What fertilizer to add when transplanting astilba. How to feed astilba for abundant flowering. astilbe care

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

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

Astilba has many shades

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

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

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

Distribution areas of natural astilba species

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

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

Astilbe in landscape design

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

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

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

Astilba: planting and care

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

Astilbe planting

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

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

Choosing a comfortable place for a flower

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

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

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

The depth of the planting pit is required to be provided individually for each plant, taking into account the size of the rhizome. The astilbe root system should be freely placed in the planting hole, while the bush is not allowed to deepen or the growing point is covered with soil. 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 each matchbox.

Astilba should be planted in 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

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

Planting care requires maintaining soil moisture. To do this, add a mulch layer (peat, bark, expanded clay or landscape gravel) on top planting soil. In winter, mulch on the ground surface helps protect tender rhizomes from freezing.

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

Astilbe care is very simple.

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

Fertilizer and top dressing

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

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

Do not forget to feed astilba with mineral fertilizers

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

Plant propagation

Reproduction by seeds

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

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

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

astilbe seed sprouts

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

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

Reproduction of astilba by dividing the bush

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

The division of the astilba bush

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

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

Division by the kidneys

Perennial reproduction is carried out in another way, which is considered the fastest - by bud division. In the spring, with the beginning of the vegetation of the plant, the renewal buds are separated with a sharp knife. The cuttings are planted in a greenhouse with moist soil mixed with coarse sand or gravel, after dusting the cut points with ash. With this method of reproduction, a very high survival rate of young plants is noted. The only drawback is that getting a full-fledged plant stretches for almost a year.

Diseases and pests

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

Astilba attracts not only with its decorative effect, the plant is practically not damaged by pests and diseases. The rhizomes of some crops can occasionally be affected by root-knot nematodes. The pest does not respond to the use of drugs, so the fight against the nematode is reduced to the destruction of diseased bushes. In this case, it is also necessary to remove part of the soil that was in contact with the roots of the diseased plant. It is advisable not to plant a crop at this place for several years.

Another pest that can threaten the plant in the open field is the slobber penny. The affected plant feels oppressed, the development of the leaf mass slows down. Prevention measures - collecting the pest from the leaves of the plant by hand.

Astilba: combination with other plants

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

Astilba combination different colors in landscape design

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

In landscape design, when planting in the shade, astilba bushes fit perfectly. The plant is used for single and group plantings, creating complex landscape solutions for shady and semi-shady places. Care ornamental plants does not constitute absolutely no difficulties and consists in timely watering.

How to plant astilba: video

Astilba is a unique flower with lush foliage and a large number of inflorescences. It has about 40 species and even more varieties. It is distinguished by unique inflorescences of different colors, often pink. In addition to aesthetic qualities, it has high frost resistance, shade tolerance and resistance to moisture. It blooms throughout the summer period until autumn (usually from late June to September), filling the garden and complementing it.

General rules for caring for astilba in the open field

In order for the plant to grow and please for a long time, it is necessary to follow the elementary rules of care:

1. It is necessary to choose the optimal place for landing. Well suited loose soils rich in humus. If natural humus is not enough, manure is added to the ground.
2. The optimal time for planting a plant is spring.
3. In order to ensure the best development and growth of the flower, a competent supply of moisture is necessary.
4. For good growth and better flowering, it is advisable to fertilize the soil around the astilbe several times per season. When choosing fertilizer for astilba, you need to focus on the growing season.
5. Regular loosening of the soil and weeding will supply the flower with oxygen.

By performing all the prescribed actions, the gardener will be able to grow a beautiful flower.

General rules of care

Why fertilize plants

First of all, astilba fertilizer is aimed at preserving its unique beauty by maintaining abundant flowering.

In addition, well-chosen fertilizers will fill the soil with all the necessary nutrients, which, getting into the plant, will ensure its growth and development, improve both aesthetic and functional characteristics.

The general rules for fertilizing astilba look like this:

• The use of fertilizers begins in the second year after planting.
• For the first time it is better to feed astilba in April.
• The second time the astilbe is fed at the time of ripening of the inflorescences - as a rule, this is June.
• The third time - at the end of flowering - in the fall.

Important! Do not forget that a flower that receives all the necessary substances from the earth has better immunity. Accordingly, competent feeding is at the same time the prevention of diseases.

