Astilba - planting and care in the open field. Astilba (85 photos): types and care Where is it better to plant astilba

astilba- very beautiful and unpretentious plant. scientific name Astilbe. Belongs to the saxifrage family. From some sources, Japan is considered the birthplace of astilba, from others - Asia or North America. Astilbe is not a very common plant, and in vain. This is an incredibly showy perennial. Those who got to know him better appreciate him for the splendor and duration of flowering and relative shade tolerance. With it, you can successfully mask unsightly areas in the garden. A sprawling bush adorns the garden not only during flowering, but throughout the growing season.

Astilba flowers are collected in panicles from 10 to 60 cm long. The color is: white, pink, red and purple. Very spectacular and leaves - openwork, rich color. Blooms from June to August. After flowering, a fruit is formed - a box with small seeds. Stems erect. Depending on the variety, the height can reach more than 1 meter.

Astilbe planting

The ideal place for planting in the garden is an area with a little shade. Although there are several varieties that grow well in the open sun.

Before planting, the soil must be dug up, the roots of weeds must be removed. Astilbe loves good fertile soil. Therefore, it is desirable to fertilize it with compost or rotted manure.

Astilba tolerates landing well even during flowering. In this case, she will need to provide regular watering. She is hygrophilous. And the rate of its growth directly depends on the presence of moisture and heat. To ensure these conditions, it is better to prepare the soil that retains moisture well.

The pit for planting should be of such a size that the roots feel free in it. It is desirable that the soil during planting contains: a handful of ash, a handful of bone meal, a little humus and 2 tbsp. l. mineral fertilizers. This mixture must be thoroughly mixed. When planting, do not bury the plant. Post-planting watering will show you if you have deeply buried the plant. The distance between the holes should be at least 30 cm.

In order to protect the plant from drying out, the soil is mulched.

Reproduction of astilba

Astilba is propagated both by seeds and by dividing the bush. preferably from February to March in moist soil. Then the pots are covered with plastic wrap. Seeds usually germinate in 2-3 weeks. Tender seedlings of astilba need regular watering. If the soil dries out, young seedlings may die.

Astilba breeds well division of rhizomes. For this, the rhizomes are cut into small pieces, each of which should have a replacement bud on the stem at the base.

It is noticed that astilba grows well in one place for no more than 5 years.

astilbe care

Care is not too difficult. The main requirement is regular watering. This plant is in dire need of moisture during the formation of inflorescences and does not tolerate drought at all. In a particularly hot summer astilba should be watered in the morning and evening.

For lush flowering, the plant must be fed. In early spring nitrogen fertilizers are applied, at the beginning of flowering - potash, and at the end of flowering or in autumn - phosphorus.

Soil mulching is also important requirement. Helps to retain moisture, protects the plant from overheating and slows down the growth of weeds. Also, astilba has some peculiarity - its rhizome grows upwards over time. Bare rhizomes must be covered with earth every year to provide them with food and prevent them from drying out.

Astilba varieties

Today there are more than 200 varieties. The most common of them are 40-50.

Astilba is classified:

• The height of the bushes - from dwarf (up to 30 cm) to high (more than 90 cm).
• In the form of inflorescences. There are species with pyramidal, paniculate, hanging and rhombic inflorescences.

Photo of astilba

Isn't it because we are so eager to go to the dacha in summer that we are madly attracted by the mythically fairy-tale world ornamental plants. Astilbe stands out among them - a bright queen shady garden, which, as if fascinates with its multi-colored lush Christmas trees, and makes you sincerely wait for magic. Without this plant, it is difficult to imagine any garden. It looks very picturesque in the spring, when lacy leaves appear. various shades, and during the colorful summer flowering, and after it in the fall, keeping brilliant beautiful leaves until the very end of the season. It has a unique, like honey, aroma.

Astilba is one of the most unpretentious plants that can survive in the harshest conditions. Therefore, it is often called a plant for beginner gardeners.

Types and varieties of astilba

The most popular types and varieties of astilba can be grouped into the following:

• Arendsa (Amethyst, Brautschleier, Faynel, White and Weiss, Gloria, Gloria Purpurea , Color Flash, Color Flash Lime, Erika);
• Chinese (Series Vision, Hip Hop, Veronika Kloz, Superba);
• Thunberg (Straussenfeder);
• Japanese (Montgomery, Bronzelaub);
• Curly (Lilliput, Perkeo, Moulin Rouge).

