieties

Today, breeders have managed to develop perennial specimens that are tolerant of an arid climate. So, the Japanese astilbe is able to survive even in conditions of lack of water. The scorched greens will die, but in the spring the plant will again throw out young growth. Do not rush to uproot the flower that was ruined this year. At the very least, give the rhizome a chance to show its strength next season.

The relatively dry soil will not harm the Chinese Astilbe Superba and Purpurlance.

Beauty Superba

Flowering period

The flowering time of astilba depends on the variety and climatic conditions... In general, panicles mature within 60-120 days after awakening (exiting the dormant period).

Usually, Japanese astilbe and all low-growing varieties are revealed first, followed by the common-leaved, Thunberg, as well as medium-sized hybrids of Arends and Lemoine. Chinese perennials close the flowering season.

The duration of the riot of colors directly depends on the climatic features of the area and varies within 12-35 days. At the end of flowering, individual astilbes do not lose their natural palette, creating the effect of an incredibly long flowering.

The lower the grade, the earlier it ripens.

On a note! Gardeners note that in sunny areas, panicles fade faster than in shady areas.

If there is no purpose to stock up on seeds, the semi-dry astilbe brushes are cut off. At the same time, the bushes do not lose their decorative effect. Red, brown, brown-green and green foliage retains its beauty until the very frost. The main thing is that the autumn is warm, the air is regularly saturated with moisture, the temperature decreases slowly (gradually).

A monochromatic flower garden in this form will last September and October

How to properly cut faded astilbe will teach "Good advice":

Loosening

Astilba loves soft and loose loam

Loosening allows you to increase the air permeability of the soil around the astilba, to control weeds. It is useful to hold the event 2-3 times per season.

During loosening, the soil is not turned over. The main task is to destroy the crust on the surface of the hole. The procedure is carried out neatly with an ordinary pololnik, focusing on a depth of 5-10 cm.

Top dressing

How to grow a healthy and robust plant? You just need to root a quality seedling in the ground, create a shaded environment and ensure a regular flow of moisture to the roots. Astilba will grow, bloom and delight the eyes of the gardener.

It cannot be said that a perennial is in vital need of regular feeding. However, pampering your favorite bush with "goodies" is also not forbidden.

Gardeners feed astilba 3 times a year: in the spring - with nitrogen fertilizers, in June (when it blooms) - with complex complexes, until August 10-15 - with phosphorus-potassium compounds, ash. In the latter case, the plant's resistance to pests and diseases, as well as its winter hardiness, increases.

Reason for dividing the rhizome and transplant time

In a favorable atmosphere, astilbe grows soon. The root collar rises 3-5 cm above the ground in a year. At first, it must be earthed (sprinkled with soil), otherwise the perennial will stop blooming. After 4-5 years, the plant must be transplanted.

The peculiarity of the astilba rhizome is such that the growth of renewal buds occurs not horizontally, but vertically, and at the very surface of the earth. If young roots are left without an earthen shelter, they will die: they will dry out in the summer or freeze in the winter.

Astilbe is sold in this form in nurseries.

On a note! Shredding of peduncles and perennial bushes is a direct signal about the exposure of the root collar and shoots.

In one place, astilbe can grow up to 20 years. However, in this case, it is better not to wait for a lush vegetative mass and large panicles. If the gardener wants to increase the decorative effect of the bush, he should regularly (at intervals of 3-4 years) divide the rhizome into parts and transplant the delenki to a new place of residence. This is the most common and separate story that deserves attention. The benefits of the event are obvious - there are more flowering bushes, the garden is more beautiful.

It is considered that best period for transplant - spring (no frost) or autumn (end of August - September). Before wintering, Astilbe strips must have time to take root. To reduce the stress of the transplanted plant, greens can be sprayed with epin or phytosporin. The adaptation will take place faster and with less losses.

On a note! Horticultural practice has shown that, contrary to literary instructions, astilbe root well at any time of active vegetation, even during the flowering period!

How to care for a transplanted cut? In the usual way:

• maintain soil moisture by mulching;
• feed after engraftment three times a year;
• cut off discarded peduncles 1 time after transplanting to enable the plant to grow stronger.

