With the splendor, even the beginner gets envious looks over the garden fence. The perennial makes few demands so that the Astilbe transforms sunny, semi-shady to shady locations into a summer sea of flowers. The following answers to frequently asked questions convey what these are and other useful information.
care tips
Find the splendor pier a semi-shady location with fresh, moist, nutritious and slightly acidic soil, half of the way to vital growth is already done. This is how the care program runs in a regular way:
- Keep the soil constantly moist with lime-free water
- Organic every 3-4 weeks from April to August fertilize or in April and June long-term fertilizer apply
- Cut back close to the ground either in autumn or early spring
Thrives astilbe in the bed, winter protection in the form of a layer of leaves, straw or brushwood is only recommended in the year of planting. Buckets, on the other hand, are wrapped in bubble wrap and placed on wood every year.
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Which location is suitable?
A look at its natural distribution area shows us that the spiers feel 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 not waterlogged. 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 magnificent pier always proves its reputation as a prime example of a shade perennial when this type of soil is available:
- Nutritious and humic
- Fresh to moist, without risk of waterlogging
- Well drained, preferably loamy, without a high proportion of sand
- Neutral to slightly acidic pH 5.5 to 6.0
As a substrate in the pot, we recommend a high-quality one potting soil based on compost, with little or no peat content. The addition of a handful of perlite or lava granules improves permeability and prevents compaction.
When is flowering time?
The selected variety defines the heyday of a splendor pier. Popular species, such as the Astilbe japonica and varieties derived from it, flower from June to July. Crowd favourites, such as the dainty 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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Properly cut astilbe
If you cut the perennial back to the ground after flowering in autumn, this measure saves you the effort of seed formation. At this point, however, it should not go unmentioned how decorative the seed pods of a lavender spiky are in the limelight in the early winter garden. If you don't want to miss out on this feast for the eyes, only cut back in late winter.
Pour astilbe
The top priority for the perfectly regulated water balance is not to let the root ball of a lavender spar dry out at any time. 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, pour it. Apply soft rainwater or decalcified tap water directly to the root disk. An aimed fire with the garden hose you will take offense at the beauty of the flowers.
Fertilize astilbe properly
The nutrient requirement of a pea is in no way inferior to the high water requirement. In order for the perennial to produce the opulent dress of flowers and leaves, it must not run out of energy. Therefore, fertilize the Astilbe organically every 3-4 weeks from May to August with compost, horn shavings or horse manure. Alternatively, you can administer a long-term fertilizer at the end of April/beginning of May, which - depending on the selected preparation - is refreshed again in July.
hibernate
An adult pea is completely hardy, so no special precautions need to be taken for healthy overwintering. Irrespective of this, we recommend a light winter protection in the year of planting, as a young Astilbe first has to develop frost hardiness. Therefore, before the first frost, cover the plant with leaves, straw, pine branches or garden fleece. In the bucket, the root ball is endangered even in later years due to its exposed location. As a precaution, wrap the container in bubble wrap. Put a block of wood underneath so that the cold doesn't make its way into the root ball from below. The substrate is given a layer of autumn leaves or peat moss.
propagate astilbe
For the ambitious hobby gardener, it is a matter of honor to propagate your perennials yourself. In this respect, the magnificent 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 the spade divide the stout rhizome into two or more segments. Plant the root piece at the new location 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 plant correctly?
At the latest when a magnificent spar has become bare from the inside, you can no longer avoid transplanting. To do this, dig up the root ball in spring or autumn. Cut off the bald parts with a sharp, disinfected knife. The remaining segments are planted either at the previous location or at the new location as deep as before.
Is Astilbe Toxic?
The splendor pier is not only a feast for the eyes for young and old, but prepared bumblebees, bees and butterflies a richly covered pollen and nectar table. The Astilbe has therefore earned a regular place in the planting plan for the family garden and the naturally designed green realm. This is all the more true as there are no toxic substances in their plant parts.
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Yellow leaves
If the leaves of a spier turn yellow, it is usually a reaction to water that is too hard. If lime accumulates in the soil, this prevents the absorption of important nutrients. The result is leaf chlorosis, which shows up as yellow leaves. Immediately change the water supply to collected rainwater, decalcified tap water or pond water.
Beautiful varieties
- Bridal veil: Premium quality veil with white flower bushes and a tightly upright habit of up to 100 cm
- Fanal: Impresses with its dramatic appearance thanks to blood-red flower spikes above feathery, glossy green foliage; 60-70cm
- Astary Pink: Gorgeous dwarf variety that unfolds its pink flower festival in tubs and small gardens; 25-30cm
- White Gloria: Charming splendor, ideal for partially shaded to shaded locations; beautiful vase decoration; 60-80cm
- Younique Salmon: The noble beauty scores with salmon-colored flowers above shimmering foliage; 40-50cm
