Astilba - planting and care in the open field without any hassle! Astilba: the nuances of reproduction, care, preparation for winter, variety selection.

Now, many flower growers, in order to create a special flower garden decor, are trying to plant not the usual daisies and carnations on their site, but something unusual and original. For these purposes, astilba is ideal. This perennial is unusually decorative, not capricious, easily propagated. Astilba charms with its dark green carved leaves with small airy flowers, gracefully collected in panicles, but in order for it to please you for a long time, you need to know how to care for it. In him important element is an astilba transplant in the fall to another place. Why this is necessary and how to perform such a procedure, our article will tell.

astilbe plant

The astilbe flower is a member of the Saxifrage family. You can meet him at East Asia, Japan or North America (where it comes from). In Russia in recent times astilba is also grown quite willingly. Depending on the variety, the height of this perennial shrub varies from 15 cm to 200 cm. The length of fluffy panicles is also ambiguous and can be 10-60 cm. The color scheme of astilba is quite diverse. Its flowers can be lilac, red, pink and white.

Advantages

Astilba has many advantages:

• Completely unpretentious in care.
• The process of its reproduction is quite simple.
• Perfectly drains the soil (for example, after rains), as it is very moisture-loving. Therefore, it is recommended to plant it along the walls of houses (in order to protect the foundation from excessive moisture).
• The shadow is not a hindrance to her, that is, she grows well in places that are little illuminated by the sun.
• During all the summer months, astilbe pleases everyone around with its lush flowering.

Varieties

There are a huge number of types of astilba. Among them hybrid varieties(there are about 40 of them), Japanese varieties, Korean and Chinese.

Species obtained by crossing the main base species (David's astilba) with others are called Anders hybrids. Them distinctive characteristics are: sphericity, sprawling, as well as the shape of a bush in the form of a pyramid. Shrubs with a height of about 1 meter have the longest flowering period (35-45 days: from July to August). The most popular varieties among summer residents include: Dynamite, Gloria, Ruby and Amethyst.

Low (up to 80 cm), cold-resistant and early-blooming Japanese varieties easily take root in new places and continue to decorate the home garden even after flowering. The most common varieties are Europe, Montgomery, Rhineland and Deutschland.

Tall (about 1.1-1.2 m) Chinese varieties with rather large basal leaves and dense inflorescences (35-40 cm long) have successfully taken root on Russian land. Main varieties: Vision in Pink, Purpurlanze and Vision in Red.

Regardless of the species, activities such as planting astilba in the fall and caring for the plant are important in caring for the plant. open field.

Where is the best place to plant

The easiest way to care for astilba is to find appropriate place for landing. The fact is that the plant is so unpretentious that it can be planted where other flowers simply cannot survive. A huge plus this plant is that it is able to bloom luxuriantly in dense shade, and also that it can be planted in wetlands and in lowlands, where water often stagnates. The abundance of moisture in the soil is required condition successful cultivation astilbe.

True, there are separate varieties that need the sun. These plants need to be watered abundantly and mulched to retain moisture in the soil.

There are some nuances that should be considered when choosing a landing site:

• The plant does not tolerate very close proximity to trees. The fact is that root system such neighbors greatly weakens the astilba and does not allow it to develop properly.
• Very to the liking of the soil plant with high occurrence ground water. In this case, astilba is guaranteed to receive moisture throughout the summer period.
• The flower does not tolerate drought well. Therefore, in regions with a hot and dry climate, the plant looks oppressed and has a weak flowering.

When transplanting astilba in the fall, these features of the plant must be taken into account.

Landing pattern

The landing scheme of such ornamental plant, like astilbe, is quite simple. If you want to see perennial tall bushes in your area, then they should be planted at a distance of 50 cm from each other. If you are ready to be content with undersized representatives of this species, then each subsequent plant can be placed 30 cm from the previous one.

That is, when transplanting astilba in the fall, it is necessary to adhere to certain recommendations described above.

Landing or transfer dates

Despite all the unpretentiousness of astilba, in order to obtain a positive result in its cultivation, it is necessary not only to choose right place and carry out planting in a certain way, but also comply with the deadlines for agrotechnical work.

The best time for planting or transplanting astilba in the fall is the beginning of September, and in the spring - the end of April and the beginning of May. When planting a plant in early autumn, you need to correctly calculate the time it will take for the seedling to fully grow stronger before the onset of cold weather and frost.