How to feed astilba after flowering

Immediately after the end of the flowering process, phosphorus-potassium composition, as well as nitrogen, are introduced into the soil. Do this, as a rule, before the first frost. The purpose of this top dressing is to saturate the soil with minerals that are useful for the flower. Such a fertilizer will help preserve the roots during the cold season, as well as ensure the growth and development of leaves for next year.

How to feed astilba in the summer? During this period, she needs minerals that can help cope with flowering and the best option- bait. It is necessary to use potassium and phosphorus types of fertilizers.

Top dressing of astilba in the summer is aimed precisely at abundant flowering, since buds and inflorescences form in the early summer months. As already mentioned, potassium-based fertilizers improve the formation of flowers and favorably affect the flowering process. Means are introduced into the soil or solutions are used for irrigation and spraying. Strict adherence to the concentration of substances and the regularity of procedures will ensure healthy plant growth.

How to feed astilba after flowering

Types of dressings and fertilizers

There are the following main types of fertilizers:

1. Phosphorus based. Aimed at maintaining the root system.
2. Potassium based. Promote abundant flowering due to the accelerated formation of buds and inflorescences.
3. Nitrogen based. They affect both the development of parts above the ground - leaves and buds, and help in maintaining the root system.

In order to feed the plant, you can equally use organic and mineral fertilizers.

Fertilizers applied to the soil to improve its properties are conventionally divided into two groups:

1. Basic. Add, as a rule, in autumn and spring, preferably early. They are mineral components based on the same nitrogen, potassium and phosphorus.
2. Auxiliary. They are used for spraying, but cannot replace a full-fledged fertilizer and will not cope with serious plant diseases.

Bait is available in liquid and solid forms.

Note! Nutrients in both forms are in equal concentration, so the choice is purely a matter of preference.

Below are tips, from planting to nurturing, to help keep the plant alive.

1. Experienced flower growers advise using bionics or a mixture of bone meal and humus when planting.
2. If the soil is not well hydrated and does not cope well with water retention, hydrogel capsules will save.
3. It is best to finish planting by sprinkling the surface with crushed sawdust.
4. It is advisable to add humus to the soil three times a year.
5. Be sure to feed every season according to the expected result: strengthening of the root system, abundance of flowering, etc.

With properly organized care, astilba will become an adornment of any garden and will warm the soul of the gardener all summer. Knowing which fertilizers will provide abundant flowering, every beauty lover will be able to grow amazingly beautiful flowers on his site.

Astilba is a representative of the genus of perennials belonging to the family Saxifragaceae (Saxifragaceae) and uniting more than 30 species. The name of the plant can literally be translated as "without shine" ("a" - without, "stilbe" - shine). This name went to the flower from Lord Hamilton, a Scottish botanist, who, studying and describing the plant, noted the lack of brilliance of inflorescences and leaves.

The plant naturally grows along the banks of streams and rivers, in broad-leaved forests and in other places where moisture is always preserved in summer. It is distributed naturally in North America, East Asia and Japan.

Two species can also be found on the territory of Russia - in the Far East and on the island of Kunashir. Astilbe has good frost resistance and in Canada it is stored under a layer of snow at temperatures up to 37 degrees below zero.

General information

Astilba is a herbaceous perennial with an aerial part dying off for the winter. The height of erect stems can vary from 8 centimeters to 2 meters. Leaves basal, on long petioles. They may occasionally be simple, but in most species are double- or triple-pinnate with a serrated margin. Leaf color is dark green or reddish green.

The flowers of the plant are small, collected in apical lush panicle inflorescences, which is why they have a very attractive appearance. The flowers are white, lilac, cream, pink, purple or red. Astilba blooms in June-July and the duration of its "openwork" delicate flowering is 25-35 days.

The plant has a woody, dense or loose rhizome, depending on the species. Every year, the upper part of the rhizome forms daughter buds, while the lower part gradually dies off. Since there is a vertical growth of the rhizome (an increase of approximately 3-5 centimeters per year), the plant must be sprinkled with fertile soil annually at the end of autumn.

Astilba varieties and types

Panicle inflorescences can be rhombic, pyramidal, drooping and paniculate. The petals of the flowers can be short and the inflorescences look openwork and airy, and they are elongated, giving the inflorescences softness and fluffiness.

Some varieties are particularly beautiful, having a combination of several colors or shades in the inflorescence. These varieties are "Montgomery", "Peach and Cream" and "White Wings".

