Astilbe rentsa herbaceous plants for open ground. Astilbe: planting, growing, care. Reproduction by dividing the bush
Astilbe or astilbe (lat. Astilbe) belongs to a genus of perennial plants from the family Saxifragaceae or Saxifragaceae. This genus includes eighteen species.
The plant is quite unpretentious, and its cultivation does not cause problems even for novice gardeners. However, to understand why astilbe grows poorly, you should know the botanical characteristics of the crop.
Botanical characteristics
A perennial variety of herbaceous plant is characterized by the presence of an aerial part that dies off in the winter. The average height of an erect stem can vary greatly depending on the species - in the range of 8-200 cm. Also characteristic is the presence of numerous basal leaves, which are located on long petioles.
The leaves have a dark green or reddish-green color. Flowers are small in size. Depending on the variety, they can be white or pink, lilac, red or purple and are collected in apical panicle inflorescences. Flowering time may vary. Most often, ornamental crops bloom in the summer, after which a fruit-box with seeds is formed, which can be used to propagate astilbe to decorate a garden or summer cottage.
Astilbe: cultivation and care (video)
Photo gallery
Description of the best varieties
A detailed description of the varietal forms of astilbe allows you to make the right choice - in favor of the most suitable plant from the point of view of decorativeness and the most unpretentious. About ten plant species have been widely used in culture, on the basis of which, thanks to selection, many hybrid forms and varieties have been obtained.
Hybrid Arends' astilbe or Astilbe arendsii has become popular due to its ability to grow and develop well in partial shade and high winter hardiness. In addition, this ornamental crop is practically not affected by diseases and pests.
| Name | Latin name | Plant height | Leaves | Bloom |
| "Amethyst" | Astilbe arendsii "Amethyst" | 100 cm | Greens | Lush, lilac flowers |
| "Bumalda" | Astilbe arendsii "Bumalda" | 40-60 cm | With a reddish tint | The inflorescences are white with a slight crimson tint |
| Astilbe arendsii "Spartan" | 80 cm | Dark green, shiny | The flowers are small, fragrant, bright red, collected in a dense, conical, paniculate inflorescence | |
| "Etna" | Astilbe arendsii "Etna" | 60 cm | Dark green, shiny | The inflorescence is large, openwork, paniculate, deep red |
| "Ellie" | Astilbe japonica "Ellie" | 50-60 cm | Dark green, hard, deep cut | Large, openwork, paniculate white inflorescence |
Astilbe chinensis, from the Latin Astilbe chinensis, is a perennial herbaceous plant. It has become widespread in home gardening and landscape design due to its unpretentiousness and high decorative properties at the flowering stage.
| Name | Latin name | Plant height | Leaves | Bloom |
| Visions in ed. | Astilbe chinensis "Visions in Red" | 0.4-0.5 m | Greens | Fluffy inflorescences of dark crimson color |
| "Pumila" | Astilbe chinensis "Pumila" | 30 cm | Dark green | Lilac-pink flowers |
| "Milk and Honey" | Astilbe chinensis "Milk and Honey" | 70-80 cm | Light green, darkens over time | Creamy white with a pinkish tint powerful inflorescences |
| "Heart and Soul" | Astilbe chinensis "Heart and Soul" | 50-60 cm | Bipinnate, green with a reddish tint | Large, fluffy pale pink with purple inflorescences |
| "Superba" | Astilbe chinensis "Superba" | 100 cm | Greens | Purple-pink inflorescences collected in openwork panicles |
Astilbe japonica or Astilbe japonica differs from other types of ornamental crops in its small, densely growing leaves with a pronounced ornament. The average height of an adult plant does not exceed 80 cm. After drying, the inflorescences practically do not lose their shape and continue to serve as a decoration for the flower garden until mid-autumn.
| Name | Latin name | Plant height | Leaves | Bloom |
| "Montgomery" | Astilbe japonica "Montgomery" | 50-60 cm | Bright green | Red colored inflorescences |
| "Bremen" | Astilbe japonica "Bremen" | 40-50 cm | Emerald shade | Small crimson flowers are collected in wide fluffy panicles |
| "Vesuvius" | Astilbe japonica "Vesuvius" | 60 cm | Complex, openwork, glossy, with burgundy petioles | Small, fragrant, collected in paniculate inflorescences of fiery red color |
| "Bonn" | Astilbe japonica "Bonn" | 70 cm | Dark green and shiny | Large, openwork, paniculate inflorescence of dark carmine or pink color |
| "Cologne" | Astilbe japonica "Koln" | 50-80 cm | Brownish-green color | Dense fluffy carmine-pink inflorescences |
| "Deutschland" | Astilbe japonica "Deutschland" | 50 cm | Dark green, glossy, on reddish petioles | Small-flowered inflorescence of light pink color |
Landing technology
It is recommended to plant or replant on the north side of the property, in the shade of trees or shrubs. Some varieties and hybrid forms are suitable for growing in well-lit areas, where they bloom as abundantly as possible, but for a short time. Loamy soils with a high level of groundwater are preferred for astilbe. Optimal acidity levels are pH 5.5-6.5.
