How can astilba be planted and when. Astilba: Transplant in autumn for showy blooms. Selecting a suitable landing site

Astilba - perennial decorative flower- gardeners love and actively use in landscaping their plots. A practical plant, no need for annual sowing of seeds, growing seedlings.

It is enough to provide proper care which saves a lot of time and energy. However, initially pleasing with its decorative effect and good growth, over time, astilba blooms less, it needs periodic rejuvenation. In addition, it can capture neighboring areas. How is astilbe transplanted in the fall and what care measures does she need after that?

Reasons for transplant

Unpretentious astilba can grow in one place up to 10 years. But in order for the flowers to be beautiful, healthy and lush, it is recommended to transplant astilba every 3-4 years. The reason for transplanting to another place may be depleted soil, its fertility decreases over time, and the content of useful trace elements decreases. But the main reason lies in the peculiarities of the astilba root system.

In an adult plant, the roots grow so much in 3-4 years that they break out to the surface of the soil along with the buds. For 1 year, 4 cm grows. Exposure of the root system can lead to the fact that the kidneys will suffer in the summer heat or in winter frosts. At best, this will weaken flowering, at worst, the plant may die. Do not delay with a transplant. Too old roots are then poorly separated, and the plant takes root much worse in a new place.

Astilbe transplant timing

Astilba refers to those plants that are transplanted throughout the season. Even when the buds have appeared, you can carefully transplant it to a new place. This is necessary if the flower grows rapidly and clogs the neighbors. It is important not to separate the earth ball from the root system. After completing the procedure, it is necessary to water the bush abundantly. But still, the most effective will be an astilbe transplant in the fall. Do this in the first decade of September, immediately after flowering. In the northern regions of Russia, in Siberia and the Urals (where the cold comes earlier), it is better to start transplanting from the end of August. In the southern regions, the procedure can be carried out in October.

Subject to the deadlines, the plant will have enough time to adapt to the upcoming cold weather, and in the next season it will not lose its decorative effect.

A lot depends on the variety. If the perennial blooms in the second half of summer, then it can be transplanted in the spring, until the beginning of May. Astilbe, blooming from the first days of June, is better not to touch until autumn.

Transplant Features

In order for the transplanted bush to take root well and grow quickly, it needs to choose the right place. Despite the fact that astilba is a heat-loving plant, sun-drenched open areas should be avoided. A place with a rarefied shadow is more suitable for her, in such conditions there will be abundant and long flowering. The exception is astilbe. light varieties- white, pink (“berg crystal”, “gloria”, “weiss pearl”), she will feel comfortable in sunny areas. Flowering will be a little shorter in duration, but very intense. But for plants with bright colors, such as burgundy astilba varieties "Burgundy red", sunny areas will not fit in any way, their inflorescences will fade and turn pale.

Astilba is not very demanding on the soil, but it does not tolerate long-term droughts. In order for the transplant result to be positive, it is worth giving preference to areas where groundwater is close to the surface.

Loamy soil with an acidity of 5.5 to 6.5 pH is suitable for plant transplantation. It is recommended to add potash and phosphate fertilizers to the top layer.

Astilba transplant methods

The main way to transplant astilba is transshipment. It is carried out with the preservation of an earthen coma, in contrast to ordinary transplant, at which complete replacement soil. The main advantage is that the procedure can be carried out without harm to the plant at any time - whether it is active vegetation, flowering or dormancy. The root system is not injured, and astilba will immediately begin to receive nutrients from fresh soil. She will not have to expend energy to recover after the transplant.

The transshipment method allows transplanting flowering bush astilbe without the risk of dropping buds. Sometimes it is required not only to replant the astilbe in the fall entirely to another place, but to divide it into several parts and seat them separately. In this case, the root system is divided into the required number of parts with a knife. Each of them must have at least three basal buds. To improve the survival rate, the separated astilba bushes are first placed in a container with water, and then transplanted into the ground.

Transplant preparation

You should start by preparing a planting hole where the plant will be transferred. Its depth should be individual, depending on the size of the rhizome of the transplanted bush. All root system with an earthen clod should be freely placed in the landing pit. At the same time, it is important to prevent strong deepening and falling asleep by the earth of the growth point. It is recommended to add a hydrogel to the bottom of the planting pit, it helps to maintain soil moisture.

From fertilizers, you can use a universal mineral complex (25-30 g per well), wood ash and bone meal (no more matchbox for 1 hole). Immediately after transplanting and watering, mulch the surface of the earth around the bush with straw, pieces of bark, sawdust or peat chips. If you need to divide the bush, then you need to take care of a sharp knife, because the roots of the astilba are very dense.