As for choosing the height of the astilba, if you want to plant a shrub in the background of a flower bed or against a fence, then it is better to choose a higher variety. For example, sort Amethyst is the perfect choice.

Amethyst

If astilba is needed for a mini-garden, then miniature (dwarf, ground cover) varieties are suitable for you, for example, Lilliput or perkeo.

Lilliput

When designing a flower garden, it is important to consider the shape of the inflorescences. It is also very diverse in astilba, for example, in the variety Aphrodite and Ericathe flowers are very airy and rhombic.

Erika

And the series Visionon the contrary, the flowers are very dense and powerful.

Vision in Pink

Variety Gloria Purpurea- big and fluffy.

Gloria Purpurea

Very original inflorescences in the variety Straussenfeder- similar to large and drooping ostrich feathers.

Straussenfeder

Video: types and varieties of astilba

Astilba propagation methods

Astilba can be propagated in several ways:

• seeds (for the species);
• dividing the bush (for a variety);
• renewal buds with part of the rhizomes (for the variety).

Reminder! In the garden store you can buy seeds and rhizomes with renewal buds. You can propagate by dividing the bush after you grow astilbes from seeds or rhizomes, or your neighbor will share with you.

Growing astilba from seeds

Planting astilba with seeds is easy enough, but growing is not so easy. First, the seeds must be stratified, in other words, the container with the crops will need to be put in the refrigerator for 3 weeks. It is worth laying down for stratification in January.

For sowing, you will need a loose soil mixture (for example, peat and sand in equal proportions), on top of which you need to evenly distribute astilbe seeds, which are very small, so you will have to use a slightly moistened clove for planting. At the end of the sowing, it should be lightly sprinkled with cold water from the sprayer (it is possible with the addition of biohumus for seedlings). And then cover plastic bag or film (shoe cover) and put in the refrigerator.

Advice! Experienced flower growers recommend that instead of spraying with cold water, sprinkle the crops with a small layer of snow (1 centimeter). And when it has already melted, then remove the crops in the refrigerator.

In February and March (and depending on when you sowed the seeds), the hatched seeds are already planted in the ground and the containers are placed in a bright and warm place, where the temperature is about + 18-20 degrees. As a rule, shoots appear in 2-3 weeks. Then they are looked after, as well as ordinary seedlings of flowers, in other words, they are watered and illuminated until the optimal 12-hour daylight hours. In order not to dive, it is better to immediately sow in individual containers. In May, planted in open ground.

Worth knowing! Astilba grown from seeds will only bloom in the 2nd or 3rd year!

Video: sowing astilba seed for seedlings

As a rule, with the help dividing the bush an overgrown astilbe is transplanted, which should be performed at least once every 5 years. The bush should be divided so that each division has from 3 to 5 renewal buds. Astilba can be transplanted in this way both in spring (preferably early), and in late summer (in August) or early autumn. Moreover, it is optimal to seat at a distance of at least 30-40 centimeters between the bushes.

The most popular way is reproduction kidney renewal and part rhizomes. It is this method that will be discussed next.

How to keep astilba at home before planting in the ground

If you bought a sleeping plant, then you can perfectly store it in the refrigerator until the very landing in open ground.

If you see that the growth buds have woken up, that is, the growth process has been started, the plant should be placed in a pot with soil as soon as possible, otherwise it will simply have nowhere to take nutrients from. Astilba rhizomes are not designed for long-term storage, so if they start to dry out, then from these roots you will hardly be able to grow a healthy plant.

Container and soil

In advance, you should take care of acquiring the necessary capacity for planting. It is good to plant astilba in plastic buckets with a volume of about 1 liter. In such a container it is very convenient to observe the condition of the roots of the plant and soil moisture.

As for the soil, it is best to use a universal soil for flowers, in which to improve soil properties and maintain air-water balance, add a little vermiculite.

By the way! It is not necessary to plant in the ground, it can also be planted in a coconut substrate. His hallmark is that there is a lot of air in it, which means that the roots, which in February-March, as a rule, are not in very good condition, will receive good development.

Planting in a pot

Step-by-step instruction planting astilba in a pot to save the plant at home:

You don’t need to disturb the plant anymore, just water it promptly as the soil dries up. Feeding is not required at this stage.

It remains only to put the container with the astilbe seedling in a bright and cool room, where the air temperature is kept within + 15-18 degrees.