Astilba transplant time in autumn is determined by the end of its flowering. There is no point in postponing this work for longer. late dates. The plant should be placed in a new place about a month before the air temperature drops below +5 degrees. Some flower growers are interested in when it is preferable to transplant astilba, in spring or autumn? Of course, these works are best done in spring period, since in this case you can see the first flowering at the end of the season. If there is no such goal, then transplant in the fall.

How often to transplant astilba

What is planting astilba in the fall and care in the open field? According to flower growers, astilba should be propagated and transplanted once every four years. It is during this time that the rhizome of the plant grows to such a size that it begins to become bare, rising above the soil layer. This can lead to the fact that with the onset of frost the flower will die. However, if after 4 years the plant is still in full bloom, then you should not look for another place in the garden for it, it is better to just feed it to help it bloom luxuriantly and for a long time.

Preparing the soil for planting

How to transplant astilbe in the fall? What kind of soil does she like? She loves moist, light (loose), rich in humus and slightly acidic soil, seasoned with organic matter. In the fall, before planting (or transplanting), we perform the following work:

• We dig the earth to a depth of about 30 cm.
• We remove weeds (necessarily along with the root) and any debris.
• We bring in peat, rotted manure and humus (1 bucket of the mixture is enough for 1 m²).

In the spring, wanting to plant astilba, we dig a small hole (no more than 25-35 cm deep), we bookmark it complex fertilizer in granules (about 30 g), ash (half a glass) and compost; mix everything thoroughly and pour, sparing no water. We wait until the liquid is completely absorbed into the soil, and only then we plant the prepared seedling, dig it in with earth, compact the soil around the plant to avoid the presence of voids filled with air, add earth (if necessary) and mulch with sawdust, bark, peat or straw. The height of the layer should be at least 4-7 cm.

Transplanting astilba in the fall to another place

• The plant feels comfortable in one place for 4-5 years. If the flowering is no longer so lush, then this is a sure sign that it is better to transplant the astilba.
• These works can be performed not only in spring or autumn, but also during the entire warm period, even when the plant is in bloom and there are many buds on it.
• Astilbe flowers are transplanted in the fall in the country for various reasons, including important place takes breeding. For this plant, it is performed mainly by dividing the rhizome. Other ways - cuttings and renewal buds. In addition, planting astilba in autumn with seeds can also be done, although many still prefer to propagate by dividing an overgrown bush.
• Share young plant can be done by hand. To separate the parts of the rhizome of the astilba "aged", one cannot do without a shovel.

The place of division of the rhizome should be generously sprinkled with ash to protect it from decay and the penetration of bacteria living in the ground.

In order to injure the flower less, it is desirable to capture more root earth along with the rhizome and transfer it all to a new place. After transplanting, the plant should be watered abundantly.

We prepare a pit for a new plant as described above. We plant a delenka in it in such a way that the depth of the renewal buds is 5-6 cm. After planting, we water the astilba abundantly so that the soil is properly compacted. After a couple of days, the bush will come to its senses and begin its life.

In the first year, the plant will be weak, so flower growers recommend removing all flower stalks on it so that the root system develops better.

We water correctly

A feature of the growth of the roots of the plant is that they grow exclusively in top layer soil. Therefore, it is very important to provide astilbe throughout the growing season. sufficient watering. In especially hot and dry periods, astilba should be watered twice a day - in the morning and in the evening. A layer of mulch with a thickness of 10 cm or more helps to retain moisture in the soil.

Let's feed on time

It is optimal to feed astilba three times a year:

• We make the first dressing at the very beginning of spring, when the young shoots have already begun their development. For these purposes, we use complex nitrogen-containing fertilizers.
• We give the second, phosphorus recharge after flowering.
• The third is carried out in the fall, when the flowering is over. This time we will limit ourselves to liquid (to avoid burns on plant stems) potash fertilizers.

We make pruning

In late autumn, the entire aerial part of the plant must be cut off, leaving only very small stumps. Also in the fall, you need to add astilbe mulch. This will protect the plant from the cold. Especially carefully it is necessary to transplant astilba in autumn in Siberia and other regions with severe winters. So that the plants in the new place do not die due to the fact that their root system has not yet had time to become strong and hardy, it is necessary in the fall, as soon as the air temperature is set at -8-10 degrees Celsius, to cover the young seedlings with spruce branches or other covering material.