Transplant process

The immediate process of transplanting is not difficult:

The prepared planting hole, where fertilizers have already been added, must be filled with water.
The astilba bush is dug up in such a way as to keep all the roots along with the earthy clod.
Immediately transferred to a prepared pit, placed in the center and covered with fresh soil. The planting depth should be such that a 3 cm soil layer is obtained above the recovery kidneys.
Water the transplanted plant thoroughly.
Mulch the surface of the earth around the bush with a layer of 2 cm to reduce overheating, maintain friability and moisture in the soil. In addition, the procedure will help to avoid the appearance of weeds in the neighborhood and create a plant favorable conditions for wintering.
When transplanting several bushes at once, it is necessary to observe a distance of at least 40 cm between them. Then the flowering will be lush and the foliage will grow well.
A partial transplant of astilbe is also allowed, when the plant is not completely dug up. The necessary piece is separated from the bush, the pruning site is covered with wood ash, and fresh soil is added to the resulting hole. The delenka is transplanted to another place. Already on next year both parts of the astilba will delight with their flowering.

Astilba care after transplant

Caring for a transplanted plant consists, first of all, in abundant watering, since astilba loves moisture very much. Even short-term drought affects appearance- the leaves turn yellow, the inflorescences shrink. So the soil moisture must be constantly monitored and the plant regularly watered.

After the first autumn frosts, all stems and flower stalks must be cut.
Despite the resistance to cold, the transplanted plant needs to be covered in winter. To do this, hilling and mulching with peat or rotted manure is carried out.
After transplantation, the bush is annually fed with phosphorus-potassium fertilizers.

If everything is done correctly in the fall, then next summer the astilbe will again decorate the garden area with bright flowers.

Astilbe - long flowering perennial unpretentious plant family Saxifrage. Occupies a place of honor among specialists in landscape design and summer residents. Up to 200 varieties are known (tall, dwarf, midgets, hybrids). They are different in color (from snow-white to crimson) and shape (density of inflorescences, leaf structure).

plant description

There are varieties according to the flowering period:

Early flowering - bloom in late June-early July;
Medium flowering - in July;
Late flowering - in August.

The following groups are distinguished according to the shape of the inflorescences:

Pyramidal - branches grow from the main axis at a right angle and thin out from the base to the top;
Rhombic - side branches grow from the main axis at an acute angle;
Paniculate - lateral inflorescences have multiple branches, branches grow from the main axis and thin out towards the top. Characteristic of the Arends variety;
Drooping - inflorescences with flexible branches, characteristic of Thunberg and Lemoine varieties.

The birthplace of flowers is Japan. The length of the plant is from 15 cm to 2 m.

Interesting. The plant endures Russian winters (down to -37 ° C), is not susceptible to diseases and pests. It blooms with lush flowers, takes root well in the lacy shade of trees.

Varieties that are most resistant to pests and have decorative qualities:

Arendsa - grows up to 1 m, rich color palette, blooms in July and August;
Chinese - reaches 1 m, diverse in color;
Japanese - grows up to 80 cm, a varied palette;
Thunberg - over 1 m high, rich in color palette.

Why transplant astilba

To admire the color palette, you need to know how and when to transplant astilba.

Astilba is able to grow in one place up to 10 years. Transplantation is necessary due to the specifics of the plant - over time, the roots grow upwards (4 cm grow in 1 year), as a result, they may suffer from heat or frost. So, after 3-4 years, the bush begins to gradually fade, flowering becomes scarce, the bushes lose their splendor. Over time, the plant's vegetative buds die off. Astilba transplantation should not be postponed, as it may die.

Transplantation is also necessary when the soil is depleted.

Astilba transplant when is it better

To grow magnificent lush flower beds, you need to know when you can transplant astilba to another place.

Flower growers are advised to rejuvenate the culture in spring or autumn, because astilba needs a humid environment. Early varieties transplanted at the end of August or in the first decade of September, since there is no hot weather during this period.

In the spring, perennials blooming in the second half of summer are transplanted. In order for the flowers to take root successfully, they need to provide sufficient insolation and a humid climate. Astilba transplanted in spring will bloom in a month and a half, in June.

With proper observance of the timing of transplantation, the plant will have enough time to take root and delight in flowering.

When to transplant astilba: in spring or autumn

Flower growers believe that the autumn transplantation of astilba is the most effective.

The beginning of September or the end of April are favorable periods for the rejuvenation of flowers. Astilbe is transplanted in autumn after flowering has ended, a month and a half before the first frost. You can see the first flowers next year.

If you transplant astilbe into spring period, in summer you can admire the first flowering. Optimal period for spring transplantation - after the end of frost.

Also, astilbe planting time varies from climatic conditions region.

