Astilbe is a stunning plant that is gaining more and more space in gardens and flower beds thanks to its beauty. One of its undeniable advantages is the abundance of varieties. The shrub doesn't require constant, intensive care. However, this doesn't mean astilbe doesn't require fall care, winter preparation, pruning, or additional shelter. Beginning gardeners are concerned about whether the plant needs to be completely cut back or covered, and whether it's frost-resistant. It's essential to know all this before planting. This information can help avoid problems later and ensure proper, timely care.
What's special about caring for astilbe in autumn?
Astilbe is a plant that lives for a couple of decades. It's hardy and tolerates cold well. So, it's often tempting to do nothing at all. However, in the first year, the shrub requires special care. To ensure it grows stronger, the flower stalks are immediately cut off. This way, all the nutrients will be directed toward root development rather than toward flowering. The soil must be loosened to ensure regular air exchange and watered. Weeds should be removed near young plants, but overgrown ones should be removed. astilbe then she pushes them out herself.
Shrubs that are 5-6 years old also require care. By this time, the roots are already actively growing and their sensitivity to cold increases. Therefore, the soil around the bush is not only mulched but also covered with non-woven material.
The whole process astilbe care in autumn and preparing the flower for winter consists of three stages:
- Top dressing.
- Pruning of flower stalks and dry stems.
- Covering the soil with mulch and fabric.
Pruning astilbe in autumn
Different varieties of this shrub bloom at different times, from early summer to fall. You can prune the faded flowers later, as dried flowers also look beautiful, creating the illusion of continued blooms.
For pruning, gardeners use regular garden shears, which they disinfect in a potassium permanganate solution beforehand. Sometimes, one bush is infected with a disease, and to prevent the bacteria from spreading to others, the tools are disinfected after each pruning session.
Why prune astilbe in the fall?
Astilbes are pruned before they set seed. This wastes too much energy, which could be used to strengthen their roots and accumulate nutrients. Some gardeners prune faded flowers immediately, while others leave them on longer. However, after the first frost, they prune the flower stalks and stems almost completely, as this makes it easier to protect the shrub from frost.
Beginning gardeners wonder when is the best time to prune stems and leaves: spring or fall. Flower stalks and stems are usually removed in the fall. However, if the astilbe doesn't need to be covered for the winter, the stems can be cut in the spring.
When to prune astilbe
The pruning date varies depending on the region where the flower grows and the variety. Stems are removed after the first frosts, and cold weather occurs in different months in different parts of the country. On average, astilbe stems are pruned from early October to mid-November.
How to prune astilbe in autumn
Inexperienced gardeners are wary of cutting stems too deeply, leaving stumps 20 cm high. Such long cuttings are difficult to protect for the winter, and they don't look very neat. Therefore, they are removed strictly at the root, but without disturbing the buds that form just above the soil at the base. After this, the bush is hilled up and covered with a layer of mulch. It's best to prune annually, at about the same time.
Care after pruning
Pruning astilbe isn't enough; it needs to be provided with comfortable conditions even afterward. This will ensure it blooms profusely and looks attractive in the garden. Astilbe is native to mountainous areas, which explains why it tolerates winter cold well. However, there are also snowless winters, which require protection.
The root systems of mature plants are insulated and fertilized before winter. Gardeners also mulch the soil to promote lush flowering the following season.
Mulching
Covering the soil around the bush with mulch helps protect the root system and young buds from freezing. Cover the soil and pruned bush with a 15-20 cm layer of mulch.
- peat;
- rotted manure;
- dry sawdust;
- humus.
Florists use fine tree bark as a covering layer. This material also helps protect roots and buds from low temperatures.
Fertilizer
Fertilizing the plant before winter is essential. This allows the astilbe to tolerate cold well and bloom beautifully and profusely the following spring. Phosphorus-potassium fertilizers are suitable for this purpose. Approximately 20 g of the substance is added per bush.
