Astilba is very much appreciated by professional flower growers and amateurs for its lush and long flowering and unpretentiousness. Spreading bushes look impressive even when not in bloom - juicy green leaves of beautiful shape will decorate any garden. In this article, you will learn all about how to grow astilba on the site.

Morphological characteristics

Astilbe looks very original and rich, and during flowering it transforms the entire area. This is an ornamental plant with double or triple-dissected leaves of dark green color, located on cuttings of a red hue.

Flower growers prefer astilbe not only because of its lush flowering, but also because, unlike many other flowers, it is able to grow in the constant shade of trees, giving a bright and colorful bloom. However, excessive dimming will not benefit even her. Ideally, you should plant flowers in lacy shade.

Astilba is able to endure harsh Russian winters, it is practically not susceptible to diseases, and even most insect pests bypass it. Ideal for the beginner gardener.

Astilba is a perennial plant native to Japan and Asia. In total, more than 200 varieties are known, each of which differs in size, splendor of flowering and color of flowers. Its growth can vary from 15 cm (Lilliput variety) to 150 cm (Arends hybrids). The flowers are collected in panicles from 10 to 50 cm long, after flowering they form fruit-boxes with very small seeds inside. Almost all astilba varieties bloom from June to August.

The ground part of the astilbe dies off during the cold season, and the root waits out the winter and in the spring gives the next offspring. Every spring, buds appear at the top of the roots, giving an annual growth of 3 to 5 cm, and the lower part eventually dies off. To ensure comfortable development of new buds, after the death of the ground part, soil is poured onto the exposed rhizome.

Astilba varieties

As we said above, the breeders fell in love with the lush astilbe, so much so that they bred more than 200 varieties. We will not list the advantages of each of them, but will focus on the most popular and beautiful.

Useful advice: for growing astilba, it is recommended to buy varieties whose height is 50-70 cm. Such large plants tolerate adverse climatic conditions and wintering better.

Astilba Arendsa

This is a whole range of astilbes, represented by 40 hybrid varieties that appeared as a result of crossing David's high astilbe. They are characterized by well-developed bushes up to 150 cm high. They can have a spherical or conical shape with lush foliage. Inflorescences can be completely different shades from white to deep purple.

Hybrid astilba differs not only in size, but also in a longer flowering period - up to 40 days. The most beautiful varieties were brought out by G. Arends, so they decided to name a group of hybrids in his honor. For example, Astilba Gloria is a perennial up to 80 cm tall during the flowering period. It tolerates cold winters without problems and can grow on almost any soil, with the exception of infertile sandy ones. Differs in fluffy pink inflorescences in the form of a rhombus, openwork foliage and a delicate sweetish aroma. Gloria loves water, so it is recommended to plant her on the banks of a stream or an artificial reservoir.

Boogie Woogie is another hybrid variety that grows 65-70 cm. In July, it pleases the eye with bright pink diamond-shaped inflorescences that give the plant a magnificent shape.

Jump and Jive - astilbe up to 50 cm high, blooming in late June and early July. Produces highly branched dark pink inflorescences that contrast effectively with the succulent foliage.

Lilliput is a low hybrid up to 25 cm tall. Dense pinkish-salmon inflorescences bloom in mid-July-early August. Lilliput is perfect for decorating an alpine hill or a small flower garden under the window.

Chinese astilba

Chinese astilba can grow up to 110 cm, has large leaves at the roots and smaller ones closer to the inflorescences. It blooms in very densely clustered inflorescences up to 35 cm long with small purple flowers (rarely white or pinkish).

There are also undersized forms of Chinese astilba up to 25 cm tall and varieties with pyramidal inflorescences. This type of plant feels comfortable in unshaded sunny areas and in partial shade. The most beautiful varieties are Purpurlanze, Vision in Pink, Vision in Red.

Japanese astilba

Japanese astilba is not as tall as the previous species (up to 80 cm) and is distinguished by small, densely growing leaves with a pronounced ornament. White and pink inflorescences bloom much earlier than other varieties, and even after drying, they almost do not lose their shape and continue to decorate the flower garden until mid-autumn.

The Japanese astilba is one of the hybrids bred by Arends in 1837. Since then, several more varieties have been cultivated that are frost-resistant and take root well in any conditions. The most famous varieties: Deutschland, Rheinland, Europe and Montgomery with scarlet and burgundy inflorescences.

simple astilba

The simple-leaved hybrid does not tolerate arid climates quite well and needs regular and plentiful watering. The bush grows by 20-50 cm and gives air thinned inflorescences. The most beautiful varieties are Praecox Alba (white lush "candles", Bronze Elegans (gentle bronze inflorescences) and Straussenfeder (tall plant up to 90 cm with coral flowers).

Reproduction of astilba

Breeding astilba at home is quite easy. It reproduces vegetatively and by seed. With vegetative, it is permissible to divide the bush and reproduce by kidneys. And if the vegetative method is suitable for beginner gardeners, then the seed method makes it possible to obtain new varieties of astilba.