Depending on the structure of the inflorescences, there are several groups of astilbe:

pyramid shape - from the main axis, lateral branches of inflorescences depart almost at a right angle, while they evenly decrease from lower to upper.

Rhombic shape - lateral branches depart from the main axis at an acute angle, and the inflorescence itself resembles a rhombus. This form of inflorescence is found most often in Japanese astilba.

Paniculate - departs at an acute angle from the main axis a large number of branched branches that decrease evenly towards the top. These inflorescences most often adorn the varieties of Astilba Arends.

drooping forms - inflorescences have flexible drooping branches. This form is typical for varieties derived from astilbe Lemoine and Thunberg.

Depending on the flowering period, there are:

• Early - astilbes begin to bloom in late June - early July.
• Medium - flowering in July.
• Late - delight with their flowers in August.

Astilbes are classified and depending on the height of the plant:

• Low - astilba, from 15 to 60 centimeters high.
• Medium - bushes have a "growth" from 60 to 80 centimeters.
• High - plants with a height of 80 centimeters to 2 meters.

One of the smallest representatives of the astilbe is the Lilliput variety, which has a height of only 15 centimeters, and the tallest, growing up to 2 meters in height, is David's astilbe.

In culture, only 10 species are grown. However, breeders have done a great job of breeding hybrids, of which there are now a large number.

Astilba is a plant that, despite its beauty, is very easy to care for, and has characteristics such as winter hardiness, shade tolerance and resistance to diseases and pests.

Astilba planting and care in the open field

Astilba prefers places in partial shade or shading during the period of especially hot daytime sun. Scientists, having worked on the development of new varieties and hybrids of astilba, helped her "forget" about the growing conditions in the wild, and now many varieties grow well in the open sun. Only flowering in this case is more abundant and shorter, and the leaves become lighter.

When choosing a place for the future growth of astilba in the open field, it is important to take into account the timing of its flowering. It doesn’t matter for early and late varieties where to grow - in the sun or in the shade, but the astilbe, which blooms in July, can be harmed by the hot sun, reducing its flowering period.

Astilba is a moisture-loving plant. It can grow even in places with stagnant water, but it will not tolerate drought. In hot summer and drought conditions, astilba may die, so in such cases it is watered in the morning and evening daily until it rains.

Also, to protect the upper part of the rhizome from overheating and to reduce moisture loss, it is recommended to mulch the plants with bark or shavings. In addition, the mulch inhibits the growth of weeds, helps keep the soil loose and creates excellent conditions for astilbe rhizomes for the winter period.

Mulching astilbe in flower beds is necessary immediately after planting. Pour a 5-centimeter layer of mulch, covering the entire surface of the soil around the plants.

There are varieties of astilba that can grow in dry soils. And most Chinese hybrids do well in heavy clay soils.

Planting and how to fertilize astilba in spring

An important condition for the development and growth of astilba is a sufficient amount of potassium and phosphorus in the soil. So, in transverse grooves, 1 meter long, ridges for plant propagation are poured 1-2 handfuls of bone meal and 25 grams of complex fertilizer.

When planting plants in a flower garden, they dig holes about 30 centimeters deep and wide, into which 2 handfuls of ash and bone meal, 30 grams of mineral fertilizers and humus are also poured, everything is mixed and watered. Then plants are planted and covered with a 3-centimeter layer of mulch.

Astilbe grow quite quickly and need to be divided and replanted every 3-5 years. Due to the fact that astilbe rhizomes grow vertically upwards, old bushes begin to bulge out of the ground and young roots, which are located at the base of the buds, being almost on top of the ground, begin to dry out.

At the same time, flowering becomes less qualitative and not so long, and the inflorescences decrease in size. If you constantly fertilize the soil, then astilbes can grow in one place for up to 20 years.

Top dressing is carried out in early spring with nitrogen fertilizers, and after flowering is completed or in the fall, potassium and phosphorus are added at 20 grams per plant. At the same time, the soil is slightly loosened and mulched.

Astilba transplant in spring

Astilbes can be transplanted at any time of the year, even during flowering. After transplantation, it is necessary to produce daily abundant watering for two weeks.

When planting in a flower garden, the distance between plants should be at least 30 centimeters, and in the case of planting high varieties - 50 centimeters. When forming a curb from astilbe, the distance between the bushes remains the same - 30-50 centimeters.

