Special Plant Features & Tips. I just bought my first Astilbe plants. The day before dividing, thoroughly water the plant’s root zone. This means that you dig up the plant's root ball and literally divide it by cutting it into several pieces. A cup of water every two to three weeks should be just fine! Astilbe plants need moisture, but too much will cause them to rot. wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. How to Move. 6. Astilbes require acidic soil, with a pH ideally below 6.0. The holes should be about 8 inches deep and 12-24 inches apart. Astilbe are shade-tolerant plants with average moisture needs. Water the area around the plant that you are planning to divide, to loosen the soil. Ideally, to keep your parent plants healthy, you’ll want to divide them about every four years. We occasionally link to goods offered by vendors to help the reader find relevant products. GARDENER'S PATH® IS A REGISTERED TRADEMARK OF ASK THE EXPERTS LLC. Be careful not to harm the root ball as you do this. They have fern-like foliage and colorful flowers ranging from pink to red or white. Spread some mulch in a circular pattern around the plant to create a weed barrier, if you wish. Photo by: Gabriela Beres / Shutterstock. Filtered sun. Astilbe ‘Deutschland’ – shorter than other astilbes, and flowers a little earlier.Plants have almost shiny foliage and bear masses of pure white flowers; Astilbe ‘Rheinland’ – a compact variety, with dark green/bronze leaves and masses of light pink flowers. Here are our simple tips for dividing perennials: Lift plants gently with a garden fork, working outwards from the crown’s centre to limit root damage. Astilbes do best when they are divided about every three years. When to Transplant Daffodils Daffodils can be lifted year round, even when “in the green,” although moving them while they bloom often means losing out on the following year’s bloom. Here is more about what we do. Have you ever divided your Astilbe? There are some plants that will not top six inches while others may finish their season at a whopping four feet tall – buyer beware! Increase watering as the foliage emerges and plumes mature. Astilbe plants require rich fertile soil that remains permanently moist, even in the height of summer. Sun Requirements: Full to partial shade. Colors vary from white to dark shades of purple and pink. "I had no idea of how to separate my astilbe. 4. Astilbe x arendsii 'Showstar' (Astilbe 'Showstar') will reach a height of 0.5m and a spread of 0.5m after 2-5 years. . They grow up to 5 feet (1.5 m) tall and they can multiply quickly, so it is important to divide your astilbe regularly. One single plant can turn your backyard (if it’s shady enough!) To divide your plant, you need to carefully dig up the whole root ball getting as many of the roots as possible. Wait to divide the rhizomes until after the plants have finished flowering. If plants dry out, their foliage turns irreversibly brown and crispy, thereby rendering them unsaleable. It’s perfect for growing towards the front of … 1. Addition of compost will also increase the content of essential organic matte… Take a shovel and gently dig out the main root network in a circle about 10-12 inches deep. 4 Astilbe Collection BUY 8 GET 4 FREE - click here These amazing perennials produce spectacular feathery plumes surrounded by dense fern like foliage from June to August. Now plant those fresh transplants into the holes you previously dug, and gently cover with soil. I am now comfortable to try it. Moving and dividing the bulbs remains integral to growing daffodils, well worth getting the hang of. Astilbe is the new must-have plant for shady garden plots, adding color, height and texture that breaks up the boredom of one-dimensional groundcovers and mounded plants. above the soil. Repeat this process for each of the astilbe plants you want to divide. If it is autumn and you want to store your divisions instead of directly replanting the rhizomes into your garden beds, you can plant each new transplant in well-draining potting soil in a medium-sized pot. Special Features & Videos on Astilbes . And while many perennials can be divided in either early spring or early fall, some are very picky. Dividing your astilbe should be done in late summer or early autumn. Let the water settle in for a bit. Water the area around the plant that you are planning to divide, to loosen the soil. If you are dividing in spring, do it when new spring growth stands just a few inches (5 to 10 cm.) Thanks for informative diagrams.". The optimal time to