Reproduction by seeds

Astilba seeds are in boxes that replace lush flowers. They need to be sown at the beginning or in the middle of March, having previously subjected to stratification. To do this, the seeds are placed in a container 15 cm deep with a sand-peat mixture in a ratio of 1: 1, a centimeter layer of snow is placed on top (even "snow" from the freezer is suitable if the winter is dry).

The snow will gradually melt, moistening the soil, saturating it with useful trace elements and immersing small seeds in it. When it finally melts, the pot should be covered with a transparent plastic wrap and placed on the bottom shelf of the refrigerator in the vegetable compartment for 20 days. During this time, the first shoots will appear, which will be hardened and will survive the subsequent wintering well.

After 20 days, astilba sprouts are rearranged in a bright place with a constant temperature of about + 20C. Seedlings should be watered very carefully, using a syringe without a needle and directing the jet to the very root.

When the seedlings get a little stronger and get 2-3 real leaves, plant them in small pots.

Important: varietal astilbes cannot be propagated by seed, since hybrids are not able to maintain their distinctive features. Plants grown in this way are used only in breeding. However, if you come across high-quality varietal seeds, there is a chance for successful cultivation using the technology described above.

Reproduction by dividing the bush

Most often, astilba is propagated by dividing the bush. This is a very simple and effective way.

How to split a bush:

Carefully excavate the earth around the plant with a radius of 15-20 cm and take out a clod of earth along with the root.

Shake off excess soil to expose roots.

With a sharp knife, cut the root into several parts, while each piece should have at least 4 buds.

Remove the dried rhizome.

Plant the plants 30 cm apart and provide moderate daily watering.

If you divide the bush in early March, then by the fall the astilba will already delight you with lush flowering.

Reproduction by the kidneys

Renal reproduction is considered the fastest way. The operation should be performed in the spring, when the shoots are just starting to grow. Carefully cut off the buds from the beginning of the rhizome and sprinkle the cut on the handle with wood ash or charcoal so that the infection does not get inside.

Plant the cuttings in a 3:1 peat-gravel mixture and cover with clear plastic wrap to create a greenhouse effect. Before planting astilba in open ground, it must get stronger and begin to develop. You can plant plants in the garden in the fall or next spring.

Astilbe planting

Planting astilbe in open ground and caring for it do not require special time and skills. The main thing is to choose the optimal location and immediately provide the proper conditions. Plants should be planted in late May-early June in the northern part of the garden in the sparse shade of bushes or trees. Please note that some varieties like open sunny places or can adapt to new conditions.

If your site has a natural or artificial reservoir, plant astilba next to it. The soil is better to choose loamy light and fertile. The acidity should be from 5.5 to 6.5 pH (if necessary, add dolomite flour or wood ash to the ground to reduce acidity). If hostas grow next to the astilba, their large leaves will not allow it to overheat in the hot summer.

When choosing a place to plant flowers, you should consider the flowering time of different varieties. So, astilbe, blooming in July, prefers shaded areas, and early and late varieties feel equally comfortable both in the shade and in the open sun.

In principle, any soil is suitable for astilba, but if you want to get a luxurious and long flowering, you should choose a place where groundwater lies close to the surface. You should also take care of the saturation of the soil with potassium and phosphorus. When making beds for reproduction, apply complex fertilizers at 30 g / sq. m and 2 handfuls of bone meal. When planting astilba in a flower garden, dig holes 30 cm deep and add the above fertilizers mixed with humus. With kidney propagation, soil mulching should be carried out by 3 cm.

How is astilbe planted:

Dig up the area and remove all weeds, including rhizomes.

Fertilize the soil with compost, rotted peat or manure, adding 2 buckets per 1 sq. m.

If necessary, carry out liming with dolomite flour (if the soil is acidic, it is better to do this in the fall).

Dig holes 30 cm deep and 30 cm apart.

Apply fertilizer and fill them with water.

Plant the sprouts and cover them in such a way that the thickness of the soil layer above the buds is at least 4 cm.

Compact the ground and mulch with peat or humus.

astilbe care

Caring for astilba is as easy as propagating and planting. Its main feature is that the rhizome grows upward, and does not rush deep into, as in other plants. On the contrary, the lower processes die off over time. And if you do not provide the new roots with good nutrition, the flower will die. Therefore, it is necessary to sprinkle bare rhizomes with soil annually and not allow them to dry out.

The main requirement for care is regular watering. Periodic mulching of the soil will not only protect the rhizomes from overheating in the sun, but also allow you to control the appearance of weeds and foreign plants.

Keep in mind that the frequency and abundance of watering depend on the variety of astilba, so carefully study the features of the selected type. During the formation of inflorescences, all varieties need enhanced watering, and if the summer turned out to be very hot, then it is better to water the flowers 2 times a day - in the early morning before sunrise and in the evening after sunset.