Before planting, the site is dug up, weeds and other plants are removed and the flower bed is fertilized with humus or peat, in the amount of 2 buckets of fertilizer per 1 square meter flower garden.

As mentioned earlier, before planting, ash, bone meal and fertilizers are poured into each hole, watered and the plant is planted in such a way as to cover the growth bud with a layer of earth of at least 5 centimeters. The earth around the bush is compacted and mulched with peat or bark.

During the growing season, astilbes irrigate as needed, remove weeds, loosen the soil and fertilize. Before winter, the stems of the plant are cut flush with the ground and the area is mulched.

Astilbe growing from seeds

Reproduction by seeds, this method can be used for species reproduction. This is due to the fact that astilba seedlings can retain the characteristics of the mother plant only partially or not at all. Seedlings grown from varietal seeds are used for selection.

The seed size of astilba is very small and they do not always have time to ripen. If you are lucky enough to wait for ripening, then they are shaken out of the inflorescences in September and stored until spring. In March, they place in a wide box or other container sphagnum peat and sand, in a ratio of 3: 1, snow is poured on top, with a layer of 1 centimeter.

If there is no longer snow on the street, then you can use the snow from the freezer or simply pour water on the substrate. Seeds are sown on top of the snow. Snow, melting, moistens the soil and helps the seeds to sink into it. After the snow has completely melted, the container is placed in a plastic bag and placed in a refrigerator or other sufficiently cold place for stratification for about 20 days.

As soon as shoots appear, the container with them is moved to a bright place with an air temperature of 18 to 22 degrees Celsius. Water young plants very carefully under the root. Some gardeners even recommend watering with a syringe - injecting water directly into the substrate under the plant.

The germination of astilbe seeds is low, and the seedlings that have appeared grow very slowly and only by the end of the year form a small rosette of leaves. If young plants do not grow closely together, then they can be dived next spring.

If the seedlings have risen densely, then diving is carried out when they have 3-4 leaves. Astilba, grown from seeds, blooms only in the 3rd year of its existence.

Reproduction of astilba by renewal buds

To implement this method, in early spring, a renewal bud is cut out from the bush along with part of the rhizome. No more than 1/3 of the kidneys can be separated from one mother plant without harming it.

Rooting is carried out in greenhouses in a substrate consisting of 3 parts of sphagnum moss and one part of sand, which is poured in a layer of 7 centimeters over ordinary fertile soil. Such astilbes can be planted in the garden only next spring.

Astilba reproduction by dividing the bush

The division of the bush is the most simple and convenient way astilbe breeding. best time for this procedure is early spring. In this case, the newly formed bushes will still have time to bloom in the summer of this year.

The bush is divided in such a way that each division receives 1-3 buds and remains with a rhizome 5 centimeters long with adventitious roots. The size of the formed division does not matter. Both small and large parts of the bush take root equally well. Old rhizomes are removed during the section.

Astilba bushes can also be separated during the flowering period. In this case, you will definitely not make a mistake with the choice of a plant when buying and you will get exactly the variety that you liked.

Astilba diseases and pests

Astilba is slightly susceptible to diseases and pests. Occasionally, the plant succumbs to the "attacks" of the slobber pennitsa, gall and strawberry nematodes. Pennitsa settles in the axils of the leaves, forming foamy secretions in which its larvae live. These larvae feed on the leaves of the plant, which are strongly wrinkled and covered with yellow spots.

As a result of this process, the plant begins to fade and may disappear completely. You can deal with slobbering pennitsa manually, or you can use astilbe treatment with special preparations.

The gall nematode infects the roots, while forming galls - outgrowths with nematodes inside. They become noticeable only in the second growing season. At the same time, plants stop developing and bloom very poorly. The method of struggle is the removal of infected roots or plants completely.

The strawberry nematode infects the leaves, buds and flowers of astilba, while they are covered with brown and yellow necrotic spots and deformed. The plant does not grow and begins to die. The only way to deal with this nematode is the complete destruction of infected plants.

Astilbe in landscape design

Astilbe is a wonderful plant for decorating flower beds and parks. Small groups look great flowering plants against the backdrop of green bushes. An excellent solution would be to plant an astilba near a garden pond or on a rocky hill in shady places.

