The Astilbe covers shady places in the garden that hardly any other flowering plant would like to enter. This makes people reluctant to pick up the scissors. Because every shoot and every flower is welcome. But once a year you can cut it!
How and when do you cut an astilbe?
Astilbe does not require pruning during the growing season. In the spring before budding, dead shoots can be cut off close to the ground. Diseased and broken shoots should be removed immediately, while flower spikes should only be cut when the lower third is open.
Does the astilbe need to be cut?
The astilbe (glorious spar) does not need to becutduring the growing season. Because with good care, all of the perennial's leaves are green and juicy, and the flowers are numerous and colorful. The secateurs could only cause damage. There are the following sensible cutting occasions for you:
- Pruning of dead shoots after the end of the season
- Removal of diseased and broken shoots
- Flower panicles as cut flowers for the vase
When and how should old shoots of the astilbe be cut off?
If you're not a compulsive autumn tidyer, then grab the scissors in spring. The dead shoots are a welcome natural winter protection. Because the winter hardiness of the Astilbe should not be overused.
- in spring cut shortly before budding
- use sharp, clean scissors
- shootsclose to the ground cut off
If an astilbe is to overwinter in a pot indoors, it can be cut back to 10 cm in autumn for space reasons.
How do I cut astilbe flower spikes for the vase?
The flowering ability of astilbes from East Asia is impressive and the flowering period is long. Likewise the hybrid splendor (Astilbe ×arendsii) bred by the traditional Arends nursery. It's not noticeable if a few flower spikes are missing. So that you can enjoy the splendid colors for a long time, only separate the flower stems when thelower third has already opened. Leave a few flowers, as the nectar and pollen-rich astilbe is popular with bees.
When is it best to remove diseased plant parts?
Sick plant parts shouldimmediately be removed. The same procedure is followed with broken shoots. But be careful: diseased cuttings are not allowed in the compost, but go into the organic waste bin. Because unlike in professional composting plants, the temperatures during decomposition at home are too low to kill all pathogens.
Does a radical cut help against baldness on the inside?
If the baldness is already visible, a radical cut can't do anything. In this case, you should propagate the astilbe to obtain young plants. To do this, divide your perennial sometime between November and March. Preventative only You can reduce the risk of baldness through radical cutting if you do this routinely about every four years in the spring.
Tip
Give the astilbe a portion of fertilizer immediately after cutting
After cutting is before sprouting. The astilbe then needs the most nutrients. Fertilize them immediately after pruning with a good portion of compost, horse manure or horn shavings.
