The astilbe, also known as the magnificent spar, is very popular not only because of its uncomplicated care or because of its magnificent, feather-like flowers. In fact, it is an excellent choice if you want to attractively plant a shady spot in the garden. The following article provides you with comprehensive answers to the most important questions regarding planting and care of the decorative and versatile perennial.
Why should you plant a splendor in the garden?
Astilbes, also known as spars, are versatile perennials for shady locations. They prefer humus-rich, slightly acidic, moist soil and bloom in different colors from June to September, depending on the variety. Astilbes are easy to care for and are suitable as ground cover as well as for tree borders and borders.
Origin and distribution
Astilbes have a long tradition in German gardens, having been used as ornamental plants since the 19th century. Hardly any other perennial blooms as strikingly colorfully as the Astilbe, the German name for the Astilbe, even in deep shade. Botanically speaking, the genus belongs to the saxifrage family (Saxifragaceae) and includes around 35 different species, most of which come from East Asia - and especially from China - and from the eastern USA.
Here the magnificent plants are primarily found in open forests and in moist locations, for example at the edge of the forest or along streams or rivers.river banks. The uncomplicated Arendsii hybrids (Astilbe x arendsii) and the Chinese Astilbe (Astilbe chinensis) are particularly interesting for the garden.
Usage
There is a large selection of astilbes suitable for the home garden in different growth forms and heights. Some species, such as the cushion-like dwarf pixie (Astilbe chinensis var. pumila), which grows up to a maximum height of 30 centimeters, are wonderfully suitable as ground cover and even thrive under trees and other trees. Over time, the rhizomatous plants spread over large areas and cover unsightly, bare areas where hardly anything else grows.
Tall-growing species are best planted in flat areas or in borders together with other shade-tolerant species. Cranesbill (Geranium), bluebell (Campanula), elf flower (Epimedium), silver candle (Althea), autumn anemone or hosta (Hosta) are attractive companions. Astilbes come into their own particularly well in combination with foliage perennials (including the popular hostas). Since the plants bloom quite late, they can be easily combined with onion flowers that bloom in spring.
Astilbes grow well on the edges of trees as well as along streams and garden ponds. White-flowering varieties in particular are the right choice if you want to brighten up shady garden areas.
Appearance and growth
Glossy spars are herbaceous, perennial perennials that can become quite bushy depending on the species and variety. Individual specimens of the taller growing varieties are on average between 40 and 60 centimeters wide. The height of growth also depends on the variety, which can reach between ten and up to 150 or even 200 centimeters. The bald sparrow (Astilbe glaberrima var. saxatilis) remains particularly low, while some Chinese astilbes and the Thunbergii hybrid 'Professor van der Wielen' are considered to be particularly tall.
Also characteristic of the genus are the thick, underground rhizomes through which the plants can divide and reproduce.
leaves
The large, basal leaves grow from the rhizomes, which initially sprout in spring with a bronze to reddish tint and only turn a rich green color in summer. The foliage is divided into many parts and is divided into petioles and leaf blades, the latter having single to multiple pinnations. The alternately arranged leaves typically become smaller and smaller towards the top. The plants also often have stipules.
Flowers and flowering time
The rhizomes also produce mostly upright or slightly overhanging flower stalks up to 200 centimeters high. Between June and September, the flower panicles, up to 55 centimeters long, unfold on these and bloom for weeks in different colors depending on the variety. While the wild species generally have white flowers, numerous colors have been bred out of the cultivated forms. The spectrum ranges from white, yellow and pink to dark red and even purple flower colors. The flower spikes can be cut off when they have just bloomed and used for long-lasting dry bouquets.
The specific flowering time depends on the variety. The Japanese astilbe (Astilbe japonica) and its hybrids, for example, bloom early and show their splendor between June and July. The more commonly planted and colorfully blooming species of Chinese astilbe (Astilbe chinensis) and the popular Arendsii hybrids, on the other hand, bloom quite late between August and September, and in mild weather often into October.
Fruits
However, you can leave the inflorescences on the perennials so that pretty fruit clusters develop until autumn. These usually remain on the plant over the winter and form an interesting eye-catcher in the winter garden. The fruits are capsule fruits that contain many small seeds.