Video: how to plant astilba that you bought early and want to save before planting in the ground

Planting astilba in open ground

Landing dates

Pickup times vary depending on where you live. As always, residents of the Middle Strip (Moscow Region) begin to plant earlier than gardeners in the Urals and Siberia, but noticeably later than the southern regions.

Astilbes in open ground, as a rule, are planted no earlier than May, when the earth warms up enough. And it does not matter whether you plant rhizomes with renewal buds or plant seedlings.

In general, astilbes can be planted both in spring and autumn, and even in summer, unless, of course, it costs very little. hot weather. It all depends on when you can get planting material.

Location and soil on the site

So that astilba pleases you with her lush bloom, it is necessary to choose optimal location on the landing site.

Astilba can grow both in the shade and in the sun. But still, this plant likes to grow in partial shade on loose and moist soils. It is optimal to plant a plant in soil with a predominant content of clay and a significant amount of sand, in other words, in loam.

As for a specific place, if you have a small reservoir on your site, then plant it nearby. If not, then the site on the north side of the house is perfect for landing, as well as shady places near trees and shrubs.

By the way! To accurately determine the place for planting astilba, you should pay attention to the flowering period of a particular plant variety. For example, early- and late-flowering plants can successfully grow both in the shade and under scorching sun. But medium-flowering (also called July) is desirable to plant in more shady areas. If you want to extend the flowering period of varieties with white and pink flowers, then it is advisable to also plant them in partial shade.

Direct landing in the garden

To plant astilba in open ground, it is worth preparing a landing hole in advance, making it about 20-30 centimeters deep. A little wood ash, compost or humus should be added to the ground for planting, and then mix it all very carefully and water it abundantly. Next, plant a seedling, sprinkle it with earth, and then mulch for better moisture retention with a layer of about 3-5 centimeters. As mulch, you can use peat, tree bark, sawdust or the same straw.

By the way! Although this plant is not very demanding on the soil, but planting it in a pre-fertilized place, you will not need to feed it for a while. However, it will grow much better, which means that the flowering will be more magnificent and brighter.

As for the astilbe planting scheme, high varieties are planted at a distance of about 0.5 meters, and low ones - about 0.2-0.3 meters.

Astilba care in the open field

Astilba care consists in regular watering depending on the weather and timely hilling. The latter is required due to the fact that the roots of the plant constantly grow upwards, while their Bottom part dies out over time.

Astilba loves moisture, so do not forget about irrigation and try not to let the soil dry out, especially in hot late spring and summer periods time. If the weather is dry and the sun is just sizzling, then it is recommended to water at least 1, and even better, 2 times a day.

top dressing

Astilba top dressing is carried out in spring, in summer - before and after flowering, as well as in autumn.

Note! Before fertilizing, the plant must first be watered. If it has rained before, then additional moisture is not required.

Spring top dressing is carried out using nitrogen fertilizers to increase the green mass of the plant. For example, you can bring a little humus into the ground, for example, during its hilling. Or it is great to use mullein infusion for these purposes.

In summer, before flowering, the plant needs potassium fertilizing. For this, it is impossible better fit potassium nitrate, 1 tbsp. l to be dissolved in 5 liters of water. The consumption rate is approximately 0.5 liters per 1 bush.

At the end of summer, after flowering, the shrub needs phosphate fertilizer. To do this, you can perform dry top dressing with superphosphate: about 1 tbsp. spoon for 1 bush. But it is better to use exclusively phosphorus-potassium fertilizers, they are just designed to improve the winter hardiness of the plant.

Advice! After the end of any of the dressings, the soil near the shrub should be thoroughly loosened and mulch should be thrown.

Autumn care and preparation for winter

If you have already succumbed to the openwork charm of the fluffy astilbe, let it take its niche in your flower bed in your own garden! And you are already aware of how and when to properly plant it and properly care for it.

Video: astilba - cultivation, care and reproduction

In contact with

If you want the beautiful astilba to settle in your dacha, planting and leaving in open ground won't be too difficult. It is quite unpretentious, but very decorative. This perennial blooms luxuriantly, feels good even in constant shade. Astilba comfortably tolerates cold Russian winters (up to -37 ° C), practically does not get sick, and garden pests not particularly interested in her.

Photo of blooming astilba:

For originality, lush beauty, everyone loves it, professional, novice gardeners, just lovers.

Astilba - description, appearance and features

What is astilba? This is perennial from the Saxifragaceae family, with openwork foliage and beautiful fluffy panicle inflorescences.