Astilba goes well with plants that have large, smooth leaves that contrast with its openwork dissected leaves. Such plants include hostas, irises, bergenia, tulips and others. In the forefront, before higher varieties of astilba, it is good to plant low perennials that bloom in spring, for example, saxifrage, tenacious, yasnotka and umbilical. The borders created from astilbe also look beautiful.

Since there are varieties with different terms flowering, you can choose their combination in such a way that the openwork astilbe inflorescences will delight with their flowering throughout the summer. They also practice planting plants in groups, with different colors of flowers in one.

Astilba flowers are also used for cutting. Although cut they do not last long, but they add to the interior bright colors and fill the room with a light honey aroma. It is also possible to use dried astilbe inflorescences in winter bouquets.

At the end of flowering, the bushes look just as decorative, thanks to the beautiful and exquisite foliage. Peduncles, even with seed pods, look very attractive, so it is not recommended to cut them before autumn. And some flower growers leave them for the winter to revive the snowy landscape.

Astilbe has also found its use for medical purposes. Thus, in ancient times, the Chinese used the leaves and roots of the plant as a tonic, anti-inflammatory, antipyretic for diseases of the kidneys and skin. And seasoning for meat from astilbe leaves is still used in Japan.

distillation of astilba

Astilbe - good plant for extrusion. For this purpose, early-flowering, undersized varieties. The most commonly used variety is the Japanese hybrid astilbe, which grows in a compact small bush.

For distillation, young seedlings are taken, obtained by propagation by renewal buds, which have at least 6 buds. Plants that were obtained by dividing old bushes are unsuitable for this purpose. Selected astilbes are planted in pots in autumn and placed in a cold place, covered with peat or spruce branches.

At the beginning of winter, plants are brought into rooms where the air temperature is 10-14 degrees. As soon as the leaves begin to bloom, the temperature must be raised to 16-18 degrees and abundant watering and spraying should begin. Spraying is stopped when the first flowers appear, which can be expected 10-14 weeks after the start of forcing.

If you move the astilbe to a warmer place in February-March, you can expect faster flowering. Recommended varieties for forcing are Peach Blossom, Bonn, Europa, Emdem, Cologne and Deutschland. Astilbe forcing is especially popular with German and Dutch gardeners. These plants decorate service and public premises.

Ease of care is probably one of the main criteria that can make a plant a favorite of gardeners. For example, astilbes grow well in a shady garden, decorating them with unusual inflorescences. different shades. They do not require increased attention to themselves, and if you follow the elementary rules of agricultural technology, you can get lush and sprawling bushes.

The basics of proper fit astilbe

In order for the plant to quickly take root and grow well, you should choose the right place for planting, otherwise, how quickly it grows depends on sufficient moisture and heat.

Selecting a suitable landing site

Despite the need for a large amount of heat, open sunny areas with a maximum of sun should be avoided. Growing astilba in open ground should be done in areas with a sparse shadow, because only in this case it will bloom profusely and for a long time.

The exception is light varieties, which feel great in the open sun, but please with flowers a little less. Under the sun, early and late varieties grow well, and those species that bloom in July should be planted in the shade.

Did you know? Astilba (Astilbe) - decorative perennial, which belongs to the saxifrage family. Depending on the variety, the height of the plant ranges from 15 to 200 cm. The leaves are collected in an openwork bush, which can have a bronze, burgundy or dark green color. The flowers also have a variety of shades: from white to purple. They are paniculate inflorescences that grow up to 60 cm in length. They bloom all summer, have a powerful branched rhizome.

Planting astilba can be carried out in any soil, but for best results, you should choose areas where ground water run closer to the soil surface.

How to properly prepare the site

Before planting astilbe in the selected area, it must be dug up, removing the rhizomes of other plants. Then the soil should be fertilized with rotted manure or peat at the rate of 2 buckets of fertilizer per square meter. Make sure that upper layer The soil is rich in potassium and phosphorus. Bone meal (2 handfuls per meter) or complex fertilizers (30 g per meter) are also added to the beds. Try not to plant the plant near trees with a shallow root system. They may have competition for moisture, in which the flower will surely lose.

Landing technology

Planting is carried out in autumn, during the period when the average daily temperature for 2–3 weeks is not lower than 5°C. When choosing the distance between the bushes, focus on the plant variety. So, low varieties are planted at a distance of 30 cm from each other, and high ones - 50 cm.