Preparing astilba for wintering

In a mild climate and abundant snow, the bush does not need to be covered

Caring for a plant in the fall involves a number of activities:

• feeding with phosphorus and potassium;
• updating the mulch over the rhizome;
• a cut of dried and decorative greenery;
• shelter from frost if necessary.

Astilba stems are cut almost to the root. From above, the "stumps" are spud and covered with mulch with a layer of 5 to 20 cm. They use hay, leaves, sawdust, high-moor peat, spruce branches.

In autumn, these materials will protect the soil and roots of astilba from weathering, as well as leaching due to heavy rains. In winter, the shelter will eliminate the risk of soil freezing, becoming collateral healthy development bush for the next season.

Practice has shown that in warm regions, astilba is not prepared for winter. The work is reduced to putting things in order on personal plot... In the Far East, in areas with severe winters, it is better to play it safe and “warmly” cover the perennial. Then, in frost and snowlessness, you can calmly sleep.

Due to the variety of colors, the length of the flowering period and ease of care, the perennial herb astilba is highly popular among summer residents. Today we will tell you how Astilba is prepared for winter.

By its nature, the astilba ornamental shrub is distinguished by its hardiness and frost resistance, so the plant can be cultivated in various climatic zones. In order for a perennial to overwinter successfully, you need to know how to properly prepare it for wintering. According to experienced gardeners, there is no single scheme for the preparation and insulation of ornamental plants. The shelter of an astilbe for the winter in the Moscow region, Krasnodar, the Volga region or in the Urals has significant differences.

So, the preparation of a perennial for the upcoming cold weather begins in early autumn. First, the territory of the garden plot is removed from branches broken by the wind, fallen leaves, dry tops and other vegetation. Dry leaves and tops can be sent to a humus composter. Removing weeds, loosening the soil in the near-trunk circle and water-charging irrigation provide the necessary oxygen access to the roots of plants growing in the garden.

Video: "Technology of autumn pruning of astilba"

In this video, you will learn how to prepare and insulate a perennial shrub for the winter.

Pruning

Autumn is the time for pruning ornamental shrubs. In this case, the timing of pruning depends on the cultivated variety of perennial and the zone of its cultivation. Early varieties Astilbe blooms at the very beginning of summer, late ones - closer to the end of the growing season. In the southern regions, the pruning procedure falls in late October or early November, in the northern regions - in the last decade of September.

At the end of flowering, dry peduncles remain on the shrub. Some novice gardeners are wondering if the dried flowers need to be pruned or if they can be left until spring. The presence of dry twigs does not prevent the plant from growing and developing, but the ornamental culture loses its attractiveness. Removing dried flowers allows you to more accurately and competently insulate the shrub for the winter. In order for the astilba bush to be insulated for the winter, it is necessary to cut off old shoots damaged by wind and harmful insects, as well as remove dry inflorescences. You need to cut the shoots of astilba almost at the very root. The distance from the cut point to the matured wood should be at least 2-3 cm.

Mulching

Immediately after the sanitary pruning of the crown, mulching of the root system and young shoots is carried out. Young shrubs are insulated with peat, sawdust, tree bark, straw, small spruce twigs, hay, dry soil and sand. To mulch the soil in the near-trunk circle, you can use scraps of covering material and pieces of cardboard. Perennials from 1 to 5 years old are covered with a layer of mulch 5-7 cm high.

Plants aged 5 years and older, the root system of which has grown so much that it began to break through to the top, need more careful shelter. The height of the mulching layer should be at least 20-25 cm. From above, the shrubs are covered with pine spruce branches or non-woven covering material.

Fertilizer

Astilba refers to plants that are unpretentious to growing conditions, however, feeding with potassium-phosphorus fertilizers helps to strengthen the root system of the perennial. With the arrival of autumn, it is recommended to abandon nitrogen-containing fertilizers, which give increased growth and development of ornamental plants.

Closer to the middle of autumn, adult shrubs are fed with organic matter. Organic fertilizers decompose very slowly. Accordingly, astilba will begin to use them as an additional source of power only with the onset of spring heat.

Winter shelter

Now let's figure out whether you need to cover astilbe for the winter. Perennial shrub is highly frost-resistant. Therefore, in regions where there is a lot of snow and there are no severe frosts, no special shelter is required for this decorative culture. According to the recommendations of seasoned gardeners, the shrub should be mulched with peat, tree bark and sawdust, hay, straw, dry foliage and soil. The mulching layer should completely cover the perennial root system and its shoots, the length of which, after pruning, reaches only 5-10 cm.