Pests

Despite the fact that astilba is very resistant to many diseases, and pests are not afraid of it, sometimes such “troubles” occur, such as the formation of brown and yellow spots on leaves affected by slobber penny. These pests suck the juice from the leaf tissue, which destroys not only individual sheet plates, but the whole bush. You can fight pennitsa using various insecticides, for example, Karbofos.

In addition to pennitsa, nematodes (strawberry and gallic) can also attack astilba. The first causes deformation of the leaves, and the second causes significant damage to the roots. These pests do not tolerate drugs such as Fitoferm. Using it, you can completely get rid of nematodes.

Diversity horticultural crops requires compliance with special rules for their agroteniki. There are secrets experienced florist, which help turn any piece of land into a blooming paradise. Caring for astilba in the fall according to the rule of agricultural technology will help keep the plant in any climatic zones Oh. Before you cover the plant for the winter, you should know how and when to transplant the shrub correctly. Astilba is a very beautiful plant and deserves timely and regular self-care. But care is not always about compliance. temperature standards, irrigation, etc. of things. Also very important process is a transplant. The activity of fruiting depends on it, as well as the appearance and health of the future bush. Today we will tell you how and when to transplant astilba correctly so as not to harm the flower and get the maximum benefit from it.

Astilbe transplant - how, when and why?

In fact, in one place up to 10 years and without any transplant, but if you still want to admire her lush bushes and healthy appearance - then we advise you to carry out this procedure every 3-4 years. This is optimal time, since it is during this period that the process of aging of the roots begins and the flowering of astilba becomes no longer so active, and the bush itself slowly fades, and the buds begin to die. Astilba transplantation may be required only with severe depletion of the soil. About how, when and why to do this, you can read further in the material. You also need to know one more specificity of astilbe - over time, its roots, along with the buds, begin to grow upwards and eventually break out. As a result, they can be severely affected by extreme heat and winter frosts. Flowering in this case may completely stop. When transplanting, the astilba rhizome is cut very sharp knife(so as not to harm the plant) for the required number of parts. Each separated bush should have at least three buds at the base of the root system. Immediately after dividing the bush, place the roots of future plants in a container with water - this will contribute to the independent growth and development of the plant.
When you have already begun the planting process, do not forget to keep a distance between the bushes - at least 40 centimeters, so that not only the flowers, but also the foliage of the astilbe can grow to its full strength. The depth of planting is determined by the kidneys - they should be immersed in the ground by 3-4 centimeters. Then sprinkle mulch (peat or humus is suitable) with a layer of two centimeters. In this way, you can avoid the appearance of weeds next to the bush and retain moisture in the soil.

When can you transplant astilba

Since our bush constantly succeeds in moisture, especially in summer, the very best option- this is to carry out a transplant in spring or autumn, when there is still (or already) not such a scorching sun. When it is possible to transplant astilba with minimal losses for the plant - each grower decides on his own. The preferred option is the end of August - the beginning of September. The flower will transfer the procedure much easier, which means the result will be better. Some gardeners claim that transplantation can be carried out even when the first buds and flowers have already appeared on the bush - it is important to do everything very carefully here: it is necessary to transplant along with a clod of earth and water regularly. That is, even the growing season will not have a special effect on the effectiveness of the transplant. They believe that the only thing that can interfere with a quality and effective transplant is the lack of sun and lack of moisture.

When to plant astilba?

To get a beautiful and healthy plant, you need to know not only how to plant a bush, but also when. Astilba is recommended to be planted in spring or autumn. In the spring - after the threat of frost has finally passed and the sprouts can be planted immediately on open ground. In a month and a half, it will bloom (at the turn of June and July). When to plant astilbe depends largely on the climatic conditions of a particular region. If you want to get flowers next year, then you can plant seedlings only in the fall, when the summer heat subsides. Planting conditions are still the same, it just won't bloom so soon. The hole in which you plan to plant astilba should be twice as wide as the root system so that it can be prevented from being accidentally damaged and have a depth of at least 15 centimeters. loose earth, which is formed near the bush, will contribute to more comfortable conditions for the growth of astilba. After planting, the pit is covered clay soil(same consistency as the soil next to the bush). Also check how compacted the soil is next to the new plant to make sure everything is air gaps removed.

How to cover astilba for the winter?

