Astilba is a perennial plant. It will perfectly decorate any light-shady places on the backyard. How to plant astilba outdoors in the spring?
Astilba is a moisture-loving plant. Therefore, it does not tolerate dry air, and can grow even in humid places. It has a height of up to 90 cm, depending on the variety. Numerous flowers of the plant are collected in large openwork panicles.
Astilba tolerates winter well, but in the northern regions she still needs shelter for this period. She is rarely affected by diseases and pests.
Planting of astilba begins after the surface of the earth thaws in the spring. She prefers highly fertile, moist soils. For planting astilba, they dig holes 20 * 30 cm in size and the same depth. They are filled with 2 handfuls of ash, 30 g of mineral fertilizers and humus. All are thoroughly mixed and spilled abundantly with water. Astilbe is planted at a distance of at least 25 cm from each other. In this case, the plant should be located at the very surface of the soil. On top of it, mulch is poured in a layer of about 5 cm, which should consist of either sawdust or crushed tree bark. This protects the upper part of the rhizome from overheating.
During planting, potash and phosphorus fertilizers are applied. And after germination, the flowers are fed with nitrogen fertilizers.
Astilbe grows in one place for no more than five years. After that, it must be transplanted to a new place.
Flowering of this plant begins at the end of June and can continue until the end of summer. If astilba is planted in places with insufficient natural moisture, then it must be provided with the necessary amount of water for the entire season, with the help of abundant and regular watering.
Compliance with the basic rules for planting astilba in the open field will allow you to grow very beautiful and attractive flowers in the garden.