Plants aged 5 years and older are additionally insulated with pine spruce branches, lutrasil, agrofibre, geotextile fabric and other non-woven covering materials. This procedure it is necessary in order to prevent freezing of the rhizome protruding above the ground, as well as to protect plants from glaciation during an unforeseen thaw. In severe frosts, it is recommended to make an additional frame-fence from wooden planks, inside which you can pour dry earth and foliage fallen from trees.

Regional distinctive features

The technology of preparation and shelter for the winter of fruit and ornamental crops depends on the characteristics of the climatic zone. If you do not properly prepare for wintering, you can destroy the plants growing in the garden with your own hands.

Astilbe bushes growing in the south of the country do not need to be covered. Mild and warm winter, which is typical for Crimea, Kuban, Stavropol Territory, Adygea and Krasnodar Territory, is not terrible for astilbe. In order for an ornamental perennial shrub to successfully overwinter, you need to properly mulch its rhizome and cut off shoots.

The middle zone of Russia is distinguished by sharp temperature drops. An unexpected thaw can be replaced by a sharp cold snap and severe frosts. The water accumulated in the ground freezes, which leads to glaciation of the astilba root. Cultivated in the suburbs and other central regions of the country ornamental shrubs insulate with any non-woven material.

As for the Urals, Siberia and other northern regions, it is recommended to additionally insulate astilba bushes with pine spruce branches, slate or roofing material. Make sure that moisture does not begin to collect inside the protective structure, otherwise the plants may die.

Common mistakes

Due to their inexperience, novice gardeners often admit typical mistakes when preparing plants for wintering. So, covering astilba with plastic wrap can lead to the appearance of mold and fungal spores on the rhizome of the shrub. To avoid the death of a decorative perennial, you should choose the right covering material.

If it was not possible to find an alternative to polyethylene, it is recommended to make small holes in the film, which will act as special dies for air exchange.

Incorrectly chosen fertilizers and violation of the technology of their introduction into the soil lead to wilting of the plant. Too late or, conversely, early pruning of shoots and dry inflorescences is one of the main reasons for astilba freezing in winter. The plant, weakened after pruning, does not have time to get stronger and gain strength before the first frost.

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

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

Astilba has many shades

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

The culture is highly resistant to winter period: rhizomes withstand wintering at temperatures down to -37 ° C without the threat of freezing.

Important! When grown outdoors, Astilba prefers moist, nutritious soil and even watering from time to time. Subject to this condition, caring for a flower culture does not present any particular difficulties.

Areas of distribution of natural species of astilba

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

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

Astilba in landscape design

Astilba hybrid cultivars are widely used in landscape design. During flowering, the bushes form airy curtains of pink or purple hues. Plants are characterized by compact size and abundant flowering. Planting hybrid astilba in groups with other species allows you to perfectly shade lawns and conifers during flowering. The combination of plants with different color tones enlivens the parkland areas.

An interesting type of astilba Thunberg, which has not typical for the species, drooping brushes of yellowish or pink flowers.

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

Astilba: planting and care

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

Landing astilba

Important! Astilba rhizomes should not have dead, rotten parts. Overdrying or excessive moisture of the planting material is not allowed during storage. Young shoots should not be elongated, curved or wrinkled.

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

Choosing a comfortable place for a flower

It should be remembered that astilba is a plant for partial shade, bright sunlight is destructive for it. Planting a flower culture in open, unprotected spaces from sunlight is undesirable.

In addition, flowers do not respond well to areas with high groundwater levels and stagnant water. This leads to the soaking and damping of the rhizomes. Cultivation of a crop in such areas will not do without a reliable drainage device. And if it is not possible to equip it, you need to choose a higher place for planting plants.

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

The depth of the planting pit is required to be provided individually for each plant, taking into account the size of the rhizome. Root system astilbe should be freely placed in planting pit, while deepening the bush or filling the growth point with soil is not allowed. A hydrogel can be added to the bottom of the pits, it will help maintain soil moisture; as well as bone meal, ash and mineral fertilizers - 1 matchbox each.

Astilba should be planted in a well-moistened soil.