Additionally, humus is added to the soil. The plant prefers nutrient-rich soil, so before frost, gardeners enrich it with organic mixtures.
Covering astilbe for winter
In the southern regions of the country, growing these shrubs is less challenging. Astilbe doesn't need to be covered for the winter because even its extensive roots remain warm. Winters in the south are warm, and the plant thrives in these conditions. However, in areas with harsh, cold, or snowless winters, the shrubs need protection from frost. Therefore, astilbe must be covered there.
Is it necessary to cover astilbe for the winter?
Astilbe is considered a plant that tolerates temperatures as low as -25°C. The above-ground parts of the plant will survive the cold winter, but the roots will likely suffer. Roots of plants over five years old are particularly sensitive. They grow close to the soil surface and freeze if left uncovered. Along with the roots, the buds can be damaged by the cold, leading to sparse and slow bud opening. Therefore, covering astilbe is just as important as pruning its stems.
Covering the bush correctly
Young, newly planted plants present fewer challenges. Gardeners mound up pruned shrubs and cover the soil around the roots with a thin layer of mulch. Mature plants require more careful protection, especially if winters are cold and snowfall is scant, or if another frost follows the spring thaw. In these cases, gardeners create a fence of boards, sticks, stones, or bricks. They then lay a layer of fabric on top, weighing down the edges with stones to prevent them from being blown away.
Pre-winter preparation of astilbe in different climatic conditions
Since climate conditions vary across Russia, astilbe requires different winter preparation depending on its habitat. In some areas, covering the bush with a layer of mulch is sufficient, while in others, this won't protect the plant from freezing. Therefore, novice gardeners need to consider all the details of preparing their bush for cold weather in their region to avoid mistakes.
- Central climate. If the Moscow region expects a mild but snowy winter, the soil around the bush is simply mulched. Sometimes the plant is covered with pine branches, straw, or other material, or fabric that allows fresh air to enter. This prevents the soil beneath the covering from becoming damp.
- Volga Region. Winters in the Volga region are quite warm, so the same measures as in the central zone can be taken.
- The Urals and Siberia. Winters in these regions are very harsh, so a layer of mulch won't be enough. The soil in the Urals and Siberia can freeze up to a meter deep. Therefore, a frame is built around the pruned bush, on which a breathable material is hung.
Transplanting astilbe in autumn
Astilbe bushes require constant moisture, so experienced gardeners recommend repotting the plant after flowering. In early September or late August, the sun is no longer as strong, but there's sufficient moisture.
The shrub is repotted to promote denser blooms. Mature astilbes are less attractive, and their upward-growing roots are susceptible to severe cold. Repotting revives them. This should be done every four years.
When dividing a bush, be sure to use a sharp knife to avoid damaging the plant. The entire root system is usually cut into several pieces so that each new bush contains three undamaged buds. The roots are placed in a container of water to allow the plant to develop independently and produce new growth.
You may be interested in:When planting, experienced gardeners leave a half-meter gap between bushes. Astilbe needs to grow, and its foliage and branches need room. The planting depth is determined by the buds, which should be approximately 4-5 cm above the soil. After this, apply a thin layer of mulch, about 2 cm thick. This will help retain moisture and prevent weeds.
Common mistakes in autumn care of astilbe
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Astilbe is a frost-resistant plant, and because of this, inexperienced gardeners make mistakes when preparing the bush for winter and during fall care. With improper care, the bush blooms less and less, and eventually dies altogether. It's important to be aware of the most common mistakes:
- Lack of fertilizers in autumn.
- Incorrect pruning of astilbe in autumn (or its complete absence).
- Lack of mulch layer or additional cover for the bush.
In conclusion
Gardeners value astilbe for its low maintenance and resilience. Moreover, the plant remains attractive in the garden even after its flowers have faded. Although considered a perennial, it requires care throughout its lifespan. Autumn care and preparation for cold weather are important steps that must be taken promptly and correctly. This will help ensure a lush, healthy plant year after year.