In the first year, in order for the plant to survive the winter well, do not let it bloom. It is necessary to immediately cut off all the flower stalks so that all the forces of the flower go to the formation of buds in the rhizome. Also, at first it is necessary to regularly weed the bush, and after it grows, the need for this procedure will disappear by itself. How to cover astilbe for the winter and when is the best time to do it? The same layer of mulch will help to prepare and postpone the wintering, which, in addition, performs several more functions, which we have already talked about a little higher. If you live in the middle lane, then you will not need shelter for astilbe for the winter - this is one of the most frost-resistant flowers among perennials that tolerate shade conditions. There is a danger of late spring frosts, but if you have met all the conditions before, then your flower will certainly retain its decorative chic and beauty. Older bushes (4-5 years old) are more sensitive to winter frosts, and that's all, because their roots are gradually exposed and remain unprotected. Install a frame made of wood or metal near the bush, and fill the space around it with foliage and stretch the spunbond from above. In order to protect our structure from moisture, we recommend covering it with plastic wrap, which is pressed against bricks for reliability.

Astilba, no doubt, is an adornment of any garden plot, but in order to achieve the most spectacular from the bush appearance, you need to take proper care of it, and preparing the plant for winter is an important part of it. There are several simple rules, compliance with which will help to successfully cope with this procedure.

Preparing astilba for winter

Although astilbe is hardy plant, it is worth considering the risk that your bush can be seriously affected by spring temperature changes during thaws. It is also worth considering that the roots of older plants (from 5 years old and above) become sensitive to winter cold, so you should take care of their shelter in order to provide the bush with health and favorable conditions for further growth.

Fertilization

To astilbe well tolerated winter frosts, the plant should be fed. Prepare a nutrient solution (1 tablespoon potassium sulfate + 1 tablespoon superphosphate + 10 liters of water or 2 tablespoons superphosphate + 10 liters of water) and water each bush generously, and then loosen the soil well. Such top dressing should be carried out in early September. If you want to use a complex fertilizer, then give preference to those that do not contain nitrogen, since this component causes the growth of green mass.

In autumn, astilba needs phosphorus-potassium supplements.

pruning

Many gardeners believe that astilba should be cut immediately after flowering, although it would be more correct to postpone this procedure at the time of the first frosts (as a rule, they fall in the second or third decade of October, in the southern regions - at the beginning or middle of November). At this time, it is necessary to cut off not only the blackened stems with dried inflorescences, but also the rest of the foliage at soil level, leaving no stumps. It is convenient to trim with a pruner, do not forget to disinfect its blade with kerosene, a solution of potassium permanganate (1 g of powder per 1 liter of water) or ignite it on fire.

Astilba should be pruned after the first frost.

After pruning, you can also lightly pile up the stumps by pouring soil 3–4 cm high on them. But be careful and try not to expose the roots and basal buds growing on them, because in this case the plant may not form new shoots and next year the amount of its green mass will decrease.

Video: how to cut dried astilbe shoots

Mulching

After cutting dead shoots, the bush must be mulched. For this, peat chips, coniferous litter, rotted sawdust, straw, spruce branches or compost are well suited. The layer of mulch should be at least 10 cm, in cold areas - at least 20 cm.

protective shelter

If your astilba is older than five years old, then she will need a more reliable shelter. To this end, build a fence of boards or bricks 20-25 cm high around the bush and pour mulching material into it. From above, cover the workpiece with burlap (you can also use a non-woven breathable covering material), securing it around the edges to prevent swelling. In order to avoid the greenhouse effect and the accumulation of moisture inside the shelter, it is not recommended to use a plastic film.

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

Like most garden plants, astilba needs especially careful care in the year of planting. To make the bush healthy and strong, and endure the coming winter well, you should not let it bloom. If you remove the flower stalks, all the forces of the plant will go to rooting and the formation of buds on the rhizome.

In addition, until the astilba has grown stronger, the soil around it needs to be weeded. Over time, the bush will grow, crowd out the weeds, and the need for weeding will disappear.

It is important to know that new buds are formed 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 slightly during the cold period. Such a plant after wintering remains weakened, its inflorescences become smaller, the duration and abundance of flowering decreases, as well as the decorativeness of the leaves.