Before planting the plant, you should carry out a deep digging of the soil, removing all weeds and adding compost, rotted manure or rotted peat. When applying fertilizers, you should count on average a couple of buckets for each square meter of planting area.
Planting holes should have dimensions of 20 x 30 cm. The standard distance between plants is about 30-35 cm. After planting, it is recommended to mulch with humus or peat.
Planting with rhizomes The most convenient planting material from the point of view of propagation is parts of the astilbe rhizome. It is necessary to plant a division of rhizome that has at least a pair of dormant buds. It is necessary to use material exclusively from a healthy adult plant.
Propagation using part of the rhizome is carried out in early spring.
A flat area with fertile soil should be allocated for planting. You should first prepare the planting holes, into which you first need to pour a nutrient mixture based on peat and sand. The rooting process of the planted cuttings takes approximately two or three weeks, so this method of propagation is very popular in home gardening.
Sowing seeds
A less common way to grow astilbe is to obtain seedling material by sowing seeds. It should be remembered that the seed material of hybrid forms is not capable of preserving the characteristic varietal characteristics, therefore seeds collected on one’s own plot are not suitable for sowing.
- The technology for sowing astilbe is as follows:
- thoroughly mix equal parts of peat and river sand;
- fill planting containers with a drainage hole with the resulting mixture;
- lay a layer of snow no more than a centimeter thick on the lightly compacted mixture;
- Carefully place very small astilbe seeds on top of the snow;
- after the snow has melted and the seeds have sunk into the soil, the container should be put in a cool place or on the bottom shelf of the refrigerator;
Until mass shoots appear, it is very important to maintain constant soil moisture by spraying it with water at room temperature from a spray bottle. After a pair of true leaves appear, the flower seedlings must be plucked, pinching off a third of the root. Strengthened seedlings are planted in open ground in the last ten days of spring or early summer.
Rules for growing in open ground
Proper care of astilbe allows you to decorate the area with abundant and long-flowering ornamental crops. Caring for the plant is not difficult; it is enough to carry out the following measures in a timely manner:
- throughout the entire growing season, decorative flower crops should be fed with basic complex fertilizers;
- to obtain abundant and long-lasting flowering of astilbe, it is necessary to enrich the root layer of soil with nitrogen, potassium and phosphorus;
- in early spring, it is advisable to apply approximately 25-30 g of complex fertilizers per square meter of planting;
- in mid-summer, plants need to be fertilized with potassium nitrate at the rate of a couple of tablespoons per bucket of water;
- Fertilizing with superphosphate at the end of the flowering season involves applying 20-22 g per plant in the form of a solution;
- astilbe belongs to the category of moisture-loving plants, and excessive drying of the soil layer negatively affects its growth and development, therefore, in especially hot and dry summer weather, the plant must be watered daily in the morning and evening;
- Regular and abundant irrigation measures are especially important at the stage of active formation of inflorescences;
- in order to maintain optimal humidity levels, it is recommended to mulch the soil with sawdust;
- To prevent damage from major diseases and pests, astilbe should be treated several times a season with Confidor, Aktara and Karbofos.
After flowering, mandatory pruning of peduncles is carried out. It is very important to take into account the fact that in conditions of little snow, many varieties freeze slightly, so in the autumn it is advisable to mulch with peat, followed by covering with spruce branches.
Land for planting
Astilbe is highly valued not only by professional landscape designers, but also by amateur gardeners due to its lush, long-lasting flowering, as well as its unpretentiousness. Even novice gardeners can grow it. In favorable conditions, with regular care, astilbe can grow for at least fifteen years in one place.
It is very important to choose the right site for growing this ornamental plant. Astilbe develops best in light shade. In this case, it is possible to obtain the most saturated color of the leaves and the most vibrant flowering. When planting a flower crop in open ground in very sunny areas, flowering is short-lived, and the leaves may turn yellow and dry out in a short time.
Strong shading also negatively affects flowering.
Features of reproduction As a rule, astilbe propagation is carried out by vegetative and seed methods. Vegetative propagation of an ornamental crop involves dividing an adult bush and propagating by buds.
The seed method makes it possible to obtain new varieties of astilbe.
Pre-stratified seeds are sown in early or mid-March. Seed material should be placed in a planting container 15-17 cm deep, filled with a sand-peat mixture and covered with a layer of snow. Gradually melting snow moistens the soil and immerses the seeds to the depth necessary for development. Crops should be covered with film and placed in a cool room for three weeks. After the appearance of a pair of true leaves, a dive is carried out. Further care consists of watering and maintaining the temperature at 20-22°C. Most often, in home gardening conditions, astilbe is propagated by dividing adult plants. In this case, a sharp garden knife is used to cut the root extracted from the soil into several parts with buds. High-quality planting material must not be overdried and have at least four healthy, viable buds. Dividing the bushes should be done in early spring.
