Astilbe ∗ The 10 best care and planting tips (Prachtspiere)

Care tips

Find the Splendid spar a partially shaded location with fresh, moist, nutritious and slightly acidic soil, half of the way to vital growth is already done. This is how the maintenance program runs in a regular manner:

• Keep the soil constantly moist with lime-free water
• Organically every 3-4 weeks from April to August fertilize or in April and June Slow release fertilizer apply
• Cut back close to the ground, either in autumn or early spring

Thrives Astilbe In the bed, winter protection is only recommended in the year of planting in the form of a layer of leaves, straw or brushwood. Buckets, on the other hand, are wrapped with bubble wrap every year and placed on wood.
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Which location is suitable?

A look at its natural range shows us that the splendid spar feels extremely comfortable in the partially shaded protection of mighty deciduous and coniferous trees. The lush perennial tolerates sunny locations, provided that the soil is well moist and yet without waterlogging. Settle the astilbe in tuffs along the edge of the wood, at the edge of a pond or along a stream, where the perennial is spared the blazing midday sun.
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What soil does the plant need?

The splendid spar always proves its reputation as a prime example of a shadowy perennial when this type of soil is available to it:

• Nutrient-rich and humic
• Fresh to moist, without the risk of waterlogging
• Well-drained, often loamy, without a high proportion of sand
• Neutral to slightly acidic pH from 5.5 to 6.0

We recommend a high quality substrate in the pot Potting soil Compost-based, with little or no peat content. The addition of a handful Perlite(€ 39.50 at Amazon *) or Lava granules(€ 14.00 at Amazon *) improves permeability and prevents compaction.

When is the flowering time?

The selected variety defines the flowering time of a splendid spar. Popular species, such as Astilbe japonica and its derived varieties, bloom from June to July. Public favorites such as the delicate Astilbe chinensis present the colorful panicles of flowers from August to September. The particularly valuable group of Arendsii hybrids does the same and sometimes lasts into October in mild weather.
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Cut astilbe correctly

If you cut the perennial back close to the ground in autumn after flowering, this measure saves you the effort of seed formation. At this point, however, it should not be left unmentioned how decoratively the seed heads of a splendid spar are set in scene in the early winter garden. If you don't want to miss this feast for the eyes, the pruning is only done in late winter.

Pour astilbe

The top priority for the perfectly regulated water balance is not to let the root ball of a splendid spar dry out at any time. You should therefore check the moisture content of the soil daily with a thumb test, especially during the summer flowering period. If the substrate feels dry on the surface, it is poured. Put soft rainwater or decalcified tap water directly on the root disc. Targeted fire with the Garden hose on the other hand, will resent you for the beauty of the flowers.

Fertilize astilbe properly

The nutritional requirement of a splendid spar is in no way inferior to the high water requirement. So that the perennial can produce the opulent flowers and leaves, it must not run out of energy. So fertilize the astilbe organically with compost every 3-4 weeks from May to August, Horn shavings(€ 32.93 at Amazon *) or horse manure. Alternatively, give a slow release fertilizer at the end of April / beginning of May, which - depending on the preparation chosen - is refreshed again in July.

Overwinter

An adult splendor spar is completely hardy, so that special precautions for healthy overwintering do not have to be taken. Regardless of this, we recommend light winter protection in the year of planting, as a young astilbe still has to work hard to get frosty. Therefore, cover the plant with leaves, straw, coniferous branches or before the first frost Garden fleece. In the bucket, the root ball is also endangered in later years due to its exposed position. As a precaution, wrap the vessel in bubble wrap. To prevent the cold from making its way into the root ball from below, slide a block of wood underneath. The substrate is given a layer of autumn leaves or peat muck.

Propagate astilbe

For the ambitious hobby gardener, it is a matter of honor to carry out the propagation of his perennials on his own. In this respect, the splendid pier is pleasingly uncomplicated. To grow more specimens, dig up the root ball in autumn or spring and place it on a stable surface. With a freshly sharpened knife or that spade divide the strong rhizome into two or more segments. In the new location, plant the root piece while maintaining the previous planting depth. As long as a section has at least 2 eyes, it quickly turns into a vital young plant.

How do I transplant properly?

At the latest when a splendid spar becomes bald from the inside, you can no longer avoid transplanting. To do this, dig up the root ball in spring or autumn. Use a sharp, disinfected knife to cut off the bald parts. The remaining segments are either planted as deeply as before at the previous location or at the new location.

Is astilbe poisonous?

The splendid spar is not only a feast for the eyes for young and old, it is also prepared Bumblebees, Bees and butterflies a richly set pollen and nectar table. In the planting plan for the family garden and the natural green realm, the astilbe has therefore earned a regular place. This is all the more true as there are no toxic substances in their parts of the plant.
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Yellow leaves

If the leaves of a splendid spar turn yellow, it is usually a reaction to water that is too hard. If lime accumulates in the soil, it prevents the absorption of important nutrients. The result is leaf chlorosis, which manifests itself in yellow leaves. Immediately switch the water supply to collected rainwater, decalcified tap water or pond water.

Nice varieties

• Bridal veil: Splendid spiers in premium quality with white flowering bushes and a tightly upright habit of up to 100 cm
• Fanal: Impresses with a dramatic look thanks to blood-red panicles of flowers over pinnate, shiny green foliage; 60-70 cm
• Astary Pink: Magnificent dwarf variety that unfolds its pink flower festival in the tub and small garden; 25-30 cm
• White Gloria: Charming splendid spiers, ideal for partially shaded to shady locations; beautiful vase jewelry; 60-80 cm
• Younique Salmon: The noble beauty scores with salmon-colored flowers above shimmering leaves; 40-50 cm