To smooth out contrasts, dilute bright colors, add tenderness and transparency, blur the boundaries of flower beds, astilbes must certainly be present in the garden. These unpretentious plants with small flowers of various colors, collected in loose panicles, are simply universal. Astilbes are decorative, hardy, frost-resistant, that is, they are absolutely reliable perennials in the garden.

Astilbe variety

Astilbes are herbaceous perennials, they form a compact, up to 80 cm in diameter, rosette of carved, openwork leaves on long thin petioles and pyramidal or drooping inflorescences of small flowers collected in a loose panicle.

The variety of petal colors is striking - white, salmon, cream, yellowish-white, light and dark pink, lilac, purple, crimson red. Plants also differ in height: ground cover dwarf astilbes reach only 15-20 cm, and tall specimens - up to 150 and even 200 cm. But most often astilbes are from 50 to 100 cm high. The shape and size of inflorescences also vary greatly. In dwarf forms they are usually 10-15 cm long. In tall forms - up to 30-40 cm, but usually - 20-25 cm. The shape of the inflorescences can be narrow-pyramidal (dwarf and some tall species and varieties), loose-pyramidal (Arends astilba), drooping (A. Thunberg).

There are a large number of old and modern varieties of astilbe (over 300), and new varieties appear every year. All of them belong to several main groups: Arends astilba, a. Chinese, a. Japanese, a. whole leaf, a. simple, a. Thunberg. There are also interspecific hybrids.

The most common and popular group of varieties - Astilbe Arends . This group includes varieties 60-120 cm high, with rhombic racemes of small fluffy flowers arranged vertically. There are many colors of petals, Astilbe Arends blooms in July. Some popular varieties: "Burgundy Red", "Ruby", "Spartan", "Fenel" - red; "Pomegranate", "Cattleya", "Peach Blossom", "Flamingo" - pink; "Amethyst", "Hyacinth", "Gloria Purpurea", "Siegfried" - lilac-violet; "Diamond", "Weiss Pearl", "Weiss Gloria" - white and cream.

Astilba Arendsa, raspberry form


Astilba Arendsa, white-flowered form


Astilba Arendsa, pink-flowered form

Varieties of astilbe from the group astilba simplefolia differ in wide openwork inflorescences and dark green leaves. They bloom late, in August, prolonging the flowering time of astilbe. The most famous varieties are: "Aphrodite" - red, "Alba" - white, "Pink Lightning" - pink.

A characteristic difference between astilbe from the group astilba Thunberg are beautifully drooping loose inflorescences. These astilbes have recently appeared on sale in our garden centers: "Straussenfeder" - pink, "Professor van der Wielen", "Moerheimp" - white and cream.

Often found in gardens astilba japonica , reaching a height of 45-85 cm, having rhombic vertical inflorescences. There are many varieties with different flower colors: "Bremen", "Bonn" - crimson; "Red Setinel", "Montgomery" - red; "Elizabeth Van Winn" - lilac-violet; "Europe", "Lollipop" - pink.

Numerous varieties astilba chinensis differ in late flowering and have inflorescences of various shapes and colors from 40-50 to 150 cm in height: "Vision in Red" - red, "Purpurkerze" - purple, "Vision in Pink" - pink, "Vision in White" - white , "Vision" - purple.

Very attractive dwarf hybrids 15-25 cm high with shiny dark green leaves, sometimes corrugated, and various colors of upright inflorescences: "Lilliput" - salmon-pink, "Perkeo", "Peter Pan" - dark pink.

Proper care is the key to decoration

Astilbes are unpretentious and easy to care for perennials. These highly ornamental and attractive plants thrive in both full sun and partial shade. They tolerate waterlogging and the proximity of groundwater well. When planted in dry areas, additional watering is required for more lush flowering.

These plants do not require a garter and are not afraid of the wind, as both the leaves and the inflorescences are resistant to wind load. Astilbes are rarely attacked by pests.

Astilbes are quite hardy and do not require shelter for the winter. But if the plants grow for a long time in one place, then the old bushes rise strongly from the ground and can freeze in winter. To prevent this, you need to divide the bushes in a timely manner, preferably once every 4-5 years, and also pour fresh soil on them every spring.

For greater decorativeness and abundant flowering, regular top dressing is necessary: ​​in the spring with a complete complex fertilizer (for example, Kemira-universal for flowers), and in the summer (in July-August) - with phosphorus-potassium fertilizers (potassium monophosphate).

Astilbe is transplanted in spring or at the end of summer after flowering, it transfers easily, it needs abundant watering for some time. Astilbes reproduce well in spring with buds with a "heel" (shoot with a piece of rhizome), they are rooted in a mixture of peat and sand (1: 3) at constant humidity in a micro-greenhouse.

Plant care is simple - weed control, careful loosening, regular watering and fertilizing, pruning faded flower stalks to preserve decorativeness, pruning leaves in the fall.