After planting, plants need to be provided with high-quality, regular watering.
Propagation by buds is one of the simplest and fastest ways to obtain a new, profusely flowering plant.
The most popular in landscape design are tall decorative
garden forms. Astilbe coexists well with hosts, and hosta leaves are able to maintain optimal soil moisture and prevent the root system of the ornamental crop from overheating on hot days.
The plants are very decorative even in the absence of inflorescences, and also do not require pruning or too much shelter for the winter. The absolute unpretentiousness of the ornamental crop made it possible to grow astilbe in not very favorable soil and climatic conditions. Flowering plants are successfully cultivated not only in central Russia and the Moscow region, but also in the Urals and Siberia.
This perennial crop grows well and decorates a shady garden with its unusual flowers. In this article, we will figure out how to plant and care for astilbe in open ground. By following simple rules of agricultural technology, you can achieve excellent results in growing this plant.
Description of the plant - varieties and varieties
Astilbe is a rhizomatous perennial of the Saxifraga family. In summer, curly bushes with lovely inflorescences are very decorative; in winter, the herbaceous above-ground part of the plant dies off. Different varieties of 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.
Astilbe has many shades
Flowering of astilbe begins in early summer and continues for about a month. During this period, the plant is most decorative. Astilbes with curly inflorescences - panicles - serve as an excellent decoration for park areas, gardens, squares and are often used to decorate areas in landscape design.
The culture is characterized by high resistance in winter: the rhizomes can withstand wintering at temperatures down to – 37°C without the threat of freezing.
Important! When grown in open ground, astilbe prefers moist, nutritious soil and even, periodic watering. If this condition is met, caring for flower crops does not present any particular difficulties.
Distribution areas of natural astilbe species
In nature, the plant is found in Japan, America and East Asia. In Russia, the plant’s habitat is the Far East, where 2 types of natural varieties of astilbe are found.
All modern cultivated varieties of flower crops belong to the species - Arends' astilbe. 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
Hybrid astilbe cultivars are widely used in landscape design. During flowering, the bushes form airy clumps of pink or purple shades. Plants are characterized by compact size and abundant flowering. Planting hybrid astilbe in groups with other species allows you to perfectly shade lawns and coniferous crops during flowering. The combination of plants with different tones of color enlivens the areas of park plantings.
An interesting species of astilbe Thunberg, which has drooping clusters of yellowish or pink flowers that are not typical for the species.
Early flowering astilbes in a wide range of colors in white and pink tones belong to the species “Japanese astilbe”. This type of astilbe is highly decorative.
Astilbe: planting and care
When planting plants, the quality of planting material is of great importance. In order for the survival rate of plants to be 100%, it is worth taking into account some requirements for rhizomes intended for planting.
Planting astilbe
Important! Astilbe rhizomes should not have dead, rotten parts. Drying or excessive moisture of planting material during storage is not allowed. Young shoots should not be elongated, bent or wrinkled.
Of course, specimens with elongated sprouts can also take root, but then the plant may lose its decorative effect and become sick for a long time.
Choosing a comfortable place for the flower
It should be remembered that astilbe is a plant for partial shade; bright sunlight is destructive for it. It is undesirable to plant flowers in open spaces unprotected from sunlight.
In addition, flowers react poorly to areas with high groundwater levels and stagnant water. This leads to soaking and damping of the rhizomes. Growing crops in such areas will not be possible without reliable drainage. And if it is not possible to arrange it, you need to choose a higher place for planting.
Planting astilbe in open ground: determining the size of the holes
The depth of the planting hole must be determined individually for each plant, taking into account the size of the rhizome. The root system of astilbe should be freely placed in the planting hole, and the bush should not be buried or the growing point covered with soil. You can add hydrogel to the bottom of the holes; it will help maintain soil moisture; as well as bone meal, ash and mineral fertilizers - 1 matchbox each.
Astilbe should be planted in well-moistened soil.
The surface of the ground can be mulched with bark or peat chips, which will keep the soil evenly moist and, in the future, protect the roots of the plant from drying out.
Plant care
Astilbe bushes grow by about 3-5 cm in height per year. Measures to care for plants come down to adding soil under the exposed parts of the rhizome. Fertile soil is added in a layer of 2-3 cm.
Caring for plantings requires maintaining soil moisture. To do this, add a mulch layer (peat, bark, expanded clay or landscape crushed stone) on top of the planting soil. In winter, mulch on the soil 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.
Caring for astilbe is very simple
The decorative appearance of the plant is maintained by periodic pruning of dead stems. It is necessary to regularly remove faded inflorescences from bushes, this is especially true when using astilbe in landscape design when decorating territories.