Holes up to 30 cm deep are prepared for planting, at the bottom of which fertilizers are laid out and poured with water. Delenki (part of a bush with a rhizome) is placed in a hole and covered with mulch about three centimeters.

Important! It is not recommended to keep the plant without a transplant for more than five years. An astilba transplant is necessary, even if you plan to leave it in its original place. The fact is that in a plant, the rhizome grows upwards, respectively, the kidneys are on the surface of the earth. In winter, this feature can destroy the flower.

Fundamentals of proper plant care

Proper care of the plant is not so difficult, but in order to grow a chic astilbe, you must adhere to the following rules.

Watering: what should it be

In caring for astilba, it is important to provide it with a sufficient amount of moisture, with regular watering. Even a slight delay and short-term drying of the soil leads to the fact that the leaves wither, the inflorescences become smaller, the flowers lose their richness of color, and the plant itself takes on a somewhat sloppy look.

Weeding and loosening the soil

Astilbe perfectly drowns out weeds, as it has very powerful branched rhizomes. But while the plant is young, weeding is simply necessary for it, since it is difficult for fragile flowers to fight weeds. After rain and watering, it is advisable to loosen the soil around the astilbe so that a crust does not appear. However, if it is mulched, then these manipulations are not required.

By the way, thanks to mulching with peat and annual hilling, you can slow down the aging of the bush, because the kidneys will always be underground.

When and how to feed

To preserve the decorativeness of the plant, it is also necessary to feed the astilba. It is carried out every year, but the choice of means for feeding depends on what land the plant was planted in. So, if it was planted in moist soil, it is necessary to use complex additives, and potash and phosphorus fertilizers - after flowering. If the plant was planted in dry land, then take peat or compost.

Separate fertilizers are used for a specific result. For example, to make the leaves and petals juicy, use diluted manure or other organic fertilizers. It is added at the beginning of the sap flow, that is, in the spring. In order for the plant to develop well, mineral fertilizers are applied. It is important to observe the correct concentration: 25–35 g per liter of water. This fertilizer is applied in the fall before wintering. Potassium sulphate or urea with superphosphate will help to increase the flowering period and give splendor to the plant. These mixtures should be added to the beds in the summer.

Seed collection

It is necessary to collect flower seeds in the fall, when the plant has faded (usually in September). Although they are quite small, they are easy to assemble. Faded and dried inflorescences should be cut, wrapped in paper and set aside in a warm place. After two weeks, it is enough to shake the inflorescences, and the seeds will spill out of them themselves. Astilbe seeds are stored in a paper bag.

Did you know? Astilba is ready to bloom in the first year after planting, however, it is advisable not to allowthis, pre-cut flower stalks. The fact is that a fragile plant can die, putting all its strength into the first flowering. In the case of removal of young flowers, all the juices go to the formation of healthy buds, rooting and growth of the rhizome. At the end of the season, the entire bush is cut off under the rhizome, and mulched with peat or soil. This manipulation is carried out every year.

Preparing astilba for winter

Astilba spends wintering without problems. She has perfectly adapted to severe frosts, but temperature drops in the spring can be dangerous for her. That's why it is better to mulch it, covering it with two layers of natural materials. It can be sawdust, small pebbles, rotten last year's leaves, straw, bark, spruce branches or other materials. Between the bushes, it is worth mulching the soil, for which spruce branches are perfect.

In addition to warming the plant in winter, mulching helps keep the soil loose and moist, and also reduces overheating in summer.

The basics of correct transplantation

You can transplant plants both in early spring and autumn. This is done in the following way. A hole is dug in advance, then a bush is carefully taken out and placed in it. The hole should be large enough so that the roots of the bush can be freely straightened in it. The plant must be covered with earth, watered and mulched. The last manipulation helps to retain precious moisture and prevent the appearance of a crust, which is very undesirable for a young plant.

Important! Astilba plantations do not rejuvenate immediately, but in parts, but they do it regularly. The older the plant, the more difficult it is to divide its rhizomes, but it easily tolerates transplantation and is ready to bloom the very next year after planting. The transplant can be replaced by adding soil over the kidneys after the autumn circumcision.

The combination of astilba with other plants

In terms of "friendship" with other plants, astilba is undemanding - it coexists well with the rest of the "inhabitants" of the garden. That's why neighbors should be chosen for purely aesthetic reasons. So, the openwork leaves of astilba look great in combination with whole leaves of hellebore, podophyllum or bergenia. Of the flowers, the plant can be combined with kupen, irises, late tulips, Goryanka, lilies of the valley.