These versatile astilbes

Surprisingly, despite the variety of varieties and versatility, astilbes remained “in the shadows” for a long time, giving way to fashionable hosts and geyhers. They are relatively rarely used in flower arrangements.

Astilbes begin the growing season relatively late (at the end of May), so they are often combined in mixborders with bulbous plantings - carved astilbe leaves in the summer will cover the bulbous ones that finish their growing season.

Astilbe in a mixborder in urban gardening

These plants will perfectly complement the shady flower garden, combined with broad-leaved hostas, with linear and curved daylily leaves, serrated leaves of buzulnik, variegated leaves of lungwort and brunner.

Astilbes in the shady flower garden

Astilbes are also good in borders along paths, especially in shady places. They are decorative not only during flowering, but also after it due to decorative carved leaves, which acquire a beautiful bronze color in autumn.

Perennial astilbes, in the summer pleasing the eye as if hovering over the lush foliage of a multi-colored haze, have been full-fledged inhabitants of greenhouses, gardens and parks for about two hundred years. Over the long period during which astilbe has been studied and cultivated, varieties, photos and descriptions of species have become interesting and accessible not only to botanists, but also to simple lovers of ornamental plants. Today, a native of the Eastern Hemisphere is highly valued and loved in Europe, in the USA and, of course, in Russia.

Plants with lush rosettes of openwork leaves and light paniculate inflorescences have become widespread due to the relative ease of care, cold resistance and easy shade tolerance, as well as the abundance of varieties and hybrids.

In total, there are several dozen species of astilba in the world, but the greatest "contribution" to the breeding of cultivars was made by several Far Eastern and North American varieties.

Depending on the species and variety, the astilba plant can reach a height of 15 centimeters to 2 meters. In addition, modern varieties are strikingly different:

  • the shape of basal leaves sitting on long petioles;
  • the size and appearance of the inflorescences;
  • the structure and color of small graceful flowers.

Paniculate inflorescences on the tops of the stems appear in July, and flowering ends closer to autumn, while each peduncle retains its decorative effect for a record 20-35 days. The shape of the inflorescences varies and can be paniculate, pyramidal, drooping or diamond-shaped.

Types of astilba and the founders of its cultivars

Such diversity is a merit not only of nature, which has opened many different types of astilba, but also of breeders. To obtain lush flowering plants that adorn gardens, the following species were mainly used:

  • Japanese;
  • Chinese;
  • David;
  • Thunberg;
  • whole-leaved.

The first cultivars of astilbe, familiar from photos and descriptions to today's flower growers, were obtained back in the 19th century. The first admirer and enthusiast of culture was the French botanist E. Lemoine. An example of his selection work is the Mont Blanc variety of white astilba.

Astilbe Mont Blanc is a medium flowering variety with white pyramidal inflorescences 15 to 20 centimeters long. The height of the bush reaches 60 centimeters. At the same time, flower caps rise about 20 cm above the graceful brownish-green foliage. Flowering begins at the end of July, and ends in the second half of August.

Despite a significant contribution to the development of culture, the Frenchman is not considered the person to whom the astilbe owes his "brilliant career." Georg Arends is recognized as the founding father of culture. This German scientist and naturalist created many varieties, literally opening the beauty of astilba to the whole world. As a sign of respect for the merits of Arends, his varieties were combined into an extensive group, named after the creator and today has become a kind of standard.

Astilba David (A. Davidii)

It was this type of astilba native to northwest China and partly from Mongolia that Arends used in his breeding work. Wild and cultivated plants are quite tall. Peduncles reach a height of 150 cm, and light green, with brownish petioles and central veins, the leaves are half as low. Pinnate leaf plates are very attractive, but when large pyramidal inflorescences appear above them in early August, no grower can resist the charm of the plant! The height of the fluffy panicle is from 30 to 40 cm; in nature, lilac-generic color prevails in flowers.

This type of astilbe has been grown in gardens around the world for more than a century, but it was best known for the famous Arends hybrids.

Astilba Arends (A. Arendsii Hybrida)

A prominent member of the community is Arends' Rock and Roll astilbe with pure white flowers, green leaves sitting on reddish-brown petioles, long flowering and a compact bush. As can be seen from the photo and description of the variety, astilba has retained its species features.

The same is inherent in all varieties from the group of interspecific hybrids of Arends. These plants are characterized by common features:

  • height within 100 cm;
  • the width of an adult bush of a spherical or sprawling shape reaches 70 cm;
  • complex, jagged along the edge and repeatedly dissected leaves have a smooth, sometimes shiny surface and a dark green color;
  • small, like all types of astilba, flowers can be painted in all shades of white, lilac, pink or purple and collected in compact large inflorescences;
  • flowering occurs in July and August, lasting from 4 to 6 weeks.

Arends astilbes combine several dozen spectacular and well-known varieties to gardeners.