Toxicity
Astilbene is not poisonous to humans or animals. Instead, the young leaves of some species - such as Astilbe chinensis or Astilbe thunbergii - can be eaten cooked or used for tea infusion. In addition, magnificent spars are valuable and nectar-rich insect pastures that bees, bumblebees, butterflies and other hungry insects like to fly to.
Which location is suitable?
As in their natural range, astilbes feel particularly comfortable in sunny and partially shaded locations, for example in the protection of large deciduous and coniferous trees. The plants find site conditions that meet their needs along the edges of trees, streams and pond edges, as long as they are not in the blazing sun. Midday sun in particular is poorly tolerated.
In principle, magnificent spars also grow in sunny places, as long as the soil there is sufficiently moist. The rule of thumb is: the sunnier the location, the moister the soil needs to be. Waterlogging, on the other hand, should be avoided, because the moisture-loving astilbes also react to this with root rot.
Floor
So that the magnificent spar lives up to its name and continues to bloom magnificently, it needs the right soil conditions. The perennial thrives in substrates that
- humous and nutrient-rich
- as loamy and little sandy as possible
- neutral to slightly acidic with a pH value between 5.5 and 6
- fresh to moist
- but well drained and without the risk of waterlogging
are created. Heavy or sandy soils can be improved with plenty of mature compost.
pot culture
Astilbene can be easily cultivated in sufficiently large and, above all, wide planters, as long as a continuous water supply is ensured. Regular watering is extremely important for potted plants, as the substrate should not dry out even in the short term. At the same time, ensure good pot drainage (drainage hole at the bottom of the pot is mandatory!) so that waterlogging does not occur in the first place. The substrate should be moist, but definitely not wet. Choose a high-quality potting soil (€12.00 on Amazon), preferably without peat and based on compost, which you mix with clay granules or perlite.
Planting splendor correctly
When planting the astilbe, make sure that the planting depth is sufficient, as the root ball often pushes up over time. Magnificent spars can be planted comparatively deep. Before planting, place the plants in a bucket of water so that the roots can soak up the moisture and mix the excavated material with plenty of ripe compost and horn shavings. Water heavily after planting and mulch the soil area if possible. This means that the moisture stays in the soil longer and does not evaporate as quickly.
What is the best time to plant?
Astilbes are best planted during the dormant phase between November and March. Choose a frost-free day with mild weather.
The correct planting distance
The correct planting distance depends on the variety of Astilbe planted, because the different types grow to different heights and widths. For larger specimens, choose a distance between 40 and 60 centimeters, while smaller versions are satisfied with 20 to 25 centimeters.
Water splendid spars
Astilbene depends on a balanced water balance. The root ball must neither dry out nor be constantly wet. Well-drained soil is therefore important, and you should also use it during long dry periods - especially during the flowering period, because then the plants have a particularly high water requirement! – check the moisture content of the soil. To do this, stick a finger into the soil - if the surface is dry, water with soft rainwater or well-stagnant tap water. To do this, use a watering can and water directly onto the root area. Leaves and flowers should not be moistened.
Fertilize magnificent spar properly
The magnificent spar not only has a high water requirement, but also a high nutrient requirement. The formation of strong foliage and large flowers takes a toll on the plants, which is why balanced fertilization is important. To do this, you can apply a slow-release fertilizer between April and May, which you can refresh again in July if necessary. Alternatively, supply the plants with a shovelful of compost and a handful of horn shavings about every four weeks between May and August. Specimens cultivated in pots, on the other hand, are fertilized with a liquid complete fertilizer.
Cut the magnificent spar correctly
Astilbes do not need to be cut, you can only remove the dead flower stems and dried or dead plant parts in spring.read more
Propagate magnificent spars
Astilbe is usually propagated by division. To do this, dig the plants and their rhizomes out of the ground in spring or autumn and divide them into several sections of approximately the same size. These will then be replanted and maintained as usual. Division is a good method to continually rejuvenate plants. You can look at the astilbe when it's time to divide again: the perennials then become too big and begin to grow bare.