In conditions 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 upper part rhizomes. 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 or fifth year after planting, the viability of astilbe decreases. The vertically growing rhizome is gradually exposed, 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 shelter. To do this, you can choose one of traditional ways used for clematis, hydrangeas and other plants that require shelter. In autumn, after pruning the bush, a light metal or wooden frame. The space inside the frame is filled with leaves, and spanbond or lutrasil is stretched on top of it. To protect against moisture, the entire structure is covered with a plastic film, 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 plant death during the cold period.

The main factor necessary for the normal development of astilbe is timely and sufficient moisture. When growing it, regular watering is the most important agricultural technique. Therefore, plants that have survived a dry and hot summer will go into the winter weakened. They are recommended to be insulated, especially in those regions that are characterized by frosts without snow or frequent alternation of frosts and thaws.

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

As a supplement to food autumn period it is recommended to use potash and phosphorus top dressings, which increase the frost resistance of plants. Application rate - 20 - 25 grams of active ingredient per bush. Astilbe prefers fertile soils rich in humus. Therefore, for her abundant flowering next year, as well as for a higher decorative effect of the leaves, you can make organic fertilizer. It decomposes slowly, turning into accessible forms that the plant will begin to use with the onset of the growing season.

Astilba is valued by gardeners for its unpretentiousness and ease of care. When preparing for the cold period, the main rule should be remembered: the stronger the plant goes into the winter, the better it will endure.

If there is an unfilled area in your garden, whether it is a flower bed, a place on alpine slide or under a tree, or maybe just an empty container, plant an astilba there and you won’t regret it at all. Now we'll tell you why.