Astilba transplant

How to plant astilba and when

Astilba is a crop that can be transplanted throughout the season. In summer, the bush is transplanted if it clogs neighboring plants. In this case, the process itself is carried out together with a clod of earth. After transplanting the plant, you should ensure abundant watering.

For transplanting flowers, choose a shady place, preferably on north side area next to a pond. It grows on almost any soil, it takes root especially well on loam.

Before landing, prepare a place. To do this, the soil needs to be loosened, weeded, moistened and fertilized (with rotted manure, ash, humus). Holes for planting are dug at a distance of 30 cm and a depth of 20 cm.

After planting, the roots are covered with earth and rammed so that the air layers are removed. Then abundant watering is required. Mulch is sprinkled on top of the roots, which helps the plants survive frost and drought. In hot weather, mulch prevents moisture from evaporating quickly.

How to transplant astilbe? Bushes are propagated by two methods: seed and vegetative. More easy method- transplantation with the help of divisions. The root should be divided so that each fragment has at least 4 buds. You need to cut the roots with a sharp object so as not to harm the plant. Young bushes are easily divided by hand. Next, the roots are planted in the prepared soil at a distance of 30 cm. With a dense planting, the plant does not bloom well, and the leaves do not grow.

For transplanting flowers, choose a shady place

When propagating astilba seedling method varietal characteristics are not always preserved. In March, seeds are sown in a nutrient substrate. After the appearance of the third leaves on the sprouts, they dive one by one into separate cups. Planted outdoors in May. The seed method of propagation, as a rule, is used by breeders to obtain new plant species.

After planting flowers, the soil should be regularly weeded. With the growth of astilba, the need for weeding gradually disappears.

The plant actively grows in one place up to 5 years, then it begins to fade gradually;
You can transplant bushes not only in spring or autumn, but also in July (if necessary);
Bush propagation is the main reason autumn transplant. Experienced summer residents in the fall, astilba is planted by the seed method;
The place of division of the root must be treated with ash to prevent decay;
The first year after transplantation, the plant is weak, so flower stalks should be removed to strengthen the roots;
The main feature of astilba is the growth of roots in the upper soil layer. In summer, plants should be watered frequently and plentifully, having previously poured a thick layer of mulch. In addition to mulching, hilling protects the roots of the plant;
In autumn, the aerial part of the bush should be cut, leaving cuttings 3-4 cm in size. Mulch must be added to protect the roots from frost.

Note! Care, transplantation and propagation of astilba is a simple process. The flowers are frost-resistant, but temperature changes can damage the culture. After pruning, it is good to cover the mulched roots for the winter with spruce branches.

With the help of flowers, you can form a variety of compositions. The plant sets off lawns and needles. landscape designers actively use astilbe in park plantings.

Astilba is a decorative perennial that is actively used by gardeners for landscaping. personal plots. The plant, I'm not afraid of this word, is rapidly becoming fashionable. Attracts unpretentiousness, stamina and love of life. It grows in one place for a long time, initially delighting with lush decorative flowering and foliage.

However, over time, the decorativeness of the leaves decreases, inflorescences do not look so impressive. Therefore, periodically planting astilba should be rejuvenated. Why once every four years, in extreme cases - in five years, astilba is transplanted.

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Cause lies not only in the depletion of the soil in the places of perennial growth. Although this is also the case. But also in the peculiarities of the root system, which develops vertically and over the years grows so much that it becomes bare and comes to the surface of the soil along with the buds. Kidneys are difficult to protect from unforeseen weather events - summer heat and severe frosts in winter. Damaged plants bloom poorly or do not bloom at all, or may die.

Usually the plant is transplanted after flowering. But astilba is so universal flower that it can be planted at any growing season - in spring, summer - even with buds, in autumn.

Autumn and spring planting considered the most acceptable.

Exact dates is, of course, difficult to predict. AT middle lane it is usually September. But weather often make major adjustments. An example of this is the current year. When in mid-October the weather is almost August, quite favorable for planting.

The northern regions start landing earlier - in August, the southerners - in October or a little later.

You can also orient yourself with the term as follows - astilba is transplanted about a month before the air temperature passes through + 5 ° C downward, i.e. one month before the end of the growing season. During this time, she manages to successfully take root and take root in a new place. Do not forget only about watering, especially in dry autumn.

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For transplant the bush is completely dug out, carefully divided into the required number of parts. For autumn planting, it is preferable that each division has at least five to six buds at the base of the roots. It is advisable to dust the division points with wood ash.

Astilba in most cases is planted in shady areas of the garden, although some varieties have appeared that grow well in the sun.