When does astilba bloom? It blooms from the first days of summer. How long does astilbe bloom? The most active plant blooms for about a month. The flowering process itself continues until August. Not only flowers are decorative, but also long-leaved dark green leaves growing on erect stems. The color scheme of lush panicles is rich in a variety of shades: white, cream, pink, lilac, red. The delicate aroma of astilba is somewhat reminiscent of the fragrance of bird cherry.

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

Astilba photo:

Astilba will make any corner of the garden cozy

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

The height of the astilba plant depends on the variety. There are tall varieties, there are dwarf varieties. For comfortable cultivation, it is preferable to give your choice to tall varieties - those that grow up to 50-80 cm. They are more viable, tolerate climate change, temperature fluctuations.

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

Astilbe Montgomery

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

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

Where to plant astilba

Where to plant astilba in the country, in the garden? The best place- in the northern part of the site. This is the best for her comfortable place. Where to plant astilba in the sun or in the shade? Choose shady places or areas near the pool, pond (if you have one). Only some varieties of astilba prefer sunny areas. When planting, be sure to consider the proximity of plants, for example, hostas growing nearby will not only be in harmony with the leaves or flowers of the astilbe, but will protect it from overheating in hot summers. Those varieties that bloom in the midst of summer, you need to select only shaded places.

The planting process is best started in early May / early June.

What kind of soil does astilbe like? It can grow in almost any soil. But he especially loves loams, fertile soil, soil saturated with potassium-phosphorus additives.

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

You also need to pay attention to the variety, the timing of its flowering. Early, late varieties will feel equally comfortable in a sunny, shaded place. high lay ground water, as well as periodic stagnation of water in the area are highly undesirable for astilba. To prevent the root system from getting wet, you will need to equip drainage or plant plants on a hill.

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

Please watch a video selection of astilba photos.

Astilba - care and landing

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

Astilba - photo of flowers in a flower bed:

Astilbe in landscape design, a photo

How does astilbe reproduce?

Astilba can be propagated by seed or vegetative method. In the second case, fragments of rhizomes or buds are used. After the plant fades, seeds ripen in boxes, they are sown in early March, but before that they are “hardened” with cold.

To do this, take a suitable container, pour a mixture of peat and sand (equal proportions), scatter the seeds on top, lay a 2 cm layer of snow on top of them. By the way, you can use snow from the freezer. The snow will melt naturally, burying the seeds deep into the soil. After the snow has melted, cover the container with glass or polyethylene film and then refrigerate for 3 weeks. For these purposes, the lower compartment is perfect, where vegetables are usually stored. During this period, already hardened seedlings will sprout, which will eventually turn into strong plants not afraid of cold, frost.

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

How to grow astilba from rhizome? The division of the rhizome is the easiest, effective way breeding. To do this, a full-fledged plant should be dug up, removed from the soil along with the roots, with earthy clod. Then gently shake off the ground, expose root system, take a knife, divide the root into fragments, and each piece must have at least 4 buds. After that, you need to plant the roots at a distance of 25-30 cm from each other, water daily (not too abundantly).

Astilba - cultivation and care, photo:

Astilba at the beginning of flowering

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

How to care for astilba? The main thing to remember is the unusual features of its root system, to ensure that the roots are covered with earth. Provide regular watering (according to the variety). Mulching is recommended. Both overheating and waterlogging are equally harmful to all plants, and a mulch layer will help keep the roots healthy. Remove weeds, water more often during flower formation, fertilize according to the season: nitrogen in spring, potash in mid-summer, phosphorus in late summer. Astilba should be repotted every 8-10 years. With the right approach to business, this plant will transform your country cottage area, will give positive emotions, bright colors summer. Thus, astilba is aesthetic, undemanding. in open ground are not difficult.

What year does astilba bloom after planting? Grown from seeds, blooms in the 3rd year. And those that you planted by dividing the rhizome can bloom in the year of planting.

When to transplant astilba in spring or autumn? Can be transplanted in spring and autumn. If you decide to transplant the plant in the fall, then wait for the end of flowering. But do not delay transplanting: the plant should be transplanted about a month before the onset of cold weather (not below + 5 ° C). AT middle lane In Russia, this is approximately in the month of September, in the Kuban - in October. If you plant or transplant astilba in the spring, then this season you will be able to see flowering. Try to hold this event in April-May if you live in central Russia, and in March-April if you live in the Kuban. Astilba can not be transplanted for many years. But sooner or later, its flowering will become scarce. Fluffy panicles will become rare, lose their decorative effect. Experts believe that astilba should be transplanted about once every four years. But, if you see that your plant has not lost its fluffiness and splendor, then do not touch it for another year or two.