It is allowed to mulch the surface of the earth with bark or peat chips, which will keep the soil evenly moist, and in the future, will protect the roots of the plant from drying out.

Plant care

Astilbe bushes grow by about 3-5 cm in height per year. Plant care measures are reduced to adding soil under the bare parts of the rhizome. Fertile soil is added in a layer of 2-3 cm.

Planting maintenance requires maintaining soil moisture. To do this, add a mulching layer (peat, bark, expanded clay or landscape crushed stone) on top of the planting soil. In winter, mulch on the surface of the soil helps to protect delicate rhizomes from freezing.

The combination of uniform watering and keeping the soil moist is the key to plant health and lush flowering.

Caring for astilbe is very simple

The decorativeness of the plant is supported by periodic pruning of dead stems. It is necessary to regularly remove faded inflorescences from the bushes, this is especially true when using astilba in landscape design when decorating territories.

Fertilization and feeding

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

For the full development of the plant, it is required to carry out regular feeding with complex fertilizers. Considering that astilba can grow in one place without transplanting and dividing rhizomes for more than 5 years, it is necessary to feed the plants with nitrogen fertilizers from the beginning of spring. This helps new foliage regrow quickly on overwintered bushes.

Don't forget to feed the astilba mineral fertilizers

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

Plant propagation

Seed propagation

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

• have a changed color;
• sparse flower tassels;
• low decorative effect;
• short flowering times.

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

Astilba seed sprouts

The seeds of the plant are sown on the surface of the moistened soil, without covering them up. For accelerated germination, high humidity is maintained (you can cover the crops with glass or keep them in a greenhouse). Growing astilba seedlings is reduced to the timely watering of seedlings. At this time, it is especially dangerous to dry out young plants. They need to be protected from direct sunlight, providing a bright place without access to scorching rays.

Excellent results in increasing germination are achieved by performing preliminary seed stratification. This agronomic technique consists of placing the seeds in a cold place (+ 4 ° C to -4 ° C) for 3 weeks. Hardened seeds are sown in greenhouses and kept at a temperature of + 20 ° C. Young plants can be planted in a permanent place in the open field within 2-3 months after sowing. Seedlings obtained from stratified seeds are distinguished by excellent survival rate and fast growth.

Reproduction of astilba by dividing the bush

The vegetative method of reproduction of astilba (dividing the bush) is the most reliable and habitual for flower growers. The mother plant is dug up with care, taking care not to damage the delicate rhizome. With a sharp knife, the rhizome is divided into parts with 2-3 buds. The slices are sprinkled with crushed coal.

Dividing the astilba bush

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

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

Division by the kidneys

Reproduction of a perennial is carried out in another way, which is considered the fastest - by dividing by buds. In the spring, with the beginning of the growing season of the plant, the buds of renewal are separated with a sharp knife. Cuttings are planted in a greenhouse with wet soil mixed with coarse sand or gravel, after dusting the cut with ash. With this method of reproduction, a very high survival rate of young plants is noted. The only drawback is that getting a full-fledged plant takes almost a year.

Diseases and pests

Monitor the health of your plants. If pests appear, start fighting them right away.

Astilba attracts not only with its decorative effect, the plant is practically not damaged by pests and diseases. Rhizomes of some crops can occasionally be affected by rootworm nematodes. The pest does not respond to the use of drugs, therefore, the fight against the nematode is reduced to the destruction of diseased bushes. In this case, it is required to remove part of the soil that came into contact with the roots of the diseased plant. It is advisable not to plant the culture at this place for several years.

Another pest that can threaten a plant outdoors is a drooling penny. The affected plant feels depressed, the development of the leaf mass slows down. Preventive measures - collecting the pest from the leaves of the plant by hand.

Astilba: combination with other plants

Growing astilba in group plantings with other plants is quite justified. Decorative plant panicles look great near conifers with their monotonous greenery. Such a neighborhood for astilba is very preferable: conifers provide shrubs with protection from the sun.

Astilba combination different colors in landscape design

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

In landscape design, when planting in the shade, astilbe bushes fit perfectly. The plant is used for single and group plantings, creating complex landscape solutions for shady and semi-shady places. Care ornamental plants does not make absolutely any difficulties and consists in timely watering.

How to plant astilba correctly: video