Dwarf astilbes can also be propagated using root cuttings; original species (not hybrids) and seed-resistant varieties can also be grown from seeds.
Growing astilbene from seeds – this is how it works
Astilbene is best sown in autumn or spring, for which you can use seeds you have collected yourself or purchased. And this is how sowing works:
- Disinfect the sowing soil, for example in the oven or microwave.
- The seed soil goes into a seed tray, ideally with a hood.
- Spread the seeds evenly over the soil, but do not cover them.
- Glossy spars are among the light germinators.
- Always keep the growing soil slightly moist and light.
- Seeds germinate after about 14 to 21 days.
- Pick out the plants as soon as the first pair of leaves have developed.
- After another six to ten weeks, place them individually in small plant pots.
As soon as the plants are large and strong enough, they can be transplanted into the garden.
Wintering
Basically, astilbes are sufficiently hardy and therefore do not require winter protection. Only young plants and specimens cultivated in pots should be protected from frost. For this purpose, cover planted splendors with straw, spruce or fir branches orLeaves. The pot of potted plants, on the other hand, should always - even in later years - be wrapped with bubble wrap or another suitable material and placed on an insulating surface (wood, Styrofoam, etc.).
How do I transplant correctly?
Astilbe can still be transplanted well in later years, but you have to dig it up carefully. In any case, this measure makes sense because the perennials should be divided from time to time anyway. Bare parts of the plant can be easily cut off with a sharp knife when moving, so that only the young and fresh segments can be reinserted.
Diseases and pests
As a rule, astilbes are resistant and robust plants as long as they feel comfortable in their location. Diseases therefore usually only occur as a result of an unsuitable location or care errors. The leaves curl up as soon as the splendor is too dry or too warm. Brown leaf edges also indicate a lack of moisture. Yellow-colored leaves, on the other hand, are often an indication of soil that is too calcareous, which astilbe also doesn't like. However, if the plant doesn't want to grow properly, it is in the wrong location. Although it generally feels very comfortable under trees and bushes, it should not be planted on the root disk of shallow-rooted trees. Here the different species only compete unnecessarily for water and nutrients.
Occasionally, aphids and other leaf sap-sucking insects attack the astilbe. Infestations by leaf bugs, leaf or root worms and the black weevil also occasionally occur.
Tip
If astilbes don't want to bloom, a nutrient deficiency is often the cause. The plants have a high nutrient requirement and can only cover this even when planted out in the garden through regular fertilization.
Species and varieties
Astilbene comes in different shapes and sizes: While the small varieties often do not grow higher than 30 to 40 centimeters, some of them even form flat carpets by forming runners, the tall, magnificent spars can grow to heights of between 150 and 200 centimeters reach.
Astilbe arendsii
One of the most popular hybrid species with numerous white, pink or red flowering varieties. Reaches heights between 60 and 120 centimeters.
- 'August Lights': bright red flowers between July and August, up to 70 centimeters high
- 'Rock Crystal': white flowers between July and August, up to 100 centimeters high
- 'Cattleya': deep pink flowers from September, up to 100 centimeters high
Astilbe chinensis
The Chinese Astilbe produces rather short-growing varieties with heights between 25 and 50 centimeters. An exception is the variety Astilbe chinensis var. davidii or High Astilbe, which can grow up to 180 centimeters high.
- 'Pumila': Ground cover for sunny locations, violet-pink flowers between August and September, up to 25 centimeters high
- 'Finale': bright pink flowers between August and September, up to 40 centimeters high
Astilbe japonica
Low-growing perennial, needs high humidity and nutrient-rich soil. The numerous varieties grow up to approx. 50 centimeters high and bloom quite early between June and July. Many shades of color.
Astilbe thunbergii
Vigorously growing species with tall varieties. Usually blooms between July and August.
‘Jo Ophorst’: ruby red flowers, up to 90 centimeters high
Astilbe simplicifolia
Shade perennial with rather low, delicate growth. Varieties usually bloom between July and August in pink, red or white.
- 'Alba': white flower, up to 45 centimeters high
- 'Aphrodite': red flowers and dark foliage, up to 35 centimeters high
- 'Hennie Graafland': pink flowers and dark foliage, up to 50 centimeters high