Fertilizer and feeding
The application of fertilizers to astilbe bushes during planting has already been mentioned above.
For the full development of the plant, regular fertilizing with complex fertilizers is required. Considering that astilbe can grow in one place without transplanting or dividing rhizomes for more than 5 years, you should feed the plants with nitrogen fertilizers from the beginning of spring. This helps the rapid growth of new foliage on overwintered bushes.
Do not forget to feed astilbe with mineral fertilizers
During flowering, the crop needs to be fertilized with phosphorus fertilizers, and towards the end of flowering - with potassium fertilizers. This will help increase the timing and splendor of flowering, and also stimulate the formation of full-fledged seeds.
Plant propagation
Propagation by seeds
To preserve the decorative and varietal characteristics of the plant, propagation of the perennial 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 decorativeness;
- short flowering periods.
For seed propagation, only high-quality seeds of varietal selection can be used.
Sprouts from astilbe seeds
The seeds of the plant are sown on the surface of the moistened soil, without covering. To accelerate 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 the seedlings. At this time, it is especially dangerous to dry out 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 stratification of seeds. This agricultural technique 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 can be planted in a permanent place in open ground 2-3 months after sowing. Seedlings obtained from stratified seeds are characterized by excellent survival rate and rapid growth.
Reproduction of astilbe by dividing the bush
The vegetative method of propagating astilbe (dividing the bush) is the most reliable and familiar for gardeners. The mother plant is dug up with care, trying not to damage the delicate rhizome. Using a sharp knife, divide the rhizome into parts with 2-3 buds. The sections are sprinkled with crushed coal.
Dividing an astilbe bush
Planting material is laid out in the prepared furrow and the soil is moistened. Excellent results when planting cuttings are achieved with the use of root formation stimulants. Caring for young plants includes regular watering and loosening the soil.
Planting of astilbe cuttings can be done in early spring, as early as March. With this method of propagation, the first flowering of young plants will begin in early autumn.
Division by buds
Perennial propagation is carried out in another way, which is considered the fastest - division by buds. In the spring, with the beginning of the plant's growing season, renewal buds are separated with a sharp knife. The cuttings are planted in a greenhouse with moist soil mixed with coarse sand or gravel, having previously dusted the cut areas with ash. With this method of propagation, a very high survival rate of young plants is observed. The only drawback is that obtaining a full-fledged plant takes almost a year.
Diseases and pests
Keep your plants healthy. If pests appear, start fighting them immediately
Astilbe is attractive not only for its decorative properties; the plant is practically not damaged by pests and diseases. The rhizomes of some crops may occasionally be affected by root-knot nematodes. The pest does not respond to the use of drugs, so the fight against the nematode comes down 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 in this place for several years.
Another pest that can threaten a plant in open ground is the slobbering frog. The affected plant feels depressed, and the development of leaf mass slows down. Prevention measures include collecting the pest from the leaves of the plant by hand.
Astilbe: combination with other plants
Growing astilbe in group plantings with other plants is quite justified. Decorative panicles of the plant look great next to coniferous plants with their monotonous greenery. Such a neighborhood is very preferable for astilbe: conifers provide the bushes with protection from the sun.
Combination of astilbe of different colors in landscape design
Astilbe bushes harmonize perfectly with late tulips, irises, hostas, and periwinkle. Single plantings of astilbe on a green lawn in the shade are very decorative.
Astilbe bushes fit perfectly into landscape design, when planting in the shade. The plant is used for single and group plantings, creating complex landscape solutions for shady and semi-shady places. Caring for ornamental plants is absolutely not difficult and involves timely watering.
How to plant astilbe correctly: video
Astilbe: photo
And stilbe is a genus of plants belonging to the family Saxifragaceae, Saxifragaceae. Sometimes astilbe is called astilbe, this is due to the Latin name of the genus Astilbe and the literal translation into Russian. Both of these names are correct and are synonymous concepts. Sometimes the name “astilbe” is used in the neuter gender, which is a mistake. If we follow the Latin analogues, then all the names of herbs and trees are feminine, so the scientific translation will be of a similar gender. Species names, accordingly, are also used in the feminine gender: Chinese astilbe, Japanese astilbe.
Some types of astilbe are called “false salsify” or are considered a type of spirea. Salsify belongs to the Asteraceae (Asteraceae) family, and spirea is a shrub from the Rosaceae family. These plants are not related to astilbe and only at first glance seem similar.
Japanese astilbe is often confused with meadowsweet (vipergrass) due to the similarity of inflorescences, but these plants belong not only to different families, but also to different orders.
All species of the genus Astilbe, and there are about 20 of them, are perennial herbaceous plants with erect stems and peduncles. In winter, their herbaceous aboveground part dies off, and the rhizomes overwinter under a layer of leaves and snow.