As a rule, it is planted on rocky hills, in ridges along lawns, near the banks of reservoirs and semi-shady mixborders.

How to propagate astilba at home

Reproduction of astilba is carried out in one of three ways: seeds, buds or dividing the bush.

seeds

With the help of seeds, the plant is propagated exclusively for breeding. Collect seeds in your garden hybrid varieties there is no point, since they quickly degenerate. However, you can purchase high-quality varietal seeds for planting on your site.

To improve seedlings, seed material must be properly prepared for planting. To do this, the seeds are placed for 20 days in a place where the temperature is kept at +/- 4 ° C. Then transferred to a well-lit warm room with a temperature of 18-22°C. Seeds are sown on moist soil, and after the procedure, the soil is not covered. After a couple of weeks, small shoots should appear that can be planted in shaded beds. It is important to constantly observe the irrigation regime.

cuttings

Astilba cuttings mean its reproduction by the kidneys, which allows you to reproduce the plant much faster than seeds. When the shoots grow back in spring, they are carefully cut off with a part of the rhizome and the cuts are treated with ash. The resulting cuttings are planted in a mixture of gravel and peat (1: 3) and closed transparent material such as plastic wrap. The planting depth should correspond to the size of the root, but so that the kidney is half a centimeter covered with soil. The cutting takes root for about a year. That is, it will be possible to plant it in open ground next spring.

The division of the bush

In most cases, a propagation method such as dividing a bush is used. To do this, in the spring, while the plant has not yet bloomed, or in the fall, after flowering, the leaves are cut, the bush is dug up and divided into so-called divisions. Each of them should include at least one faded stem for 3-5 buds. You can also use unflowered stems, only in this case you should not expect flowering next year. Delenki are planted at a distance of 30 cm from each other, not forgetting to water them regularly.

Astilbe resistance to diseases, how to treat them

The plant is very disease resistant. At proper care it rarely gets sick, but pests like to settle on it. For example, she is often attacked drooling penny, which begins to occupy the plant from the axils of the leaves. Moreover, the insects themselves do not carry any particular danger, since their larvae do much more harm, which grind off the green part of the plant, leaving it without oxygen and the possibility of further growth. You can only deal with them by manually removing the nests.

Astilba is a perennial, cold-resistant plant with small flowers collected in panicle-shaped inflorescences. This crop needs to be fed with a variety of fertilizers for the productive growth and development of the stems, root system and the whole plant.

There are several ways to obtain new plants.

1. Dividing the bush is an easy and practical method carried out in early spring. The bush should be divided so that each part has a pair of buds, and the rhizome is at least 5 cm long. Old roots should be removed. Separated astilbe bushes of any size take root equally well in the ground.
2. Spring reproduction by buds. At the main shoot, one of the rudiments with a rhizome is cut off and planted in a greenhouse, where it is protected from frost. The earth should be constantly moistened and contain enough peat with sand. Astilba can be planted in open areas of the garden only after a year.
3. In addition to bush propagation, it is possible to grow astilba from ripe seeds. In the fall, the seed is taken out and harvested, in the spring they are planted in a wide box filled with peat and sand (in a ratio of 3: 1), and watered abundantly. Then the entire container is wrapped with a film or bag and put in the refrigerator for 3 weeks. When seedlings appear, move the container to a warm, well-lit place. Plants should be watered carefully, at the very root, without touching the leaves. Astilba will begin to bloom 3 years after planting the seeds.

You should not cut a large number of buds from astilba at a time, so as not to harm the plant.

Planting and care in the open field

Astilbe can grow in full sun, but prefers shaded areas, because the scorching July rays shorten the flowering time, make it scarce, and make the foliage small and light.

Varieties that bloom in spring or autumn grow in any light conditions - the sun is not hot during these periods.

Astilba loves moisture very much. It can easily exist in the ground with difficult outflow and evaporation of water, but does not tolerate aridity. In hot weather and no rain, astilba should be watered twice a day.

To protect the root system of the plant from drying out, the soil is densely covered with a mulch of sawdust, straw, wood shavings, etc. Mulching prevents evaporation of the liquid, overgrowing of the soil with weeds, freezing of the roots during cold snaps and in winter.

