The Astilbe plant has fern-like foliage and feathery blossoms.It's important that you pick a variety that suits your garden, astilbe varies in height from 6 inches to 5 feet (15 cm to 1.5 m).Both new and established plants thrive in moist conditions and are almost always grown from root divisions.
Step 1: Determine if you are in the right place to grow.
In the northern areas of North America and Europe, the weather is cool and wet.They can grow closer to the equator if they are given plenty of shade and water.You won't be able to grow astilbe if you live in an area with high temperatures or lack of rain.To find out more about your area's growing conditions, speak to an expert at a local nursery.Astilbes grow best in the US.
Step 2: Determine how to plant.
There are three forms of astilbe: seed, bulbs and divisions.Gardeners prefer using divisions for planting over the other two options.Astilbe seeds are difficult to grow and likely to rot before being sprouted, and bulbs take much longer and don't provide as much color as divisions.The clumps of astilbe have separate root systems.New large plants can be pulled apart and replanted.You can buy divisions or full plants from a local gardening centre.
Step 3: You should know when to plant.
The Astilbe can be planted in the spring or fall.After the threat of severe frost has passed, most Astilbe plants are planted directly in the garden.The flower blooms in June and July.After the intense summer heat, astilbe can be planted in the early to mid fall.
Step 4: You can choose a location.
Dry, hot soil in full sun is the worst condition for an Astilbe plant.Don't be afraid of an area that is under a tree canopy if you look for a spot in your garden that gets shade for at least part of the day.They don't like soaking in puddles, so make sure the location has good drainage.A drainage test could be conducted.If your soil has poor drainage, you can amend it with finished garden compost.
Step 5: The soil needs to be changed.
The flowering plants prefer the loose soil that has the ability to retain water.Use a garden fork or trowel to dig humus or peat moss into the plant bed.If your plot has poor drainage, mix in sand and perlite to encourage the drain-off of excess water.
Step 6: Pick a plant.
Pick an Astilbe that is several years old because it develops large, clumpy roots after a few years.White, red, pink, peach, and purple are some of the attractive colors of astilbe.The plant can be removed from the ground or container.
Step 7: The astilbe should be divided.
Clean gardening shears can be used to cut a large section of roots.There is a section with a crown or heart.Even a crown that is slightly immature should still survive.
Step 8: The roots should be soaked.
The crown can be placed in a bucket of water for several hours.The roots are encouraged to thrive on their own.
Step 9: The hole should be twice as big as the roots.
The hole should be wide enough to prevent damage to the roots.By having a wide hole, you make it easier for the roots to spread because the soil around them is not as dense.The hole should be about 10 to 15 cm deep and be twice as wide as the clump of roots.
Step 10: There is a division in the hole.
The crown should be around 2.5 to 5 cm below ground level, and the roots need to be below that level as well.
Step 11: Put soil in the hole.
You removed the soil from the plot.The soil should be the same consistency as the surrounding soil.Make sure that the roots are completely covered and pack the soil down to eliminate any gaps in the air.
Step 12: The divisions should be 1 to 3 feet apart.
If multiple Astilbe divisions are planted at the same time, the holes should be close enough to allow the roots room to spread.
Step 13: Don't let the divisions get wet.
Immediately after planting the root clumps in the ground, you should thoroughly clean the soil with a garden hose or watering can.If the roots are allowed to dry out during this time, the growing process may be disrupted, as new plants absorb a great deal of water before they sprout and produce flowers.
Step 14: The Astilbe should be watered regularly.
Additional watering may not be required in rainy climates.It's almost certain that additional watering is needed for climates that don't get a lot of rain.The soil should be checked on a regular basis.You should give the soil a thorough drenching once the surface feels dry.Even after the plant is established, don't let the roots stay too dry.Give a heavy watering every few days.
Step 15: It is recommended that you applyfertilizer at least twice per season.
Feed the plant with a slow-releasefertilizer at the start of spring, and give them an additional dose six to eight weeks later.You can either use an all-purposefertilizer with equal parts nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, or you can use a higher level of nitrogen and phosphorus.Nitrogen and Phosphorus help with root and flower development.When the soil is wet, you should only applyfertilizer.The soil should be water upon application.When the temperatures have cooled, it's a good idea to applyfertilizer in the early morning or evening.Fertiliser can be burned if you don't follow these measures.
Step 16: There is a layer of mulch around the plants.
Bark chips and other types of mulch retain water well.A type of weed control is to scatter a layer of mulch around the plant base.Adding decomposing mulch to the soil can give it more strength.
Step 17: As they rise above the soil, bury the crowns.
Large clumps of root form as the plants spread.The clumps tend to rise above the soil.To keep the roots from drying out, you should cover the crowns.
Step 18: Don't apply pesticide if you need it.
The tarnished plant bug is one of the most common insects to attack the Astilbe plant.The plant is not prone to pests.If there are any of these problems, you can apply an appropriate pesticide.It is not recommended to use preventative pesticides.
Step 19: Every few years, divide clumps.
You should divide the Astilbe plant's roots every spring to keep them out of each other.You can either replant the divisions or discard them.If you divide your plants, you can use them to create a bed of color or a shaded garden pathway.