The soil any is suitable, but the moisture-loving nature of astilba should be taken into account when planting. Therefore, a high-lying area is suitable ground water, along any reservoirs. It is good that the earth is loose, light and well fertilized.

Humus or compost, phosphorus-potassium minerals or a handful are introduced into the hole wood ash. Everything is thoroughly mixed. The soil is pre-spilled with water. Delenka is deepened by at least five centimeters. After planting, the soil is lightly compacted and watered again.

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Distance between the bushes should be at least 40 cm. So the flowers and foliage will grow in full force. A denser planting will result in poor flowering.

On the eve of winter, shoots with leaves are not cut off completely, it is better to leave the lower part. Young landings will definitely need mulching. It can be small peat chips, sawdust, crushed tree bark. Mulch should be a layer of at least five centimeters. In case of severe frosts, it is good to insulate the plants with spunbond or lutrasil. Pine spruce branches hold heat well.

Transplanted astilbes, equipped in this way, will overwinter painlessly. And for more than one year they will surely delight with luxurious lush flowering of graceful panicles, as well as harmoniously decorate any part of your garden.

Astilbe flower, a truly versatile plant for decorating a summer house - it can be formed from it beautiful flower beds directly on the lawn, grouping flowers according to the chosen geometric shape. Low-growing varieties of astilba will help you in the design of rockeries, rock gardens, borders.

Astilba is indispensable in old gardens and areas where the trees have gained height, because of the fruiting they cannot be heavily pruned, and therefore the garden is too shady.

So in the shady garden natural style, in which the majority garden plants refuse to grow and, moreover, to bloom, astilbe is simply irreplaceable: in combination with unpretentious shade-tolerant, Siberian brunner, ferns and Volzhanka, it will decorate the farthest corners of the site. And at the same time he will feel royally confident, striking everyone with his magnificent flowering.

She has a great many pluses, like a flower, and the main ones are: lush bloom, unpretentiousness to growing conditions, relative (compared to many other colors) durability.

Astilba care features

by the most the best place for growing astilbe in your area there will be, as already noted above, shady and even waterlogged areas. True, it should be noted that in the immediate vicinity of large garden trees it is not worth planting, it will grow poorly, because the trees will take water from the soil from it.

When planting astilba and caring for this flower, consider one of her interesting feature like plants - the astilba root system grows upward over time, due to which the roots may eventually end up in a soil layer that is poor in nutrients.

Fertilizing and regular mulching of the soil around the astilbe, as well as introducing it into perianth circles, will help you correct this situation.

Reproduction of astilba

Astilba also reproduces well by seeds, but it is usually divided simple division bushes that are overgrown.

Reproduction of astilba in this way can be carried out in autumn and spring. At autumn planting astilba, consider the fact that it must take root well in order to better endure winter frosts, so it is better to plant astilba early autumn, not later.

But if you are even a little late and planted a flower late and there is very little time left before the cold weather, then in this case, dig in the planting with earth before the next season, and then mulch it all with humus or peat.

How to transplant astilba

Young plants are easy to divide by hand. For a powerful rhizome, you need a shovel. You can not dig a bush, just dig out a part of it.
Insert into landing pit humus, you can add mineral fertilizers. Pour in water and wait for it to soak into the soil. Carefully shake off the soil from the rhizome and plant the plant.
It is important to remember: when dividing at the end of summer (after flowering), the divisions should have 5-6 buds each, this will significantly increase the chances of the plant for a successful overwintering. It is better to cut the leaves, leaving only the petioles.
Compact the soil around the plant, add more soil if necessary. This is necessary so that there are no voids filled with air between the root system of the plant and the soil.
Regardless of soil moisture, freshly planted plants should be watered well again to eliminate air pockets in the soil. In a few days, the bushes will grow.

Reduce the number of planted species by increasing the number of plants of each name - your flower garden will turn out to be less colorful, but more expressive and visually more lush and voluminous.

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 - on 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 top part rhizomes form daughter buds, while the lower one 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.

Astilbe belongs to plants that, despite their beauty, are very easy to care for, and have 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 open ground it is important to consider the timing of its flowering. Early and late varieties it doesn’t matter where to grow - in the sun or in the shade, but the astilbe, which blooms in July, can be harmed by the hot sun, shortening its flowering period.

Astilbe - 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 are also poured, 30 grams mineral fertilizers and humus, 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 nitrogen fertilizers, and after flowering is completed or in autumn, 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 breeding.

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, sphagnum peat and sand are placed in a wide box or other container, 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 plastic bag and put 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. Great solution there will be an astilbe landing 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 foreground, before higher varieties of astilbe, it is not good to plant tall perennials, which bloom in spring, for example, saxifrage, tenacious, lamb 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.