From early spring, astilba is transplanted from home containers and greenhouses to open places, having previously dug up the soil and applied additional fertilizer: peat mixture, manure, humus, etc. The average distance between the bushes is 30-50 cm.

A hole is dug in the dug, moistened soil, where a sufficient amount of fertilizer and / or home-made additives is poured. Astilba is planted in the prepared soil, the roots are covered with earth, the soil is covered with mulch at least 4 cm thick from above.

Astilba transplant in spring

The culture in question is transplanted at any growing season and season of the year. As it grows from high speed, it should be seated every 3-4 years. There are two conditions for transplanting a plant:

1. two weeks abundant, daily watering;
2. maintaining the optimal distance between the bushes.

Before transferring the astilba to a new place, it is necessary to carry out the same manipulations as before planting. Subsequently, the plant should be watered as needed, avoiding drought. Before the onset of cold weather, the stem is cut off at soil level and the plant is covered with mulch.

How to fertilize astilba in spring?

Every plant needs nutrition. In order for astilba to grow in comfortable conditions, the soil must be rich in potassium and phosphorus. You can feed the plant during planting with ash, compost humus, bone meal, as well as complex fertilizers. They are added in handfuls in meter-long, deep furrows before planting astilba.

Good conditions and regular feeding of the culture with nitrogen, potassium and phosphorus preparations prolong its life.

Special organic mixtures and additives (20 g per bush) are used as fertilizers for astilba in the spring. Manure diluted with water is also suitable.

What is the purpose of astilba fertilizing in the spring?

Spring top dressing is carried out early, before the growing season of the plant. Soils rich in phosphorus and potassium are the most best option for astilba. The presence of nitrogen in the soil has a positive effect on the natural processes of growth and development. Trace elements contribute to the formation of large, healthy stems, leaves and flowers.

Types of fertilizers for astilba

Before you start fertilizing astilba, you should wait for the end of spring frosts.

1. It is better to start feeding the plant with nitrogen fertilizers (urea and nitrate are used for this: they also contain potassium). The use of potassium chloride is not recommended. A tablespoon of a nitrogen-containing preparation is diluted with water in a ratio of 1:5. The resulting mixture is watered astilbe bushes at the base of the stem under the root, without touching the leaves. On average, one plant accounts for half a liter of prepared liquid.
2. Another fertilizer that is used for watering astilba and many horticultural crops is rotten grass. Top dressing is prepared as follows: a large container (barrel) is filled with weeds (without seeds) from the garden, subsequently filled with water and closed with a lid. After 1-2 months, the infusion will become suitable for plant nutrition.
3. Experienced gardeners use the AVA complex tool, the result of which is observed from the first application (3 applications are assumed in total). Once a year, one teaspoon of fertilizer is scattered under the astilbe and the earth is loosened. The drug does not contain nitrogen, so it is necessary to additionally water the beds and greenhouses with nitrogen-containing fertilizers.

Feeding astilba can be carried out with any preparations for spring fertilizer colors.

The procedure and timing of top dressing

Astilbe - unpretentious plant. It grows in lands of any acidity, but prefers to develop and bloom in loosened soil, slightly acidic, rich in essential organic matter and minerals.

It is extremely important to consider the condition of the soil. If it is dry, it is not recommended to apply mineral fertilizer. In this case fit herbal infusions, compost, etc. The earth is watered, nourishing and moistening, loosened to enrich it with oxygen and in order to get rid of weeds. As a result of the last manipulation, the liquid seeps into the lower layers of the soil faster. You need to loosen the soil very carefully, without touching the root system of the plant.

If the soil is moderately moist, then after the shoots appear, astilba is fertilized with nitrogen and potash fertilizers dissolved in water. The next application occurs after budding and flowering. Products containing potassium and phosphorus are used. It is very important to ensure that the soil is always covered with a layer of up to 5 cm of mulch from above. It can be sawdust, spruce branches, bark, shavings, etc., but peat and grass compost provide the greatest benefit.

The beauty and full development of the plant are possible subject to regular stabilization of the state of the soil. This can be achieved by resorting to the regular use of complex additives and fertilizers, which should be applied three times a year. However, if the quality of the soil is good, then top dressing is reduced to two times in the summer season.

With enough needed astilba trace elements, as well as with satisfactory humidity and optimal lighting, the flowering period of the plant can be extended up to 20 years.