The Astilbe, also known as a magnificent spire, is not only very popular because of its uncomplicated care or because of its magnificent, feather-like flowers. In fact, it is an excellent choice if you want a shady spot in the garden to be attractively planted. The following article provides you with comprehensive answers to the most important questions regarding planting and care of the decorative and versatile perennial.

The Astilbe likes light, partially shaded locations

Table of Contents

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  1. origin and distribution
  2. use
  3. appearance and growth
  4. leaves
  5. flowers and flowering time
  6. fruit
  7. toxicity
  8. Which location is suitable?
  9. floor
  10. pot culture
  11. Plant peas correctly
  12. What is the best planting time?
  13. The right planting distance
  14. Cast splendor piers
  15. Fertilize sprigs properly
  16. Trimming spars properly
  17. multiply lances
  18. hibernate
  19. How do I plant correctly?
  20. diseases and pests
  21. species and varieties

    22. origin and distribution

    Astilbes have a long tradition in German gardens, having been used as ornamental plants since the 19th century. Hardly any other perennial blooms as strikingly colorful as the Astilbe, even in deep shade. From a botanical point of view, the genus belongs to the saxifrage family (Saxifragaceae) and includes about 35 different species, most of which come from East Asia - and here especially from China - and from the east of the USA.

    Here, the magnificent plants are mainly found in sparse forests and in damp locations, for example at the edge of the forest or on the banks of streams or rivers. The uncomplicated Arendsii hybrids (Astilbe x arendsii) and the Chinese Astilbe (Astilbe chinensis) are particularly interesting for the garden.

    use

    There is a large selection of astilbes in different growth forms and heights that are suitable for the home garden. Some species, such as the dwarf pea (Astilbe chinensis var. pumila), which grows cushion-like and can reach a maximum height of 30 centimeters, are wonderfully suited as ground cover and even thrive under trees and other shrubs. Here, over time, the rhizome-forming plants spread over large areas and cover unsightly, bare spots where hardly anything else grows.

    High-growing species are best planted in large areas or in borders together with other shade-tolerant species. Cranesbill (Geranium), bluebell (Campanula), elfflower (Epimedium), silver cohosh (Althea), autumn anemone or hosta (Hosta) are attractive companions. Astilbes come into their own particularly well in combination with ornamental foliage perennials (which include the popular hostas). Since the plants also bloom quite late, they can be well socialized with bulbous flowers that bloom in spring.

    Astilbes grow well on the edges of trees and along streams and garden ponds. White flowering varieties in particular are also the right choice when shady areas of the garden are to be optically brightened.

    appearance and growth

    Aphrodisiacs are herbaceous, perennial perennials that can become quite bushy depending on the species and variety. Individual specimens of the higher-growing varieties grow to an average width of between 40 and 60 centimeters. The growth height, which can reach between ten and up to 150 or even 200 centimetres, also depends on the variety. The bald splendor (Astilbe glaberrima var. saxatilis) remains particularly low, while some Chinese astilbes and the Thunbergii hybrid 'Professor van der Wielen' are considered to be particularly tall.

    Also characteristic of the genus are the thick, underground rhizomes, which allow the plants to divide and propagate.

    leaves

    The large, basal leaves grow from the rhizomes, which initially sprout bronze to reddish in spring and only turn rich green in summer. The foliage is divided in many ways and is divided into petiole and leaf blade, the latter having one to multiple pinnations. The alternately arranged leaves typically get smaller towards the top. The plants also often have stipules.

    flowers and flowering time

    Also from the rhizomes grow mostly upright or slightly overhanging, up to 200 centimeters high flower stalks. Between June and September, the panicles of flowers, which are up to 55 centimeters long, unfold on these and bloom for weeks in different colors depending on the variety. While the wild species usually have white flowers, numerous colors could be bred from the cultivated forms. The spectrum ranges from white, yellow and pink to dark red and even purple flower colors. The flower spikes can be cut off when they have blossomed and used for long-lasting dried bouquets.

