Astilbe is a popular perennial that blooms from early to mid-summer. Inflorescences in the form of panicles have a variety of colors - from white and light pink to dark red and purple. The wild variety of astilba has only two species, which are found in the Russian Far East, East Asia and North America. The plant is extremely cold hardy. This property was adopted from its wild-growing relative by the cultivated astilbe, whose varieties can endure very cold winters. The name of this beautiful perennial comes from Greek words that mean "lack of brilliance".
Astilba: plant varieties
Perennial inflorescences have different shapes - pyramids, diamonds or panicles. The drooping clusters of flowers look very elegant. In addition, they have different densities. The denser the inflorescences, the more attractive and decorative the astilbe looks. Varieties are most often monophonic, but there are also those in which there are several colors and shades on one bush at the same time ("Montgomery", "White Wings" and others). According toBy the structure of inflorescences, the species of this perennial are divided into several groups - pyramidal, rhombic and paniculate.
The timing of flowering for different varieties is also different. There are early astilbe varieties (bloom until early July), medium (bloom in mid-summer) and late (from late August to late September). All of them are resistant to cold, diseases, pests and soil waterlogging. Illumination is the main thing that astilba is sensitive to. The varieties obtained through breeding have not ceased to love constant rarefied sunlight, as well as their wild relatives. The open sun is also not a hindrance to growth. But a thick shadow can interfere with abundant flowering.
Briefly list the main varieties. Arends hybrids are derived from David's astilba, they have very tall bushes and dark leaves. Hybrid astilbes are most often characterized by a drooping form of inflorescences (a variety called "Straussenfeder"). Japanese - very undersized, but powerful. Good for group compositions and alpine slides. Lemoine hybrids are named after their creator, and there are about twenty varieties.
Astilba cultivation: features
The most important thing for a gardener who decides to cultivate this plant is to exclude the possibility of a long-term drought. Watering twice a day will provide maximum moisture. Fertile soil will contribute to the formation of a dense and beautiful bush. It is advisable to sprinkle the upper part of the rhizome with sawdust - this will prevent drying andoverheating of this area. Astilba is planted in pits up to thirty centimeters wide. It is desirable to add mineral fertilizers, bone meal or ash to the hole. A little humus won't hurt either. Astilbes are highly transplant resistant. Even if this is done during flowering, no harm will be done to the plant. Thanks to this property, you can buy blooming astilba at the horticultural market - this will help to avoid misunderstandings with the definition of the variety.