Astilbe Amethyst is a real gem in the collection. The Amethyst variety is intended for group and single plantings in partial shade. Plants about 80 cm high look good in the background and can act as a star in the flower bed among the foliage of hostas, ferns and other greenery. The variety is distinguished by smooth light green foliage with a yellowish tint and dense paniculate inflorescences, reaching a length of 30 cm.

Fluffy light lilac flowers, leaving a bright brush, like a true amethyst, create a mass of pinkish, bluish and lilac reflections. Astilba flowering begins in July and lasts up to a month.

Astilba flowers Nemo or Nemo have a richer color than the previous variety, and they open a week or two later. Intense pink with a lilac tint, bright brushes seem to illuminate the shady corners of the garden, where this plant will feel most comfortable. The height of the bush reaches 75 cm, and the decorative leaves of the variety are painted in a rich green tone.

White astilba Diamant is taller than his sisters. Her bush at the height of the growing season reaches a height of 90 cm. Fluffy flowers that make up a wide panicle appear in the first decade of July and fade only by the end of the month. Thanks to 30 cm luxurious inflorescences, the Diamant astilba variety is equally good both in the flower bed and in the cut. Light leaves with brown serrated ends perfectly set off the milky whiteness of the flowers.

A relatively new hybrid variety among Arends' astilbes is the Radius variety with rich red flowers that make up loose paniculate inflorescences 30 centimeters long. An unusual feature of the plant is the bright red foliage that appears in the spring from under the snow. Then the leaves take on a more familiar dark green hue, and then, in the second half of July, thousands of purple Astilbe Radius flowers open above them.

Astilba varieties with white flowers look consistently fresh. With their flowering, they "illuminate" the most hidden, shady corners. Astilbe White Gloria is no exception, 80 centimeters high with dense diamond-shaped inflorescences up to 20 centimeters high. The White Gloria variety is characterized by July flowering lasting from 3 to 5 weeks.

Pure pink or with a slight salmon tint, Astilbe Anita Pfeiffer flowers open closer to August. The late flowering variety, like its closest relatives, does not exceed a meter in height. Astilba Anita Pfeifer forms a lush herbaceous shrub from repeatedly dissected green foliage on brownish petioles. When the time comes for flowering, brown or reddish flower stalks appear above the greenery, crowned with noticeable paniculate inflorescences.

The magnificent astilba variety Setra Teresa or Sister Theresa during flowering creates an amazing effect of pink delicate foam against a background of rich greenery. The peculiarity of the variety is very lush, light inflorescences of a light pink hue.

Although the first varieties of astilba were obtained almost 200 years ago, botanists still cannot agree on their classification. More than 50 varieties today are classified as hybrids and can be classified as different species or varietal communities.

For growing in partial shade, the Astilba America variety is excellent with light lilac dense panicles of inflorescences. The height of the America astilba cut does not exceed 70 cm, but even with such a compact size for culture, this variety cannot be overlooked.

A feature of the Betsy Cooperus variety is openwork, very delicate inflorescences of a drooping shape. Light pink or almost white flowers of Betsy Cuperus remain decorative for up to 25–30 days.

Among the varieties beloved by flower growers is Astilba Gloria Purpurea with rich pink or lilac flowers. A plant up to 70 cm high is distinguished by lush diamond-shaped inflorescences-panicles and unusual foliage with a brown or reddish tint. Although Astilba Gloria Purpurea blooms a couple of weeks less than other varieties, it is difficult to find equals in terms of density and brightness of inflorescences.

Lovers of snowy white flowers will appreciate the Koning Albert variety with loose, large buds and dark green foliage.

Astilbe Thunberg (A. thunbergii)

Although Thunberg's astilba is found in nature only in a small area from the Russian Kuril Islands to Japan, the plant has long been appreciated by botanists and lovers of ornamental crops. Wild-growing specimens of this species do not exceed 80 cm in height, most of which falls on stems with apical inflorescences that appear in mid-summer. Sparse large panicles 25 cm long have a drooping shape, and white flowers emit a delicate light aroma.

For the first time, plants of this species were planted in the garden in the last quarter of the 19th century. Since then, Thunberg's astilba has been one of the favorites for many culture fans. The most naturally and spectacularly leaning inflorescences look in partial shade and near water, where astilbes like to settle in nature.

Thunberg hybrids (A. Thunbergii Hybrida)

Thanks to this type of astilba, numerous hybrids and varieties have been born that have been popular with amateur flower growers for many years.

The astilbe Professor Van der Wielen has a lot of attention, with milky white flowers on slender reddish-brown stems. The height of this variety reaches 90–150 cm. The length of racemose inflorescences up to 45 cm long matches the size of the bush. Flowering time begins in July.

The bright flowering of astilba Straussenfeder attracts the eye not only with the graceful shape and size of the inflorescences, but first of all, with their unusual coral color. Plants of the Straussenfeder variety grow up to 80-100 cm, bloom in late July and will greatly decorate shady garden areas and corners under the scattered sun.