    The exact flowering time depends on the variety. The Japanese astilbe (Astilbe japonica) and its hybrids, which already show their splendor between June and July, flower early. On the other hand, the more frequently planted and colorfully flowering species of Chinese astilbe (Astilbe chinensis) and the popular Arendsii hybrids flower quite late between August and September, often well into October in mild weather.

    fruit

    However, you can leave the inflorescences on the perennials so that pretty infructescences develop by autumn. These usually remain on the plant over the winter and form an interesting eye-catcher in the wintry garden. The fruits are capsule fruits that contain many small seeds.

    toxicity

    Astilbes are not poisonous to humans or animals. Instead, the young leaves of some species - such as Astilbe chinensis or Astilbe thunbergii - can be eaten cooked or used for a tea infusion. In addition, glacial spars are valuable and nectar-rich insect pastures, which bees, bumblebees, butterflies and other hungry insects like to fly to.

    Which location is suitable?

    As in their natural range, astilbes feel particularly at home in sunny and semi-shady locations, for example in the protection of large deciduous and coniferous trees. Along the edges of trees, streams and ponds, the plants find site conditions that meet their needs, as long as they are not in the blazing sun. Midday sun in particular is poorly tolerated.

    In principle, sparrows also grow in sunny places, as long as the soil there is sufficiently moist. As a rule of thumb, the sunnier the location, the wetter the soil must be. Waterlogging, on the other hand, should be avoided, because the moisture-loving astilbes also react to this with root rot.

    floor

    So that the splendor lives up to its name and always blooms magnificently, it needs the right soil conditions. The perennial feels good in substrates that

    • humus and nutritious
    • as loamy as possible and not very sandy
    • neutral to slightly acidic with a pH between 5.5 and 6
    • fresh to moist
    • but well drained and without the risk of waterlogging

    are constituted. Heavy or sandy soils can be upgraded with plenty of mature compost.

    pot culture

    Astilbes can be cultivated well in sufficiently large and, above all, wide planters, as long as a continuous water supply is ensured. Regular watering is immensely important for potted plants, as the substrate should not dry out, even in the short term. At the same time, make sure there is good drainage in the pot (a drainage hole on the bottom of the pot is a must!) so that waterlogging does not occur in the first place. The substrate should be damp, but not wet. Choose a high-quality potting soil, preferably without peat and based on compost, which you mix with clay granules or perlite (€37.51).

    Plant peas correctly

    When planting the astilbe, make sure that the planting depth is sufficient, as the root ball often pushes up over time. Royal spars can be planted comparatively deep. Before planting, place the plants in a bucket of water to allow the roots to soak up the moisture and mix the spoil with plenty of mature compost and horn shavings mulch. As a result, the moisture stays in the soil longer and does not evaporate as quickly.

    What is the best planting time?

    Astilbes are best planted during the dormant period between November and March. Choose a frost-free day with mild weather.

    The right planting distance

    The correct planting distance depends on the variety of the planted Astilbe, because the different species are different in height and width. Choose a distance between 40 and 60 centimeters for larger specimens, while smaller variants are satisfied with 20 to 25 centimeters.

    Cast splendor piers

    Astilbes depend on a balanced water regime. The root ball must neither dry out nor be constantly wet. A well-drained soil is therefore important, and you should also do this during longer dry periods - especially during the flowering period, because then the plants have a particularly high water requirement! - check the moisture content of the soil. To do this, stick a finger into the soil - if the surface is dry, pour soft rainwater or well-stale tap water. To do this, use a watering can and water directly onto the root area. Leaves and flowers should not be moistened.

    Fertilize sprigs properly

    The spiers not only have a high water requirement, but also a high nutrient requirement. The formation of the strong foliage and the large flowers consumes the plants, which is why balanced fertilization is important. To do this, you can apply a long-term fertilizer between April and May, which you can refresh again in July if necessary. Alternatively, provide the plants with a shovelful of compost and a handful of horn shavings about every four weeks between May and August.

    Trimming spars properly

    Astilbes do not have to be cut, you can only remove the faded flower stalks and dried or dead parts of the plant in spring.
    Continue reading

    multiply lances

    As a rule, astilbes are propagated by division. To do this, dig the plants out of the ground together with their rhizomes in spring or autumn and divide them into several parts of approximately the same size. These are then planted again and maintained as usual. Division is a good way to keep your plants young. You can see the astilbe when it's time to divide again: the perennials then become too large and begin to wilt.

    You can also propagate dwarf astilbes using root cuttings, original species (no hybrids) and seed-resistant variants can also be grown from seeds.