Last year, visiting a friend, I saw a beautiful white astilbe. In general, I really like perennials, especially flowering ones, so I decided to get myself such a miracle. Tell me how to plant astilbe in the spring?

Astilba can be found in flowerbeds quite often, because this unpretentious perennial from the Saxifrage family has a very beautiful view thanks to amazing shape carved green leaves with a red tint and a serrated edge. And when its lush inflorescences, consisting of small flowers of the most different colors, the plant serves as a decoration of the site all summer. At the same time, some varieties can reach up to 2 m in height and look good when planted along the fence or in the background.

Growing astilba is not difficult, because the plant does not require special conditions for growth and care. It is enough to choose the right habitat for it, and soon the perennial will begin to actively grow roots and green mass.

It is noteworthy that the plant annually forms new buds in the upper part of the root system, while the lower one dies off.

It is necessary to plant astilba in the holes, leaving a distance between them of at least 30 cm. For tall specimens, you will need more space - up to 50 cm. Immediately before planting, add wood ash(0.5 st.) and mineral complex fertilizers(1 tablespoon).

After planting, the bushes should be covered with mulch - it will help moisture stay in the ground longer, and it will also reliably protect astilbe from frost during wintering.

Cultivation of astilba - video

In the composition of most flower beds located in the shade, there is sure to be astilbe. Perennial has long gained popularity as an unpretentious plant. Today we will reveal the topic of planting astilba and caring for it in the open field, as beginners and experienced gardeners 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 pay attention to the panicles of wild astilba. Tiny buds, inconspicuous colors, resemble weeds, which are abundant around. However, the breeders managed to accomplish the incredible - to bring out such bright astilba varieties that simply cannot go unnoticed.

Demanded qualities of culture:

• 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, successfully cultivated in the territories Altai Territory, the Urals, as well as Far East(in Primorsky, Khabarovsk Territory).

Conclusion: astilba is not a culture for hot regions.

Companions in the flower garden

Gardeners plant astilba along 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 astilbes take root perfectly on rocky areas of rockeries or rock gardens.

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

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

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

Fundamentals of reproduction and agricultural technology

Growing a crop from seeds at home

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

Many experimenters are stopped by the low percentage of astilba germination (which is often indicated on the packaging label), as well as possible problems when transplanting seedlings in open ground. Agree, it’s much easier to buy ready-made roots with buds in a nursery and not bother yourself with unnecessary troubles to create a greenhouse, carry out stratification and picking of young plants, followed by “moving” the 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 - seedlings partially retain the characteristics of the mother plant. Get ready to be seeded white undersized flower, in the end you get a tall perennial with pink panicles.

Astilbe 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 increasing their germination. Together with melting snow, astilbe penetrates the soil.

Then the pot is placed in a transparent bag and sent to the refrigerator for 15-20 days. After the specified period, the "greenhouse" is taken out, taken out to a warm (+18 degrees), well-lit place, for example, to the balcony. Astilba shoots should appear within 3-4 weeks. The soil must 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 the appearance of 2-3 leaves. Practice shows that in most cases a full-fledged outlet barely has time to form by the end of the year, and therefore astilba is transplanted into open ground only next spring.

Astilba planting methods

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

• planting seeds in open ground;
• planting seedlings, personally obtained at home;
• rooting of perennial divisions (renewal buds).

The first two methods cause the greatest discussion among flower growers, the latter does not bring much trouble and 99.9% gives a good result.

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

Planting seeds in open ground

This method of growing perennials in household plots is practically not used. However, it is not advisable to exclude him from flower growing practice forever. Some gardeners are ready to bring real examples astilba self-sowing - cases when new, distinctive in appearance, but generally wonderful plants appeared next to a varietal perennial. By the way, this is the only way to reproduce astilba in the wild.

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

On a note! Experts note that many varieties of astilba do not freeze and do not rot. Most often they die due to the natural aging of the rhizome. Plants are in vital need of dividing the root and regularly deepening it into the soil. Such a measure rejuvenates the perennial, stimulates growth.