The plant’s homeland is the territory of East Asia, near the islands of the Pacific Ocean, Japan and North America. There, astilbe grows in partial shade, often under the cover of medium-density broad-leaved forest, on forest edges; it loves places where soil moisture is preserved: lowlands, banks of oxbow lakes and streams, floodplain parts of the forest. In the photo: Arends astilbe inflorescence
Types of astilbe
Chinese astilbe (A.chinensis), reaching a height of 1 m, is found naturally in China, Korea and Japan. In Russia, Chinese astilbe grows only in the southern part of the Far East.
Astilbe chinensis has leaves that are double- and triple-pinnately dissected, elongated, and serrated along the edges. The flowers of Astilbe chinensis are small, collected in apical inflorescences, and pollinated by insects. The color of the flowers is light lilac or lilac-pink, the stamen filaments are purple. The rhizomes, flowers and vegetative above-ground organs of Astilbe chinensis contain a variety of flavonoids, coumarins, anthocyanins and phenolcarboxylic acids.
We recommend reading: Badan
Saxifraga and the Saxifraga family
Astilbe: planting, care, propagation
Astilbe Thunberg
Astilbe Thunbergii (A.thunbergii) is endemic to Japan and the Kuril Islands, has a panicle inflorescence, the shape of which can vary among different individuals. A characteristic feature of the species: the leaves have yellow or brown hairs that are located at the base of the leaf. The leaves are pinnate, separately lobed. The small flowers have a delicate pink hue and a pleasant scent. Botanists distinguish from four to eight subspecies of Astilbe Thunberg.
Japanese astilbe (A.japonica) is a low plant, compared to other species, reaching a height of 30-40 cm. The leaves of Japanese astilbe are compound, pinnately dissected, dark green in color. White flowers are collected in paniculate inflorescences. Based on Japanese astilbe, breeders have developed many ornamental varieties that have flowers of different shades and vary greatly in height.
Astilbe David
Astilbe David (A.davidii) is the tallest representative of the genus; the inflorescences of this type of astilbe can reach one and a half meters. The natural habitat of the wild form is Mongolia and China. Wide spreading bushes with complex feathery light leaves are decorated with large inflorescences of a light purple or pink-purple hue.
Astilbe naked
Naked astilbe (A.glaberrina) is one of the lowest species, its height does not exceed 20 cm, and varieties selected on its basis are even lower and can be used as ground cover.
Astilbe simplefolia
Astilbe simplefolia (A.simplicifolia) - a characteristic feature of the species is simple leaves, but with a cut edge, dark green, shiny. It reaches half a meter in height and served as the ancestor of garden forms. In the photo: astilbe in a flower garden
Astilbe Korean
Korean astilbe (A.koreana) is endemic to Korea and the North-Eastern part of China, reaching a height of 50-60 cm. A characteristic feature of the species is a thick cover of small brown hairs that protect the plant from sunburn and temperature changes. The inflorescences are drooping, paniculate, reach 20-30 cm, the natural shade of the flowers is cream and white. The species has been in cultivation since the beginning of the twentieth century.
Astilbe Arends is a group that unites hybrid forms and varieties obtained by crossing different types of astilbe by breeder Arends. The German scientist took David's astilbe as a basis and crossed it not only with wild species, but also with cultivated forms and hybrids of astilbe. Currently, the largest number of varieties have been created based on Arends astilbe (A.arendsii or A.hybrida). Hybrid forms of Arends' astilbe are characterized by long summer flowering and very tall peduncles, sometimes reaching 160 cm, bloom from July to August.
Varieties of Arends astilbe, Chinese and Japanese astilbe
The most common types and varieties of Arends' astilbe, Chinese astilbe and Japanese astilbe are the most common in culture.
Varieties whose ancestor is the Arends species of astilbe
:
- the “Brautschleier” variety has lush, snow-white inflorescences;
- “Glut” - a late-flowering variety with flowers of bright red shades;
- “Venus” with colors that shimmer and play with a pearlescent sheen; petal color is pale pink;
- with an amazing aroma and flowers of bright pink or light raspberry color “Bressinghem Beauty”;
- purple with burgundy, a bright shade of flowers in “Elizabeth”;
- “Erica” - a feature of the variety are red-painted stems and salmon-colored flowers.
Hybrids obtained from Chinese astilbe bloom even later, at the end of July or in August. As a rule, they do not exceed a meter in height, and some dwarf forms grow only 20-30 cm. Low-growing varieties (Pumila) tolerate dry soil more easily and can grow in direct sunlight.
In the photo: Astilbe Thunbergii Straussenfeder. A popular hybrid of Astilbe Thunberg, obtained by Georg Arends. It has dense bushes with shiny dark green double-pinnate leaves with brownish pubescence. Peduncle height - 90 cm, leaf height - 50 cm. Pyramidal inflorescences up to 25 cm long, highly branched, drooping, bright coral-pink. Blooms from mid-July to mid-August. Frost resistance is high.
