The Astilbe plant is a perennial, with fern-like leaves and colorful, feather-like flowers. Astilbe plants range in height from six to five inches tall, so it's important to select a variety that meets your garden's needs. New plants are almost always obtained by root division rather than seed, and both new and well-rooted plants thrive in a humid climate.
Steps
Part 1 of 4: Prepare for Mass at Abode
Step 1. Evaluate if the growing environment is right
Astilbe is indigenous to North America and Europe, in the northern areas where the climate is cold and humid. They grow well in these climates, although they can be grown a little closer to the equator if you provide plenty of water and shade. If you live in an area with year-round high temperatures and low rainfall, you probably won't be able to grow this plant. Speak to a local nursery technician for detailed information on growing conditions in your area.
Step 2. Decide on the implantation method
Astilbe can be planted in three ways: from seed, from bulbs, and by root division. While all three options are feasible, gardeners tend to prefer root division over the other two methods. Astilbe seeds are difficult to germinate, they will likely rot after sowing. The bulbs take much longer and do not offer the variety of root colors. Astilbe grows in groups with a separate root system. They can be divided and transplanted to get new plants.
You can buy split seedlings or already rooted plants from a nursery, or you can divide an existing plant
Step 3. Choose when to plant
Transplant Astilbe in the spring or fall. Most of the plants are transplanted directly into the ground in mid-spring, when there is no longer the risk of frost. It usually blooms from June to early July. Astilbe can also be planted from early to mid-autumn after the intense summer heat and will flower the following year.
Step 4. Choose the transplant site
Astilbe plants thrive in shade or penumbra. Warm, dry soils in full sun are the worst possible for this plant, so look for a spot in the garden that stays in shade for at least part of the day, and don't be afraid to plant in a corner that always stays in the shade, for example under. the crown of a tree. Make sure your chosen spot has good drainage, as Astilbe loves water very much, but does not tolerate waterlogging.
Step 5. Enrich the soil
These flowering plants prefer rich, loose soil that retains moisture well. Add several handfuls of compost and peat to the hole using a trowel. If your chosen location doesn't have good drainage, add sand and perlite to improve it.
Part 2 of 4: Divide an Astilbe Plant
Step 1. Choose a plant
Choose an Astilbe of several years of age, because the roots of this plant only develop well after several years. There are several colors: white, red, pink, peach, purple. Remove the plant from the earth or pot it is in.
Step 2. Divide the Astilbe
Cut a large piece of roots from the plant using clean garden shears. Select a section with a nice collar. The collar should appear rather dry, but even if it is quite young the plant should be able to survive.
Step 3. Soak the roots
Place the plant in a bucket with warm water for several hours, or overnight. Soaking the roots stimulates them to reproduce.
Part 3 of 4: Transplanting the Astilbe
Step 1. Dig a hole twice the size of your roots
The hole should be large enough to prevent accidental root damage during transplant. With a large hole you can also ensure less compressed soil around the roots, facilitating growth. In addition to being twice as wide as the plant, the hole should also be 10 to 15 cm deep.
Step 2. Put the root in the hole
The roots must be fully covered, with the collar 2 to 5 cm below the ground.
Step 3. Fill the hole with soil
Fill the hole with the soil you removed earlier. The soil should be of the same consistency as the surrounding soil. Make sure the roots are completely covered and compact the soil to remove air bubbles.
Step 4. Space the plants apart
Plants should be placed at a distance of 30 cm per meter. If you plant several roots at the same time, be sure to leave enough space for them to spread out.
Step 5. Water the roots well
Immediately after transplanting into the ground, you should soak the soil well with a watering can. The new plants will absorb a lot of water before sprouting and producing flowers. If the roots dry out during this time, growth may be stopped.
Part 4 of 4: Caring for the New Plant
Step 1. Water regularly
In rainy climates, irrigation may not be necessary. For climates that occasionally run out of rain for days or weeks, watering will almost certainly be necessary. Check the condition of the ground regularly. When the surface is dry, water well. Never let the roots go without water for long periods of time, even if the plant is well rooted.
Better to water abundantly every now and then than to water in small quantities every day
Step 2. Add fertilizer at least twice a year
Feed the plants a slow-release fertilizer in early spring, and give them an additional dose six to eight weeks later. You can use a fertilizer that is suitable for all plants, containing equal parts nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium, or you can use one that is high in nitrogen and phosphorus. Phosphorus helps root and flower growth, while nitrogen helps foliage growth.
Remember to add fertilizer only when the soil is wet. Furthermore, it should be distributed only in the early morning or in the evening, when the temperature is lower. Using these precautions will prevent the fertilizer from burning the plants
Step 3. Keep a layer of mulch around the plants
Use bark or other mulch material that retains moisture from the soil. A layer of mulch also helps control weeds. Furthermore, decomposing can enrich the soil.
Step 4. Tuck the collar of the plants back if it remains uncovered
Plants grow quickly, forming large roots. The collar tends to be pushed up, above the ground. Tuck it with soil to keep the roots from drying out.
Step 5. Use pesticides only as needed
The most common insects and diseases for this plant include Lygus Lineolaris, powdery mildew, bacterial spots on the leaves. Despite this, the plant is quite resistant to diseases. If any of these problems emerge, you can treat with the appropriate pesticides or fungicides, but preventative treatments are not recommended.
Step 6. Divide the roots every year
Every spring you should divide a few roots to prevent the plants from suffocating. You can replant these roots to create new plants, give them to friends, or throw them away.
