Growing Astilbes
Gardeners are in the midst of a love affair with astilbes, from far west to far east, these beautiful plants
and their hybrids have revolutionized perennial possibility's of moist, shaded American gardens
Growing astilbes from tiny dwarfs to big draping hybrids, growing astilbes are all quite easy, as long as their general planting ground is not in blazing sun and doe's not dry out out to long. They must have plenty of moisture, so choose your planting spot carefully. If the soil you are going to be growing astilbes in is not loamy, add some peat moss or other moisture retaining material. You'll know after one growing season weather your plants are happy where you've put them. If not, think about moving them to a better spot before they weaken.
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Growing astilbes mulching is important, especially if they are planted where they will get some direct sun. Bark chips or any other moisture retaining top mulch will be very helpful in maintaining the constantly moist ground they prefer.
Growing astilbes need no more fertilizing than other flowering perennials. Fertilize your growing astilbes and other flowering perennials with a good standard perennial fertilizer. If your garden is new , rake in the fertilizer a couple of weeks before you plant. And in later years, one feeding in spring should do, remember to remove the mulch before fertilizing. If you use a dry granular fertilizer remember to scatter it when the soil is wet and the foliage of your growing astilbes is dry. Dry fertilizer sticking to stems and leaves can burn the plants.
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When growing astilbes in the right location, they will grow vigorously. In fact after a year or two, you'll have big clumps you'll want to divide. And that's easy too. The best time is just after flowering. Water deeply, and then just dig up the clumps and pull the roots into pieces. Try to keep the pieces large, so each one will quickly become a full size plant. Of course, get them back into the ground as soon as possible.