divide specific perennials is denoted by (S) for spring and (F) for early fall. The plume-like flowers bloom in colors such as pink, red, peach, white, lavender and purple. Another common name is false goat's beard. The last element of the process, if you choose to embark on it in the fall, is a great big dose of patience. We know ads can be annoying, but they’re what allow us to make all of wikiHow available for free. See how RHS can give expert advice on growing, feeding, pruning and propagating plants. The most critical growing factor for Astilbe is water. Plants should never be allowed to dry out. The central clump and thick, fleshy roots of an astilbe are tough and difficult to cut. I have been wanting them for years and now we have the room! How to divide perennials. Astilbe prefer fertile soil and will not prosper in chalky soils. Lauren Kurtz is a Naturalist and Horticultural Specialist. Performs best in evenly moist soil. Since astilbe plants thrive in partial to full shade, choose a suitable planting spot in your backyard. Lauren has worked for Aurora, Colorado managing the Water-Wise Garden at Aurora Municipal Center for the Water Conservation Department. Astilbe plants require rich fertile soil that remains permanently moist, even in the height of summer. If Alexis is not in a pasture learning the names of all the growing green things, you can find her in her garden growing fruit, veggies, and flowers. For example, if there are only 2 or 3 clumps per plant, then it's too soon to divide. Remember that if you choose this route, you’ll need to follow steps 2-4 and 7-9 as described above the following spring, when the ground has begun to warm up and you are ready to plant. 9. The parent plant will be healthier with more room to spread, and the number of blooms in your beds will be more numerous. Dividing & Transplanting needs: Astilbe will spread over time. Try to make sure that the mulch isn’t too thick over the top of the new transplants. Bloom time: Early to midsummer. The Venus variety has bright green foliage and bright pink blossoms. Astilbe can be successfully divided in fall or early spring. This … Uncredited photos: Shutterstock. Herbaceous perennial. Spring, Fall: Clump: Divide in early spring or after it stops blooming in late summer to early fall; will bloom better with division every 2 to 3 years: Bachelor’s button Centaurea montana: Spring, Fall: Clump: Easy to divide; needs to be divided every 1 to 2 years to keep plants vigorous: Bearded iris With additional writing and editing by Mike Quinn and Allison Sidhu. Alexis Morin is an avid gardener who resides on and manages a horse ranch in north Texas. The Astilbe look best when mass-planted, and are ideal for surrounding ponds, or naturalizing in a wild garden. Another important note before planting: make sure to observe where the sunshine and shade fall in your garden during the spring and summer months. Use a shovel to sever the roots in a circle 8 to 12 inches outward from the base of each astilbe. 8. Astilbe, like many perennials, can be divided if the root clump gets too large. She holds a BA in English literature with a minor in horticultural sciences from Clemson University, and she loves to read, write, and garden. Clear away any debris or old plant material from the top of the parent plant with your hands. This article was co-authored by Lauren Kurtz. Astilbe Growing Tips and Benefits. Botanical Name: Astilbe. Clump-forming to … License: Creative Commons\/a> \n\/p> \n. Any rhizomes showing signs of mold, rot, or decay should be discarded. They can be used for cut flowers, but they are probably best if left in the yard where … Let us and the community know any tricks or tips you may have, or share any questions in the comments below. How did it go? They can be used for cut flowers, but they are probably best if left in the yard where … Will not thrive in soils that dry out. Wait until spring to cut back. Astilbe can tolerate sun, but only if the soil is moist. Astilbes are valuable in moist shade for long-lasting color. Please help us continue to provide you with our trusted how-to guides and videos for free by whitelisting wikiHow on your ad blocker. Your newly transplanted Astilbe are not likely to bloom in their first growing season. Astilbe hybrids are clump-forming perennials that form mounds of dark green, ferny foliage. \/p>\/div>"} Please help us continue to provide you with our trusted how-to guides and videos for free by whitelisting wikiHow on your ad blocker.. Astilbe Dividing. above the soil. Heavy flowering selection is excellent for use as an edging plant and in foreground plantings. This article has been viewed 15,379 times. If you really can’t stand to see another ad again, then please consider supporting our work with a contribution to wikiHow. Astilbe Transplanting. 