After lying in the winter in the open field, the seeds will undergo stratification and in the spring will give rare seedlings. The intervention of the summer resident in the process will not play a role. Let's say this is an uncontrolled way of breeding astilba, where you should not rely on your own knowledge and skills, but at random.

If the goal is to grow a perennial from purchased varietal seeds, one must turn to the second method - obtaining astilba seedlings.

Planting seedlings grown at home

Julia shares her experience of sowing seeds:

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

Firstly, astilba prefers loamy soil, with high occurrence ground water. Optimal acidity– 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 from both frost and 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 return frosts, it is better to reschedule the event. Even a light frost can kill astilba seedlings. In May-June, with steadily warm weather, seedlings are transplanted into open ground from the north side of the house, in partial shade, by transshipment.

On a note! Shelter of plants is not needed if you first harden the astilba, taking it out to an open loggia, a balcony.

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

After transplanting, the soil around the seedling is well mulched. Use peat or humus. Uncovered earth quickly evaporates water, and the perennial is very fond of moist places. Astilba is watered regularly for 10-15 days before the appearance obvious signs rooting. Feeds are not needed.

Read more about the transplant rules on the 7 Dachas website:

Astilba care basics

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

We remind you that the ideal site is characterized by:

• scattered shadow created by shrubs or trees;
• moist air provided by a pond or stream.

Sufficient water as a vital requirement

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

Additionally, there are the following consequences:

• delay in the growth of rhizomes;
• leaf fall;
• shortening the flowering period;
• loss of general decorativeness.

With low air humidity and constant windiness, the plant can fold and drop 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 perennials.

On a note! Astilba tends to crowd 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 arid climates. So, the Japanese astilbe is able to survive even in conditions of water shortage. The scorched greenery will die, but in the spring the plant will again throw out the young shoots. Do not rush to uproot the flower ruined this year. At the very least, give the rhizome a chance to show off next season.

Relatively dry soil will not harm Astilba Chinese Superba and Purpurlance.

flowering period

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

Usually the Japanese astilbe opens first and that's it. undersized varieties, followed by approximately simultaneously simple-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. Individual astilbes at the end of flowering do not lose their natural palette, creating the effect of an incredibly long flowering.

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

If there is no goal to stock up on seeds, semi-dry astilba 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 autumn is warm, the air is regularly saturated with moisture, the temperature drops slowly (gradually).

How to properly trim a faded astilbe will be taught " Lucky Tips»:

loosening

Loosening allows you to increase the air permeability of the soil around the astilba, to control weeds. The event is useful to hold 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 carefully with an ordinary weeder, focusing on a depth of 5-10 cm.

top dressing

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

It is impossible to say that a perennial vitally needs regular top dressing. However, pampering your favorite bush with “goodies” is also not prohibited.

Gardeners feed astilba 3 times a year: in spring - 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 increases, as well as its winter hardiness.

Reason for dividing the rhizome and transplant time

In a favorable atmosphere, astilba will soon grow. The root collar rises 3-5 cm above the ground in a year. At first, it must be spudded (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 does not occur horizontally, but vertically, and at the very surface of the earth. If young roots are left without soil cover, they will die: they will dry out in summer or freeze in winter.

On a note! The crushing of peduncles and perennial bushes is a direct signal of the exposure of the root neck and shoots.

In one place, astilba 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 decorativeness of the bush, one 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 benefit of the event is obvious - flowering bushes it gets bigger, the garden gets more beautiful.

It is believed that best period for transplantation - spring (without frost) or autumn (end of August - September). Delenki astilba before wintering should have time to take root. To reduce the stress of a transplanted plant, greens can be sprayed with epin or phytosporin. Adaptation will be faster and with minimal losses.

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

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

• maintain soil moisture by mulching;
• feed after engraftment three times a year;
• cut off the discarded flower stalks 1 time after transplantation to allow the plant to get stronger.

Preparing astilba for wintering

Plant care in the fall involves a number of activities:

• top dressing with phosphorus and potassium;
• updating mulch over the rhizome;
• cut dried and lost decorative greenery;
• frost protection if necessary.

Astilba stems are cut almost to the root. From above, the “stumps” are spudded and covered with mulch with a layer of 5 to 20 cm. Hay, leaves, sawdust, high-moor peat, spruce branches are used.

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

Practice has shown that in warm regions, astilba is not prepared for winter. 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 “warmer” to cover the perennial. Then you can sleep peacefully in frost and snowlessness.