Astilbes: flowering time, winter hardiness & Co

Few plants thrive as well in semi-shady locations as astilbes. The filigree flowers of these extraordinary perennials can be admired from July to August.

The magnificent flowering ornamental plant lives up to its name. Magnificent spars inspire with their eye-catching inflorescences in a variety of colors. Its lush flowers can be used wonderfully in the garden, because hardly any perennial develops such a bloom in partially shaded locations in midsummer.

Astilbes: characteristics and origin

Originating from East Asia, the magnificent pier (astilbe) is a perennial perennial and likes to grow in sparse forests in moist locations. Due to its blooms, even in partially shaded locations, it is suitable for embellishing shady corners in the garden. It harmonises best with larger and smaller shade perennials and forms dense stocks with rhizomes. About 30 to 35 species belong to the genus der

astilbes, of which around 8 species are used in gardens. astilbes Depending on the type and variety, they reach a growth height of between 20 and 120 cm. A moist location is important for spars - the sunnier it is, the more moisture the soil must provide. Glowing spars have feathery, bushy inflorescences consisting of 500 to 2,000 individual flowers. The color spectrum of the varieties ranges from white, pink, red to yellow and violet. The long panicles are either stiffly upright or overhang, as in the Thunbergii hybrids.

How big do splendor spars get?
Depending on the type and variety, a astilbe reach a height between 20 and 120 cm.

When do astilbes bloom?

Depending on the species, the flowering period extends from May to September. Through a skillful choice of astilbes- Varieties and species you can enjoy the flowering splendor of the perennials all summer long.

Astilbe Art	heyday
Thunbergii Hybrid	July August
Arendsii hybrid	June – September
Astilbe chinensis	July September
Astilbe japonica	June July
Astilbe glaberrima	July August

Are astilbes bee friendly?

One might think that the profuse blooms of the mulberry would attract plenty of insects that feast on the richness of the nectar. But that doesn't seem to be the case - just the Astilbe chinensis is visited by bees and frequently pollinated by beetles.

Are astilbes hardy?

Due to its thick rhizomes, the astilbe a long-lived plant. Basically, the splendor is hardy and can withstand cold and frost outdoors down to about -28 °C. In locations with very severe winters and waterlogged soil, it is advisable to astilbes covered with brushwood before the start of winter so that they are protected from severe frost and moisture. However, potted plants should definitely be winterized. It is best to wrap the planter thoroughly with an old blanket, bubble wrap, or other insulating material to protect the roots. Alternatively, the plant can overwinter in a cool greenhouse or unheated conservatory.

propagation

To the astilbe to multiply successfully, there are several methods, depending on the variant of the astilbe are more or less suitable. Most species are propagated by division, others, such as the dwarf astilbes (Astilbe glaberrima), preferably via root cuttings. Division takes place in spring so that the plants can form strong roots throughout the summer. When sharing, proceed as follows:

• Dig up the plant in early spring
• Gently pull the root ball apart with your hands
• Plant individual pieces about 40 - 60 cm apart in fresh substrate
• Create drainage from expanded clay to avoid waterlogging
• astilbe plant

Are sparrows poisonous?

The spear is not poisonous, neither for humans nor for pets such as dogs and cats. Parts of individual varieties can even be eaten. The young leaves of the Astilbe thunbergii-Hybrids are used for making tea.

The extraordinary splendor can emphasize partially shaded locations in the garden and embellish them. astilbes see especially in combination with ornamental grasses good.