9 Steps for Dividing your Astilbe. You don’t need to think about transplanting astilbe or dividing astilbe plants every year, but calendar the task for every two to four years. Allow me to introduce you to the magic of the perennial, shade loving, Astilbe. Keep soil moist in spring and summer. By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy. into a charming oasis bathed in lavish plumes and lacy foliage. She believes that soil, like food, brings people together! Dividing your astilbe is easy, so incorporate this into your gardening practice for beautiful astilbe year after year! They bloom red, pink, white and lavender in upright or slightly arching plumes. VIDEO Introduction to Dividing Perennials Offsets To divide a plant whose roots form offsets (small plants growing at the base of a larger one), snap the connection between any of the sections to obtain a piece with ample roots and three or more growing points (or “eyes”). Move the plant into the shade to prevent drying out. Even after the flowers fade in summer, many gardeners leave them on the plant for the attractive seed heads. Now that you’ve decided on the optimal location for your freshly divided Astilbe, let’s talk division and multiplication! For more information about this amazing flower, be sure to check out some of these guides: © Ask the Experts, LLC. It also aids better moisture retention. You may also divide the astilbe in the fall as long as the temperatures are cool. Cultivation. Cooler temperatures are best for dividing astilbe, so plan your divisions for the spring. If you are propagating from a plant that you’re already familiar with from your backyard, you can expect a similar height from the propagated (or “baby”) plant as displayed by the parent plant. Thank you for this! If the desired result is a swath of plants along a pond, on the edge of a forest or in the garden, then dividing isn't necessary. % of people told us that this article helped them. Add some mature compost and peat moss to the soil. On drier soils, incorporate plenty of well rotted manure or compost prior to planting and choose a shaded position. If you are dividing in the fall, cut the plant back to about six inches (15 cm.) Make sure to locate the plants in light to moderate shade. Special Features & Videos on Astilbes . Astilbe, like many perennials, can be divided if the root clump gets too large. Dividing Astilbe Plants. Make sure to pay attention to which varieties you purchase at the nursery, lest you unknowingly plant a variety that may form a veritable forest. This means that you dig up the plant's root ball and literally divide it by cutting it into several pieces. If divided in fall, you can directly replant the new divisions, or you can store them in pots in your garage for the winter to gift to your friends, or for planting in your garden the following spring. 1. Astilbe grows best in partial shade in the warmer seasons, but it can tolerate full sun. The large plumes of frothy flowers arrive … Plant in moist, fertile, humus-rich soil in full sun or partial shade. Astilbes do best when they are divided about every three years. When dividing perennials, timing and technique are important. Flower spikes 15 to 18 inches tall, foliage to 10 inches high. Dig holes for the new transplants. Wish me luck! Move over, ferns and hostas. If you choose to divide them in the springtime, do it early during their dormant stage so that once they start growing, they have a full season to establish themselves. Without regular divisions, astilbe may wither from overcrowding. Some of these links may be affiliate in nature, meaning we earn small commissions if items are purchased. The best gifts are unexpected! You may also divide the astilbe in the fall as long as the temperatures are cool. Taking some extra time to divide and thereby multiply the Astilbe in your garden beds is worth it. Find specific plants with our Plant Finder & Plant Selector. 7. Astilbe plants vary in size and color. A boggy soil next to a pond or stream is ideal. Astilbe does not do well in full sun—too much sun will cause its leaves to burn. Suggested uses. Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 15,379 times. You can transplant most flowers, including astilbe, whenever you want to give them more advantageous positions in the garden. Place it in your garage or cellar, in a dark and cool location, and wait until spring to decide what you want to do with them. We use cookies to make wikiHow great. Another option is to plan to divide the astilbe a couple of days after it rains. Astilbe spp. They are very tolerant of shade and thrive in damp locations, so are ideal for placing near a pond but equally are impressive in containers or as part of a border display. Dividing the plants in the summer or when the weather is too warm can be a shock to your plants and may even kill them. How to Winterize Astilbe Plants: 5 Easy Steps, 15 of the Best Woody Shrubs for Fall Color, How to Grow Garden Pinks for Old-Fashioned Charm, A Medicinal and Visual Delight: How to Grow Feverfew, How to Train Pumpkins to Grow on a Trellis, 11 of the Best Blue Asters to Add to the Garden, How to Identify and Treat Pecan Twig Dieback Disease, 7 Tips for Growing Formal and Informal Forsythia Hedges, 7 Tips You Need to Keep Fresh Flowers Fabulous. Dig holes for the new transplants. One parent plant will typically render 4-5 new transplants. Once autumn and winter roll around, the light patterns will change. Special Plant Features & Tips. Zones: 4-9 If you need to add some pizzazz to your shade garden, astilbe should be at the top of your planting list. Take the parent Astilbe plant with both hands and gently divide the rhizomes by identifying the “eyes,” and pinching off pieces of root with 3-5 eyes. This article has been viewed 15,379 times. Amend the soil in advance, as required. Prepare the bed by turning the soil under to a depth of 6-12, inches removing any debris, and lightly raking as level as possible. Let the water settle in for a bit. Lauren has worked for Aurora, Colorado managing the Water-Wise Garden at Aurora Municipal Center for the Water Conservation Department. Remember the key principles that will keep your plants happy: rich, well-drained soil; regular deep watering without constant wet feet; 2-3 hours of sun per day; and annual fertilizing with a mix that is high in phosphorus and potassium. I wasn’t sure how these grew or how to propagate them–and this has helped tremendously! 2. See our TOS for more details. Their foliage also varies from greenish bronze to dark green, depending on the cultivar and the soil’s available nutrients. She earned a BA in Environmental and Sustainability Studies from Western Michigan University in 2014. Feathery, bright white plumes are held above rich, glossy green foliage in summer. Gently separate the clumps … 5. Dividing Astilbe Plants. If the soil is poor, dig 12 inches deep and mix some rich compost into the hole before you plant. If there are 5 or more clumps, then now is a good time to divide. For more information on dividing astilbe plants, read on. 2. Astilbe japonica. She earned a BA in Environmental and Sustainability Studies from Western Michigan University in 2014. Astilbe produces an attractive mound of glossy, fernlike foliage topped with delicate plumes of colorful flowers. This will help improve drainage, which is essential to the healthy growth of astilbes. References. Addition of sulfur pellets is useful in increasing the acidity of the soil. Create a “donut” shape around the new plant. There are few greater joys than beautifying our gardens. However, if you want to keep it contained in a flower garden, divide it after the third year of growth or when the plant seems to be growing out of bounds. If there is still too much dirt near the base to make out the individual crowns, then rinse away the dirt with some cool water. Astilbe is also called false spirea or false goat’s beard for good reason. COPYRIGHT © 2021 ASK THE EXPERTS LLC. Divide … If your plants have naturalised beside water they are probably best left well alone. The eyes will have small shoots growing from them, like a forgotten potato that starts to sprout after a few weeks. 3. Heavy feeders, astilbe prefer spring fertilization. On drier soils, incorporate plenty of well rotted manure or compost prior to planting and choose a shaded position. Imagine digging out the roots in the shape of a generous salad bowl, with plenty of soil intact to avoid damaging the root structure. However, you can expect to see blooms starting in year 2 and onward! {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/e\/eb\/Divide-Astilbe-Step-1.jpg\/v4-460px-Divide-Astilbe-Step-1.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/e\/eb\/Divide-Astilbe-Step-1.jpg\/aid10047893-v4-728px-Divide-Astilbe-Step-1.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"