Another variety of astilba Thunberg Red Charm strikes with a rich raspberry-purple hue of flowers and brownish color of young foliage. A place for such a bright variety can be found in the center of a spacious flower garden or under the crowns of trees, where the Red Charm astilbe will not be annoyed by direct sunlight.

Astilbe Korean (A. Koreana)

Not surprisingly, native astilba species in Korea, China, and Japan were given names corresponding to their homeland. In the northeast of China and on the Korean Peninsula, a medium-sized perennial Korean astilba up to 50–60 cm high lives. Among the other plants, the presence of brown pile on the stems and back sides of the leaves stands out. Inflorescences in the form of dense drooping panicles consist of white-cream or pinkish flowers.

Astilbe Chinese (A. chinensis)

Chinese astilbe is significantly higher than the loin variety. Its stems reach a height of 1 meter, a little lower are complexly dissected jagged leaves on long petioles. The pile in this type of plant is present only on the veins and along the edge of the leaves. The main color of small flowers is pinkish, white or lilac. The flowers are collected and fluffy dense inflorescences up to 35 cm long. Chinese astilbe belongs to late species, you can admire its flowering from the second half of August.

Astilbe Japanese (A. Japonica)

Japanese astilba is a kind of star among connoisseurs of this culture. On its basis, many original varieties and interspecific hybrids have been bred.

Wide, spreading bushes of a plant in height reach 60–80 centimeters. Fragrant flowers, like patterned smooth leaves, are held on reddish stems. In nature, white or pink flowers predominate, but thanks to the work of breeders, modern varieties of Japanese astilba give 30-centimeter inflorescences of lilac, purple and crimson hues.

Japanese hybrids (A. Japonica Hybrida)

Most of the orts and hybrids obtained on the basis of this species are characterized by compactness, flowering splendor, the presence of shiny leaves and the early appearance of flowers. The creator of the first plants of this group was G. Arends, so some varieties are sometimes considered to be Arends' astilbam.

Quite small, only 45 cm high, Astilba Bremen is suitable for planting in the garden or growing in a pot culture. A compact bush of the Bremen variety with original dark foliage and pink inflorescences up to 15 cm long will not leave indifferent any grower.

Slightly larger than the previous Astilba Gladstone variety with rich white flowers, collected in pyramidal inflorescences characteristic only of Gladstone.

One of the brightest in the family of Japanese varieties is Montgomery, a little over 60 centimeters. Luxurious plants with unusual reddish foliage in the second half of July are illuminated by dark red flashes of dense inflorescences. The flowering of the Japanese astilba Montgomery lasts two weeks, but even during this time it manages to leave an indelible impression.

Brighter than the Japanese astilba Montgomery, only her “sister” in the group is the astilbe variety Red Sentinel, about a meter high and with crimson-red inflorescences on graceful stems that are almost the same color. The leaves of this variety also have a noticeable crimson. The inflorescences of Red Sentinel are dense, narrow, and their appearance falls on the second decade of July.

The astilba variety Peach Blossom, named after the flowering of peach trees, fully justifies its name. The brownish-green stems of the plant already in early July are covered with a pink, delicate foam, with a shade and freshness reminiscent of spring peach petals. At the same time, the bush of the Peach Blossom variety is quite small. Its height does not exceed 60 cm, and the length of the inflorescence is 15 centimeters.

Varieties of astilba in landscape design - video

Astilbe, Astilbe. Perennial rhizomatous herbaceous plants with aerial part dying off for the winter.

The stems are erect, the height depending on the species is from 8 to 200 cm. Numerous basal leaves on long petioles, twice or thrice pinnate, less often simple, dark green or reddish green, serrated. Small flowers, white, pink, lilac, red or purple, are collected in apical panicle inflorescences. Inflorescences can be pyramidal, rhombic, paniculate, but drooping ones are especially graceful. They bloom in June-August, depending on the variety.

Etymology

The name comes from the Greek words a — "very" and stilbe — "shine" and is given to the plant because of its shiny leaves.

Types and varieties of astilba

The genus includes more than 30 plant species distributed in the Far East and North America. The natural habitats of representatives of the genus are broad-leaved forests, banks of streams, where moisture is stored in summer. There are about 10 species in cultivation and many hybrid varieties.

Astilbe Arends (Astilbe Arendsii)

The most popular group of garden hybrids. Perennial plants up to 100 cm tall, with a powerful, woody branched rhizome and cord-like roots. The bush can have a different shape depending on the variety: sprawling, pyramidal or spherical, up to 70 cm in diameter. The leaves are compound, double or triple pinnate, dark green, shiny. The flowers are small in various colors, white, pink, red or lilac, collected in elegant panicles. Blossoms in July-August 30-40 days.

Astilbe classification

In total, about 200 varieties of astilba are known, which are divided into 12 groups, depending on their origin.