Varieties bred from Chinese astilbe
, are characterized by dense inflorescences:
- “Pink Lightning” - the inflorescences are pink, bright, sometimes with a hint of lilac;
- low-growing “Vision in Red” form with burgundy and red flowers;
- “Finale” is a tall plant with pink-purple flowers;
- “Vision in Pink” with soft pink inflorescences and “Vision in Red” with reddish-burgundy; similar to dwarf varieties, have the same name, but reach 100 cm;
- “Purpurlanze” has purple-violet bright flowers.
In the photo: one of the most valuable varieties of astilbe is Astilbe Arendsii Diamant. Peduncle height - 90 cm, leaf height - 60 cm; green leaves are large without shine, brown at the edges; inflorescences of medium density up to 35 cm long, up to 20 cm in diameter; blooms for 25 days in July - early August.
It was introduced into cultivation almost two hundred years ago, during which time breeders developed varieties with different flower colors: the wild species has white flowers. The "Europa" variety has soft pink flowers, the "Bremen" variety has pink flowers, the "Kohn" variety has dark pink flowers, and the "Montgomery" variety has dark red-burgundy flowers. Some varieties remained white, like Japanese astilbe in nature, only the size of the inflorescences and the number of flowers changed, like “Deutschland”.
In the photo: Japanese astilbe
Use in landscape design
Astilbe is a universal plant. Its various forms and varieties are suitable for:
- flower beds in country style;
- creating borders;
- design of the banks of decorative reservoirs;
- solo compositions;
- flower beds of perennial plants;
- flower beds in partial shade and insufficient light;
- ground cover functions.
Thanks to the wide variety of sizes and color variations, various types and varieties of astilbe are combined with all perennials in the flowerbed. Looks impressive in composition with woody representatives of the flora: bushes, dwarf trees and large trees.
The main rule is not the choice of species (Chinese astilbe, Japanese or Arends astilbe), but the choice of a variety that is suitable in size and color, and will blend harmoniously with its neighbors.
Wild species of astilbe do not like the scorching sun and do not tolerate dry soil well, but there are artificially created varieties that are not hampered by direct sunlight and dry soil.
In the photo: Arends astilbe, hybrids
Application and meaning
Honey plants and perganos
In landscape design, all types of astilbe can be used as excellent honey plants. Their flowers, collected in inflorescences, help bees locate. The sweet smell attracts insects that collect nectar and pollen.
Medicine
Some of the species (for example, the Astilbe chinensis species) are used in medicine in Eastern countries. Rhizomes of Chinese astilbe are used as a means to reduce blood pressure in diseases of the bladder, kidneys and ureters. The presence of coumarins in the leaves and stems allows the use of astilbe chinensis for blood anticoagulation (in case of increased clotting). Chinese astilbe leaves are also used to prepare tonics; in addition, they have an antioxidant effect.
In Korea and China, dried, ground astilbe rhizomes are used as a seasoning.
Video: Various types and varieties of astilbe
Decorative astilbe is an ideal find for a picturesque summer cottage. She is unpretentious, not afraid of shade and sun, and does not require specific care. The history of cultivation and breeding of astilbe dates back to the 1800s. Since then, many new varieties and subspecies have been developed, and new ones are constantly appearing. They differ in size, appearance and living conditions, so you can decorate any area with astilbe.
General characteristics
Despite its rich history, astilbe has been underestimated for many years. This is an ordinary wild flower - not too bright or attractive. It was first described by Lord Hamilton in 1825. This is how the name appeared, which literally means “without shine.” But the inconspicuous appearance did not stop Hamilton from bringing several varieties to Europe.
At the end of the 19th century, the botanist Emile Lemoine saw the potential of astilbe. He received a number of new varieties and for a long time honed garden forms to perfection. Later, breeders and scientists from other countries joined him.
Georg Arends devoted more than half a century to astilbe. He bred 84 new species with different shapes and colors of inflorescences, bush size, leaf appearance and flowering period. This is how a full-fledged classification of a new garden crop began to emerge. The Lemoine and Arends varieties are loved by gardeners to this day.
Astilbe groups
Botanists classify astilbe according to different criteria. Gardeners around the world use a number of generally accepted definitions. Such categories are based on the appearance, size and shape of the flower, and not on its origin. After all, it is the characteristics of the plant that determine whether it can be used in a particular area.
Flowering period. Most astilbe varieties bloom in summer, and the period lasts 1–2 weeks. There are three groups: early, middle and late.
Height. There are four groups: Tall – from 90–100 cm; Medium – 60–90 cm; Low – 30–60 cm; Dwarf - up to 30 cm.
Inflorescence shape. This is the main decorative characteristic.
- Drooping. Inflorescences on a flexible long stem droop towards the ground. They look especially elegant and sophisticated.
- Pyramidal. Side branches with flowers diverge perpendicular to the central axis, becoming thinner and shorter. The inflorescence tapers from the base to the apex.