It looks like astilba in the garden. Astilbe flower - description and plant varieties Astilba came to Russia from East Asia or Japan and adapted to our climate so much that she learned to endure severe frosts in winter and high temperatures summer. The only thing that this plant could not refuse was the presence of moisture in the same amount as in its natural habitat (shady forest or stream bank). Astilba is a herbaceous perennial that forms a powerful, beautiful, sometimes multi-colored curtain that dies off in the winter and grows again in the spring from rhizomes. The height of the plant is different - from 15 cm to 2 m. The basal leaves have a beautiful carved shape and are red-green or dark green in color. Inflorescences are located on a high stem, have a fluffy texture and various forms: rhombus, panicle, pyramid or downward, drooping twigs. inflorescence rhombus panicle inflorescence inflorescence pyramid Flowering in all varieties of astilba lasts about 1 month, but at different times: early flowering bloom in June, mid-flowering - in July, late - in August. Previously, these flowers were only white, pink-lilac or purple. Now there is such a variety of colors and shades in the assortment that it is simply impossible not to be interested in astilba and you should definitely grow it in the open field, especially since it is easy and pleasant to do. Ease and pleasantness lies in the fact that the plant reproduces well, rarely gets sick and is almost not affected by pests. Where is the best place to plant astilbe? When choosing a place to plant astilba, you need to consider three factors: The plant is able to live in one place up to 15 - 20 years. It is growing rapidly. In sunny places, the flowering period is shorter. In regions with a cool climate and frequent rains, astilba can be planted in open areas and alpine slides. In hot places, it is necessary to divert penumbra to astilbe plantings. This is especially important for medium-flowering specimens, since their flowering period coincides with the highest temperatures. Astilba that blooms in June-July and August-September can be planted in the sun, as peak temperatures will not be able to affect the duration of flowering of these species. But in this case, you have to pay Special attention watering her. Astiba plantings along the edge of an artificial reservoir look extraordinarily beautiful! In addition, plants will love the proximity of water. In any place, it is necessary to prepare fertile light soil and ensure sufficient watering and mulching. Planting time depends on the chosen method of reproduction. How to grow astilba at home Breeding astilba is quite easy. It reproduces best vegetatively: dividing an adult bush into parts, renewal kidneys. Growing astilba from seeds is also possible, but it has one caveat that should be discussed separately. The problem is that grown from harvested seeds copies do not retain the qualities of mother plants. Experience shows that the following changes are possible: color difference, most often a pale pink color, loss of decorativeness (splendor) of the brush, shortening of the flowering period. You should not completely abandon this method of growing astilba, but for this you need to use only breeding seed material. Growing astilba from seeds Sowing seeds You can sow seeds both for seedlings and immediately into the ground, the main thing to remember is that the seed material needs to be stratified. If the method of sowing in the ground is chosen, then it is better to do it in the fall. To do this, fence the prepared area with boards or flexible borders, distribute the seeds over the surface of the soil, lightly sprinkle with earth and cover with covering material. Behind the winter will pass stratification process, and the seeds will give friendly shoots. In an apartment, stratification of seeds will take 3 weeks. At this time, seeds mixed with peat or sand and moistened are placed in a refrigerator at a temperature not higher than +4 - +6 degrees. Then, in early - mid-March, they are sown in containers for germination in warmth and light. Seedlings appear in 2-3 weeks. seedling care When 2 - 3 true leaves appear, the seedlings need to be picked in separate cups. Astilbe care at this time is very simple - timely watering and protection from direct sunlight. Planting seedlings in the ground It usually takes 2 to 3 months between sowing astilba and planting it in open ground. The best time landings - the onset of sustainable warm temperatures. The plant is not capricious, takes root well and grows quickly. Flowering occurs at 2 - 3 years of life. Planting astilba in the ground with rhizomes Most often, astilbe is grown from rhizomes. Moreover, their sale begins long before the start of the planting season and ends quickly, as the plant is very popular. How to store pre-purchased rhizomes? If the rhizome is still sleeping, then you can store it in the refrigerator and plant it in open ground as soon as possible. If a sprout has already appeared, then you need to place it in a container with earth and put it in a bright but cool place. Sometimes such specimens still form flower stalks in containers. You can leave them, because astilbe - strong plant and is able to transfer both transplantation and flowering at the same time. Awakened astilba rhizome Rhizomes acquired or stored in winter must be well inspected before planting, dry or damaged parts removed. If the rhizome was very dry, then you need to wrap it in a napkin soaked in epin for 6 hours. The planting hole is prepared taking into account the size of the rhizome, that is, for each individually: the main thing is that the roots are evenly distributed, the depth is sufficient, and the growth point is above the ground. The soil should be fertile and light. One handful of bone meal and ash, 25 - 30 g of mineral fertilizers, humus are poured into the bottom of the pit, everything is mixed, poured with water. After that, the rhizome is placed there, buried and mulched with a layer of peat at least 3–5 cm thick. Planting rhizomes in the ground The distance between plants depends on their variety and purpose of planting. For example, when creating a border from tall astilbe, a distance of 50 cm is maintained, but in any case, it should not be less than 30 cm. How to care for astilba in spring and summer As mentioned above, the leaves and stems of astilba die off for the winter, and grow back in the spring. In order for the plant to quickly gain green mass, it is necessary to feed it in the spring. mineral fertilizers with a high nitrogen content. During flowering, astilbe needs phosphorus top dressing so that the brushes are lush and bloom for as long as possible. And closer to autumn, it's time to apply potash fertilizers to help the rhizomes prepare for wintering. The main care for astilbe in the warm period is regular watering, as the plant does not tolerate a lack of moisture. On particularly hot days, it is advisable to water even 2 times a day - in the morning and in the evening. Periodic mulching will help not only retain moisture, but also protect against weeds, and also create a