Group I - plants 80-100 cm high with a purple-lilac inflorescence;

Group II - astilboides hybrids (Astilboides Hybrida), the group is made up of old varieties;

Group III - hybrids of Chinese astilba (Astilbe chinensis), all representatives are undersized;

Group IV - hybrids of curly astilbe (Astilbe crispa), these are miniature plants with strongly dissected leaves;

Group V - Astilbe hybrids (Astilbe x hybrida), not included in other groups;

Group VI - Japanese hybrids (Japonica Hybrida) - low compact plants (30-40, up to 50 cm tall), early flowering;

Group VII - Lemoine hybrids (Lemoine Hybrida), these are old varieties, for example, white ‘Montblan’;

Group VIII - pink hybrids (Rosea Hybrida);

Group IX - simple-leaved hybrids (Astilbe simplicifolia) - with a drooping inflorescence;

Group X - Astilbe Take (Astilbe taquetii);

Group XI - Astilbe Thunberg (Thunbergii Hybrida) - about 100 cm high, inflorescence loose, branched;

XII group - naked astilbe hybrids (Astilbe glaberrima Hybrida) - heat-loving astilbes.


Varieties of astilba Arends:

"Amethyst’ — I group, plant up to 80 cm tall, light lilac inflorescences;

"White Gloria"- Group I, plant up to 80 cm tall, white inflorescences;

"Hyacinth"- Group I, plant 80-90 cm tall, light lilac inflorescences;

"Rubin"- Group I, plant up to 80 cm tall, lilac inflorescences;

"Erica"- Group I, plant 85-90 cm high, light pink inflorescence;

"Final’ — III group, plants up to 60 cm high, crimson-red inflorescences;

"serenade"- III group, plant up to 40 cm high, pink inflorescences;

‘vision in red"- III group, plants 30 cm high, dense purple inflorescences;

‘perkeo' - IV group, plants 20 cm high, dark pink inflorescences;

‘america' - V group, plants up to 70 cm high, light purple inflorescences;

‘Deutschland' - VI group, plants 50 cm tall, white inflorescences;

"Geitoe de Neige"- VII group, plant up to 95 cm tall, creamy white inflorescences;

‘Peach Blossom' and ' Queen Alexandra' - 2 varieties, representatives of the VIII group;

"Dunkellachs' - IX group, plant 40 cm high, dark pink inflorescences;

"superba"- X group, plant 100 cm high, pink inflorescences;

‘Prof. Van der Wielen" — XI group, plant 90 cm high, white inflorescences;

"Hennie Grafland"- XII group, plant 40 cm high, pink inflorescence.

Popular varieties of astilba

Astilbe Chinese (Astilbe chinensis)

Chinese astilbe differs from traditional garden varieties in that it grows to the sides due to rhizomes, occupying the surrounding space. It drives out weeds and can be recommended for low maintenance gardens.

Perennial plant up to 100 cm tall. The leaves are complex, openwork, shiny, on both sides along the veins and the edge are covered with small reddish hairs. The flowers are small, lilac, rarely pink or white, in very showy dense inflorescences 30-35 cm long. Blooms from mid-June to early August.

Astilbe Thunberg (Astilbe thunbergii)

Perennial short rhizome plant. The bushes are dense, very decorative, up to 80 cm tall. The leaves are ornamental, dark green, covered with brown hairs. White flowers are collected in wide pyramidal inflorescences up to 25 cm long, with slightly drooping side branches. Blooms in July-August.

Astilbe Thunberg is perhaps the most elegant of the species. Its delicate white inflorescences are perfectly combined with white-bordered hostas, lungwort, ferns, tiarella, fragrant woodruff.

astilbe care

Some hybrid varieties are suitable for growing in open areas, although partial shade is the best location for astilbe, as the flowering period is shortened in full light. Astilbes tolerate stagnant moisture in the spring, but do not grow well on dry, poor soils. Fertile, well-drained soils are chosen for planting, and watered regularly during the hot season. It is useful to mulch the soil around the plants with dry compost or peat, wood chips. This keeps the roots from overheating. Astilbes are practically not damaged by diseases and pests. It is recommended to transplant and divide astilbe every 4-5 years in the spring, before the start of the growing season.

Reproduction of astilba

Plants are propagated by dividing the bush. On each bush, one kidney and part of the rhizome "with a heel" are left. Immediately after dividing, the astilba bushes are planted or prikapyvabt, so that the roots do not dry out. It is necessary to plant at such a depth that there is a layer of soil 3-5 cm thick above the renewal bud. After planting, the soil around the plants is covered with a layer of peat or humus 2-3 cm thick. This retains moisture in the soil and limits the development of weeds. In the first year after transplantation, for better rooting, plants are not allowed to bloom. Plants transplanted in the spring reach the height and size of the inflorescence characteristic of the variety the very next year.