    Growing astilbes from seeds - Here's how

    It is best to sow astilbes in autumn or spring, for which you can use seeds you have collected yourself or bought. And this is how the sowing works:

    • Disinfect the seed soil, for example in the oven or in the microwave.
    • The seed soil comes in a seed tray, ideally with a hood.
    • Distribute the seeds evenly over the soil, but do not cover them.
    • Magnificent piers belong to the light germs.
    • Always keep the potting soil slightly moist and bright.
    • Seeds germinate after about 14 to 21 days.
    • Prick out the seedlings as soon as the first pair of leaves have developed.
    • After another six to ten weeks, place them individually in small plant pots.

    As soon as the plants are big and strong enough, they can be planted out in the garden.

    hibernate

    Basically, astilbes are sufficiently hardy and therefore do not need winter protection. Only young plants and specimens cultivated in pots should be protected from frost. For this purpose, cover planted splendor with straw, spruce or fir branches or leaves. The pot of tub plants, on the other hand, should always - even in later years - be wrapped in bubble wrap or another suitable material and placed on an insulating base (wood, polystyrene, etc.).

    How do I plant correctly?

    Astilbes can still be transplanted well in later years, but you have to dig them up carefully to do this. In any case, this measure makes sense, since the perennials should be divided from time to time anyway. Bald plant parts can be easily cut off with a sharp knife when transplanting, so that you only use the young and fresh segments again.

    diseases and pests

    As a rule, astilbes are hardy and robust plants, as long as they feel comfortable in their location. Diseases therefore usually only occur as a result of an unsuitable location or incorrect care. The leaves roll up as soon as the splendor spar is too dry or too warm. Brown leaf edges also indicate a lack of moisture. Yellow colored leaves, on the other hand, are often an indication of soil that is too calcareous, which astilbes also dislike. On the other hand, if the plant does not want to grow properly, it is in the wrong location. Although it basically feels very comfortable under trees and shrubs, it should not be planted on the root disk of shallow-rooted trees and shrubs. Here, the different species only compete unnecessarily for water and nutrients.

    Occasionally aphids and other leaf sap-sucking insects attack the astilbe. An infestation by leaf bugs, leaf or root nematodes and the vine weevil also occasionally occurs.

    tips

    If astilbes do not want to bloom, a lack of nutrients is often the cause. The plants have a high nutrient requirement and can only cover this even when planted out in the garden by regular fertilization.

    species and varieties

    Astilbes come in various shapes and sizes: While the small varieties often do not grow higher than 30 to 40 centimeters, some of them even form flat carpets by forming runners, the tall spiers can grow to between 150 and 200 centimeters.

    Astilbe arendsii

    One of the most popular hybrid species with numerous white, pink or red flowering varieties. Reaches heights of growth between 60 and 120 centimetres.

    • 'August Lights': bright red flowers between July and August, up to 70 centimeters high
    • 'Bergkristall': white flowers between July and August, up to 100 centimeters high
    • 'Cattleya': deep pink flowers from September, up to 100 centimeters high

    Astilbe chinensis

    The Chinese Astilbe produces rather small varieties with growth heights between 25 and 50 centimeters. An exception is the variety Astilbe chinensis var. davidii or High Astilbe, which can grow up to 180 centimeters high.

    • 'Pumila': Ground cover for sunny locations, purple-pink flowers between August and September, up to 25 centimeters high
    • 'Finale': bright pink flowers between August and September, up to 40 centimeters high

    Astilbe japonica

    Low-growing perennial, needs high humidity and nutrient-rich soil. The numerous varieties grow up to about 50 centimeters high and bloom quite early between June and July. Many shades of color.

    Astilbe thunbergii

    Vigorous growing species with tall varieties. Usually blooms between July and August.

    • 'Jo Ophorst': ruby red flower, up to 90 centimeters high

    Astilbe simplicifolia

    Shade perennial with rather low, graceful growth. Varieties usually bloom in pink, red, or white between July and August.

    • 'Alba': white flower, up to 45 centimeters high
    • 'Aphrodite': red flowers and dark foliage, up to 35 centimeters high
    • 'Hennie Graafland': pink flowers and dark foliage, up to 50 centimeters high

Category:

Vegetable garden