- Paniculata. As in pyramidal inflorescences, the lateral branches diverge perpendicular to the axial one, but in this case they also branch intensively.
- Rhombic. Branches with flowers extend at right angles and form something like a diamond.
Types of astilbe
According to botanists, there are more than 350 varieties of astilbe, and their number is constantly growing. However, only about 10 varieties are most often used.
A low bush of small diameter, 12x15 cm. Pink flowers bloom in June-July. The leaves are cast bronze.
It differs from most types of astilbe in having undivided leaves of a simple configuration. The plate is green and shiny, with a rough edge. White flowers are densely collected in pyramidal drooping inflorescences. Other colors are less common. Flowering period is July-August.
A perennial fruiting plant with complex openwork leaves of several feathers. Height - up to 100 cm. Leaf blade - shiny, with veins, covered with red hairs along the edges. The largest are the basal leaves on long petioles, the stem leaves are smaller and shorter. Small lilac, pink or white flowers bloom in long dense inflorescences about 30 cm long. Flowering period - late June - early August. Chinese astilbe has been known since 1859. There are several subspecies.
Known since 1904, it originates from Korea and Northeast China. This is a relatively low herbaceous plant up to 60 cm. Wrinkled leaves are light in color, with brown fibers. The inflorescences are relatively short, up to 25 cm, but elastic and dense, slightly drooping. Flowers are creamy white. Flowering period - July.
One of the first representatives of the family of Japanese hybrids, known since 1837. A herbaceous perennial plant in the form of a wide spreading bush. Height - up to 80 cm. Dark feathery leaves with a glossy plate grow on reddish petioles. Small pink or white flowers are collected in dense rhombic inflorescences up to 30 cm. Flowering period is July.
It has been known since 1902, and its homeland is Mongolia and Northern China. This is a tall, fruitful perennial plant up to 150 cm. The leaves are light, with brownish veins, complex, pinnate and wrinkled. Lilac and pink flowers bloom in narrow pyramidal inflorescences up to 40 cm long. Flowering period is July-August.
A specific subspecies common in the East Asian regions of Russia and Japan. Grows in deciduous and mixed leaves. This variety has been known since 1878. The height of the bush reaches 80 cm. Its peculiarity is its brown woody rhizome. Oval leaves are compound and pinnate, oval shaped with serrated edges. White flowers are collected in racemose branched inflorescences of apical type 25x10 cm. Flowering period is July-August. There are several subspecies of this variety.
Astilbe in the garden is suitable for shady areas and requires constant moisture. In nature, it grows in shady deciduous forests or near ponds, which affects its way of life.
Astilbe is planted alone or in groups, in the ground or in containers. It fits gracefully into a mixborder or border. Dwarf varieties will brightly decorate a decorative alpine hill. Most species feel best near bodies of water. With a lack of moisture, the leaves wither and the inflorescences become smaller.
The growth rate depends on moisture and heat. High varieties are planted at a distance of about 50 cm, low ones - up to 30 cm. First you need to prepare the soil: dig it, remove weeds, add fertilizers and mineral supplements. Areas with high groundwater are ideal.
Sparse shade ensures regular and intense flowering. The sun is best tolerated by varieties with light and white flowers. Their period is shorter, but much more eventful.
The bush lives for about 5 years. After this it needs to be replanted.
Transplantation and propagation
Astilbe is an excellent background for flower beds. It gets along well with other foliage plants and spring-flowering varieties, such as tulips, hyacinths and saxifrage. It harmonizes well with daylilies, irises, bells, tall grasses, geraniums and other species. Different varieties also complement each other. For example, a holistic composition can be created from low-growing forms for the foreground and tall bushes for the background.
When planting, holes up to 30 cm are dug into which fertilizers, flour and humus are poured. The mixture is filled with water. Mulching the soil is necessary to retain moisture and protect against overheating.
Gardeners use two methods of propagation:
Buds renewal. The fastest option. In the spring, carefully cut off the shoots with a fragment of the rhizome. Sprinkle the cuttings with ash and plant them in a mixture of peat and gravel under a film. Astilbe will be ready for transplanting into the ground in about a year.
Dividing the bush. The simplest and most successful option. Dig up a bush, cut off the leaves and divide it into sections with 3-5 buds. Remove dead rhizomes and plant cuttings at a distance from each other. Water them daily, and then when planted in early spring, the astilbe will bloom by autumn.
Propagation by seeds used only by breeders. It is difficult, time-consuming, requires high-quality seeds and special care. First, stratification is carried out to accelerate growth. Then the seeds are planted in moist soil, but are not embedded in the ground. In spring, the leaves can be transplanted into beds.
Pest and disease control
Astilbe grows beautiful and healthy in almost any soil. The presence of potassium and phosphorus and their proportions are important. Peat and compost are used to fertilize dry soil, complex additives are used for wet soil, and phosphorus-potassium acids are used after flowering.
Astilbe hardly gets sick, and insects do not like it. The most common problems:
Pennitsa. These are small cicadas that lay eggs on leaves or young shoots. Because of the pennies, plants grow slower and inflorescences do not develop. It can also be a carrier of various diseases. She is not afraid of most chemicals, so you will have to get rid of the pest manually.
Khrushchi and slugs. The easiest and fastest way is to get rid of them manually.
Another problem with astilbe, like other moisture lovers, is root rot. This occurs due to an excess of water or insufficient oxygen in the soil. For prevention, before flowering, plants are treated with special antiseptics and Bordeaux mixture.
Astilbe - photo
We have collected the best photographs of astilbe so that you can compare and understand what the flower looks like and where to place or plant it. Watch and be inspired!
From a distance, the flower stalks of the perennial plant astilbe resemble panicles, but when approaching, you can see that there are hundreds of small flowers on a long stem. They look especially impressive against the background and in the shade of conifers, but single plantings are also possible, the main thing is to correctly form the culture according to the tones or plant a perennial of the same color.
Description of varieties and types of perennial flowers astilbe
Astilbe is one of the most decorative perennials, which, unfortunately, is not widespread. This is a plant from the Saxifraga family.
Here is a photo and description of astilbe, suitable for growing in the middle zone:
The stem together with the inflorescence reaches a height of 60-100 cm. The leaves are compound, double-pinnate. Individual leaves with a heart-shaped base, shiny above and matte below. On a sunny day they give an extraordinary play of light.
Flowers - pink, purple of different shades, collected in terminal racemose, rather large (up to 20-30 cm in length) inflorescences. They can be pyramidal, rhombic, drooping.
The description of the roots of the astilbe plant is similar for all species - as a rule, the rhizome is woody, dense, thickened and branched.
The crop blooms in June-August. The seeds are easy to set, but very, very small.
An unusually large number of astilbe varieties have been created. In some, the flower petals are so short that the inflorescences look lacy; in others, due to the many well-developed petals, the inflorescence turns into a fluffy panicle.
To create astilbe varieties, the following species were used:
Chinese
David and Japanese
Thunberg and whole leaf.
A great variety of varieties are classified into 11 groups, of which hybrids are the most popular:
Arends;
Astilboydes;
Chinese, low;
Fringed;
Lemoine;
Pink;
Variegated;
Astilbe Take (Superba variety);
Thunberg;
Astilbe naked.
There are a number of fragile, miniature varieties of the crop, not exceeding 30 cm in height. These plants are suitable for small flower beds or damp places on a hill. The most popular dwarf forms of the perennial flower astilbe: Chinese, curly, hairless (its height is only 10-15 cm).
How to propagate astilbe and care for the flower
It is generally accepted that astilbe is a plant of semi-shaded places that does not like open and long-term sun. It is not for nothing that it is more common in the Baltic states and northern regions of Russia than in the south. However, in the sunny south, astilbe feels great. Its flowering here is lush and luxurious, although shorter lasting.
When planting and caring for astilbe, we must not forget that this plant does not tolerate drought.
Overheating of the soil is detrimental to its rhizome. Therefore, daily watering in the hot evening is mandatory. Nothing retains moisture in the soil better than mulching, which is done with a 3-5 cm layer of humus, sawdust or peat.
How to care for astilbe so that it blooms as long as possible? The soils should be deep, nutritious, loose and moist. When fertilized, the flower is very decorative. It is necessary to feed in the spring, when shoots begin to grow. Like everything during the growth period, it requires nitrogen, preferably organic, that is, fermented mullein, bird droppings. But after flowering it switches exclusively to phosphorus and potassium.
Since a crop can grow in one place for up to 20 years, special attention should be paid to planting. Dig up the soil well, make holes 20-30 cm deep and the same width. 20-25 g of superphosphate, a couple of handfuls of wood ash and half a bucket of humus are poured into each of them. Mix everything, plant the divisions and water them with water. They begin to fertilize from the second year of life.
There are three ways to propagate astilbe: dividing rhizomes, cuttings, seeds. The simplest and most reliable is dividing the bush. It is better to divide the bush in early spring, then you can expect flowering this year. But astilbe is a crop that takes root well when divided both in summer and autumn. The size of the divisions does not matter, but the presence of 1-3 buds and rhizome branches 3-5 cm long is mandatory. After planting the divisions, especially if done in the summer, daily abundant watering is needed for 1-2 weeks. When planting in early spring, watering is also important, but not as abundant. Warmth is much more important in spring. Success is guaranteed in warm springs and problematic in cold springs.
The divisions are planted at a distance of 30-50 cm from each other. Astilbe can also be propagated by green cuttings - also in the spring, but there is much more hassle with them than with root cuttings. They are rooted in a greenhouse under a film and with constant watering, spraying, and ventilation.