Astilba is a genus of flowering plants, which includes about 18 varieties. It is native to the mountain gorges and forests of Asia and North America. It is not necessary to dwell on one species when planting - we will tell you about the most different varieties of astilba. You can combine them together in your garden - believe me, the picture will be unforgettable. Astilba varieties are widespread throughout Russia. These are Chinese and Japanese, pink and white varieties, astilbe arens. This page presents their brief description and photos of representatives of the varieties.

Astilba sinensis - bright purple flowers

Astilba sinensis is a herbaceous plant with alternate, pinnately compound leaves on thin purple stems. In summer, the flowers of the plant become a bright purple hue and cover the whole bush - so it looks like a long fluffy flower. It prefers full sun and planting in moist clay soils. Astilbe Chinese first appeared in China, which of course can be understood from the name itself.


In nature, you can find Chinese Astilba in heavily wooded and shaded areas, and they also like moisture and water. If you want to keep the beautiful appearance of your flower for a long time, then you should definitely follow all these conditions in your garden. Also, this property makes them an ideal flower for growing near a pond or river. They are quite commonly used as a groundcover, but you can also use it as a edging or boarder in your home garden. The leaves are distinguished by a silvery green hue - they look chic with bright flower petals that bloom in early or late spring.

Astilbe chinensis makes a great addition to any yard or garden. They are very easy to grow, but there are a few rules that must be followed during the planting and growing process.

If you are planting a flower using seeds, then we recommend that you first sow them in a container or box with pre-prepared soil: just do not dig the seedling very deep into the ground. From time to time, water the young seedlings until the first shoots appear, and then place the container with the seeds in a sunny place (the sun is necessary for a young flower a little, but every day). These plants love the shade and from being under direct rays for a long time can wrinkle and even die.

When the seedling grows to 10 centimeters, you can start putting it outside for a few hours. After that, it is already possible to plant a flower in a permanent habitat - but it must be a place in the shade (for example, they can be planted under a tree or a spreading bush). When planting, do not forget to keep the distance between the bushes.


Astilba arendsa - ruby ​​red inflorescences

Astilba arendsa is a group of hybrid herbaceous, perennial plants. She has flowers from white to purple-red. Most varieties were produced by scientists from Germany and Holland.

The first inflorescences of a red-ruby hue against a background of green leaves appear at the end of summer. The leaves are usually egg-shaped and reach a length of 18 centimeters. The parameters of the bush itself are 90 centimeters in height and 60 centimeters in width. A planted bush will not require much effort from you - it is not demanding, so even a novice gardener can handle it.


Astilba gloria is one of the representatives of the species Astilba rents. It is distinguished by soft pink inflorescences that will not leave anyone indifferent. Its height reaches 80 centimeters.


Astilbe japonica - diamond-shaped inflorescences

Astilba is a Japanese hybrid flower form with white petals and green leaves that bloom in early summer. The ovoid leaves reach 50 centimeters in height and have upright branching inflorescences. The flowers are very small, and together they form diamond-shaped inflorescences up to 30 centimeters long.

Like other species, it prefers to be in a shaded place - in the sun, of course, it will bloom more abundantly, but shorter. In addition, excessively long exposure to direct rays can lead to the death of the bush. Astilbe does not tolerate prolonged drought, so you need to take care of constant watering, it is even able to tolerate a slight stagnation of moisture in the root system. If you nevertheless placed the plant in an open place, and your soil is poor, water it twice a day (morning and evening). This will give you the opportunity to save the plant and get beautiful flowers - as a result.


Do not forget about mulch - it will not only save the soil from weeds, but also help to avoid overheating of the soil near the flower, loss of moisture and keep the soil loose. In addition, mulching allows you to prepare the bush for wintering and transfer it favorably.

The root system of Japanese astilba should get phosphorus and potassium - they can be replenished with the help of special fertilizers. The bush is transplanted every 4-5 years.

Astilba white - bush of small height

Astilba white has diamond-shaped inflorescences that bloom in mid-summer (may vary depending on weather conditions). White petals bloom very densely, forming a lush crown on the trunk and light green leaves. The bush itself is of small height - about 60-70 centimeters.


Astilba does not require much care. But be sure to choose a shady spot for it in your yard and keep the humidity levels high. It will become a truly royal decoration of a reservoir or stream, if they are suddenly available on your site. But on their own, they look no less chic. Astilba white will look elegant in a round dance of conifers - it will emphasize their needles and exquisite appearance. it is not necessary to plant them alone - you can try to plant them in groups of three to five bushes.


Astilbe pink blooms from June

Astilba pink is distinguished by rich pink flowers that form. The growth of the flower is also small from 50 to 70 centimeters, but the plant is resistant to frost. This variety blooms from June to the end of July. You can plant it at any time, but experts unanimously recognize spring as the best time for this procedure. The flower is propagated using seeds and cuttings, but in both cases it is advisable to first keep the plant in a greenhouse or hotbed so that it gets stronger and the root formation process is activated.