warm shelter for rhizomes before winter. Before mulching, the soil must be loosened, then scatter a layer of mulch and loosen again. This procedure is best repeated three times per season. Mulching with pebbles Mulching with wood chips Astilba has one feature - it seems to rise from the ground due to vertical growth. Because of this, young roots and buds are too close to the surface, so they can overheat or dry out. In this situation, it is necessary backfilling of fertile soil. In the spring, you also need to check the landings and add backfill where it is required. Astilba transplant. In the open ground, astilbes multiply very quickly and have to be divided and replanted periodically. Some varieties require this procedure every 3 to 4 years, but most - once every five years. If the transplant is scheduled for spring, then you need to wait for stable heat and the possibility of providing frequent watering. At any other time, even during the flowering period, transplants are successful, the main thing is to ensure abundant watering for two weeks after that. Late-flowering astilbes, transplanted in March, bloom in due time for them - in August - early September. So you can safely take on the transplant and be sure of success! 3 ways to propagate astilba There are three ways to propagate astilba: seeds The division of the rhizome Kidney renewal 1 way. Reproduction by seeds As we have already discussed, not the most The best way. harvested seeds not suitable for sowing, as they do not retain maternal qualities. good breeding planting material can only be purchased from the most reliable suppliers. The process of growing astilbe from seeds is long and laborious, because the seeds require stratification, seedlings - diving and care at home, as well as enhanced watering after planting in open ground, etc. In addition, the plant blooms only in the third year. But the higher the reward! Reproduction by seeds. 2 way. The division of the bush This is a favorite method for gardeners, as it always gives good results. The best time for this is early spring, but subject to sufficient moisture and heat. Astilba can be divided even during flowering. The acquisition of delenki with flowering brushes allows you to see all the features of the future bush, to determine the period of its flowering. The survival rate of such plants is good when providing proper care(abundant watering, loosening, mulching). The division procedure is as follows: The mother bush is carefully dug up. The rhizome is cut into pieces 3-5 cm long with 2-3 buds. Sections are sprinkled wood ash and dry up. Are being prepared landing pits or furrows, fertile soil, fertilizers are introduced, everything is watered. Delenki are placed at a distance of at least 30 cm from each other (depending on the variety up to 50 cm) They are buried so that the growth buds are above the surface. Mulch with a layer of 3 - 5 cm. Further care for astilbe consists in abundant watering, fertilizing according to the periods of plant development, mulching and loosening. Astilbes, obtained by dividing the bush in the spring, may bloom in the fall. The division of the bush. 3 way. Kidney renewal This is how astilba is propagated in early spring when the first shoots appear. To do this, you should not dig out the rhizome, but you just need to put a kidney with a root with a sharp knife. Several buds can be taken from one mother bush, but not more than a third. The cut point must be treated with ash and astilbe should be planted for rooting in a greenhouse. The soil should be light, fertile, with a film cover on top. Here, young plants will remain until autumn or next spring. As a rule, rooting takes place without complications.. You can plant in open ground in autumn or early spring, and soon you should expect the flowering of a young bush. Reproduction by renewal buds Astilba in garden design Astilba is indispensable in garden design. She is always decorative. in the spring, the first delicate carved leaves unfold, in summer, inflorescences open, and the wind shakes soft fluffy panicles, in autumn, inflorescences are replaced by no less beautiful boxes with seeds, after flowering, the curtain works for itself and becomes simply luxurious. However, in order for it to always look well-groomed, you need to remove dead stems in time. Astilba pruning in early spring There are many options for using astilbe in landscaping. This flower is especially beautiful, since here is its native environment, and it has the opportunity to unfold in all its charm. From tall astilbs, you can make and divide the site into zones. They are beautiful both in single plantings and in groups. Best Compositions obtained with the same beautiful plants who prefer partial shade, like badan, hosta, geykhera, fern, etc. In regions with a cool climate, it is good to plant astilba in a flower bed along with tulips, bluebells, irises, etc. Here, our flower will also feel great on an alpine hill, surrounded by saxifrages and survivors. Undersized astilbes are planted in containers along with geraniums and petunias, used in outdoor flowerpots, planted next to garden figurines and make borders out of them. astilba border flowering period different varieties astilbe lasts from June to September, so you can safely create for a long time blooming flower bed only from the collection beautiful plants and from them to collect a bouquet of dried flowers for the winter. Diseases and pests Astilba is one of the few plants that almost never gets sick. Most pests are indifferent to it. But there are still some that attack this flower, for example, pennitsa. It is also called a slobbering pennitsa, since the insect finds a secluded place for itself in the axils of astilbe leaves, secretes foamy contents and lays larvae there. Soon the leaves begin to wrinkle, turn yellow and dry out. If you do not take action, the plant may wither. Drooling penny. It is easy to spot the penis, as its nest looks like foaming juice or a clot of saliva. If such lesions are single, then it is better to destroy the nests manually. If the situation is out of control, then you need to use insecticides: kinmix, actellik, akarin and others. Occasionally, but still there is a defeat of astilbe by a strawberry nematode. You can try to compete for the plant by spending 2 - 3 sprayings with an interval of 3 - 5 days mercaptophos, heterophosome, phosphamtide. Signs of nematode damage But most often they get rid of such a plant. Preparing for the winter Astilbes perfectly tolerate our harsh winters. Preparation for wintering consists in making potash fertilizers and mulching the soil around the plant. Leaves should not be cut. They will create extra cover for rhizomes. You can even not remove the flower stalks if they look decorative. In winter, this will be an additional decoration for your garden and a reminder that spring will certainly come. And along with spring, there will also be worries about filling your site with interesting, beautiful and easy-to-care plants. It is this flower that is the astilba. Invite her into your garden and you will never regret it! Continuation of the topic: