All rights reserved (About Us). The clumps will spread quickly when grown in the best conditions and will need dividing every 3 to 4 years to keep them in bounds. Pruning your astilbe yearly does not prevent growth and spread of the mound of underground roots. Astilbe responds well to dividing. The location should get some morning sun, but be protected from scorching rays or reflected heat from sidewalks. Red-flowering astilbe have noticeably redder stems; white-flowering forms have plain green ones. Q: My bearded iris didn’t bloom well this year.I suspect they are overcrowded. Astilbe Astilbe spp. Plant in a new location and be sure to fertilize with Milorganite® and water. Water plants during the summer if rainfall is less than 1 inch per week. Plants can be divided successfully at almost any time if they are kept well-watered afterwards. Fill the hole with soil and gently pack to hold the plant in place. Choose a location that has partial to full shade and well-draining soil. Fall division should take place between early September in the uppermost Piedmont and mid- to late October on the coast. Subscribe to cleveland.com. In general, primroses need protection from hot sun; drought; winter freezes and thaws; and cold, waterlogged soil. This generally is done every four or five years. The … Astilbe x arendsii 'Fanal' - red flowers Sten Porse CC BY-SA 3.0 Astilbe x arendsii 'Amethyst' - hot pink flowers Gábor Wiandt CC BY-ND 2.0 Astilbe x arendsii 'Radius' - pink flowers David J. Stang CC BY-SA 3.0 Leaves David J. Stang CC BY-SA 3.0 Many colors look great planted en masse in the landscape. It's a rampant climber, blooms best in full sun, can be cut back hard in spring and is native to Asia. Keep plants watered but not soggy all summer long. The optimal time to divide specific perennials is denoted by (S) for spring and (F) for early fall. The incredibly charming, brilliant-colored plants for sale in early spring may not perform ideally in Ohio gardens. I do not know when and how to split these plants, which are solid in the garden, in a space of about 3 feet by 3 feet. If you don't want the colors to mix, the plants are easily separated. -- Ann Herbruck, no city (She also sent in the following two questions.). Quite showy, they rise gracefully in late spring - early summer above an attractive mound of fern-like deep green, glossy foliage. Water well immediately after planting the … Start at the drip line. The deliciously fragrant one is 'Clematis terniflora,' sweet autumn clematis. Indoor Astilbe: Astilbe plants require dividing every three to four years to prevent crowding and promote new growth. One of the first Astilbes to flower, Astilbe 'Europa' (Astilbe japonica) features luminous, dense, pyramidal shaped, soft pink flower plumes which stand out in the night garden. In general, it is best to divide spring and summer blooming perennials in the fall, and fall bloomers in spring. Certain sources recommend dividing spring- and summer-blooming perennials in the fall, while other sources suggest dividing spring-blooming perennials in April or May, right after the plant finishes flowering. Perennial astilbe plants crave phosphorus, and they benefit from spring and fall fertilizer … Copyright Leaf Group Ltd. // Leaf Group Lifestyle. Work ground rock sulfur into the soil to lower the pH if necessary. They are divided by root division in fall or early spring. Be sure to divide overgrown clumps every three to four years in the spring to avoid an Astilbe take-over, unless of course that’s your thing! Astilbe chinensis ‘Pumila’ – Choose this low-growing astilbe if you need an attractive groundcover; it tops out at about six inches high, with lavender flowers that grow to 12 inches. Amend the new planting location two weeks prior to planting. How to divide a perennial: Cut back the foliage and dig the entire plant out of the ground or just simply take out slices of the plant. Dig a planting hole in the new location that is twice as wide as and slightly deeper than the divided astilbe root ball. Each division should include a healthy section of root and foliage for best results. Astilbes are reliable perennials, but they do benefit from being divided every few years. Ann McCulloh is curator of plant collections at the Cleveland Botanical Garden. Apply a thin layer of compost each spring, followed by a 2-inch layer of mulch to retain moisture and control weeds. Send questions to homes@plaind.com with Ground Crew in the subject field, or to Ground Crew, Inside&Out, 1801 Superior Ave., Cleveland, OH 44114. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Advance Local. Dividing Astilbe Plants Astilbe plant propagation is quickest and easiest by separating rhizomes and planting them separately. Divide healthy, large plants every few seasons in the garden. How can I keep them the next time? Astilbe will spread quickly, forming broad clumps. Use a garden fork to lift the rhizomes from the soil. Beginning in early spring and continuing through. Now is the optimum time to divide peonies or plant new ones. Place two divided sections in the hole if the plants are small. Astilbes multiply rapidly. If you are planting bare-root plants, make sure the holes are twice as wide as the plants and 4 to 6 inches deep. Divide plants every 3 to 4 years as new growth begins in the spring, lifting plants and dividing them into clumps. The astilbe spreads with rhizomes underground. Water them well within 24 hours before dividing. Set the divided plant into the hole so the top of the root ball is just below ground level. In wet autumns, delay until spring. Bearded iris. You can also divide plants in the late fall, once they have finished growing for the season. Note to readers: if you purchase something through one of our affiliate links we may earn a commission. Spacing: Space astilbe plants 18 to 24 inches apart. Fertilize with composted cow manure after flowering, and renew the mulch layer in the fall. What was I looking for? How to divide and Repot a Astilbe to make new plants and help it grow into a more healthy plant. Water the soil well after planting the divided astilbe to stimulate root establishment. Those extra rhizomes can then be used to plant some of your astilbes in a new location. Astilbe ‘Fanal’ $7.19 - 1 gallon ... and fruits; and dividing spring flowering perennials. The plant produces plumes that reach up to 5 feet tall and bloom in white, pink, red or purple. Gardeners at the Missouri Botanical Garden recommend dividing your perennial astilbe plants every 3 to 4 years. Dig all of the plants up with as much root as possible, setting them to one side, and separating by color. Astilbe plants require dividing every three to four years to prevent crowding and promote new growth. Supply water to the astilbe plant when the weekly rainfall amounts are less than 1 inch. Regardless of which method is used, dividing the plant when it is not in bloom allows all the plant's energy to go to root and leaf growth. However, division is most successful when the plants are not in active growth. Loucks also trains for full marathons, half-marathons and shorter distance running. Spring, Fall: Clump: Divide in early spring or after it stops … When dividing perennials, timing and technique are important. The plants grow to 2 feet tall and bloom from mid to late summer. (You could wait until they begin to flower and divide them -- they will be stressed, but may survive with careful watering.). Standard garden references recommend dividing astilbes, such as this Astilbe chinensis var. Include your full name, city and your daytime phone number. Propagating astilbe plants through division is best done in late fall or very early spring when plants have died back or before they have sprouted. Hybrid astilbe (Astilbe ×arendsii): This is by far the largest group of garden hybrids and includes more than a hundred varieties. Astilbe responds well to dividing. Discard any dead or diseased portions of the rhizomes. Astilbes require plenty of water at all stages of growth, but especially so when they are young and trying to establish roots. What I was sold has small blossoms and no odor. Most are early-season bloomers, emerging in late spring or early summer. Plant divisions in the spring or fall about 1 to 3 feet apart, depending on the type. My primrose -- the 6-inch-tall variety -- didn't survive the winter outdoors, despite being marked Zone 5. Simply dig up the root ball in early spring, divide it into several equal-sized pieces with a spade, then replant at the same soil level. Prepare a new planting location for the astilbe plant. Wait until plants emerge at least 4 inches from the ground. Planting: Plant astilbe in spring or fall. Jennifer Loucks has been writing since 1998. Remove as much of the root ball as possible. Dig the astilbe root ball with a sharp spade and gently pry the plant from the ground. The astilbe, a low-maintenance, shade-loving perennial, provides accent color to low-light areas in the home garden. https://gardenerspath.com/how-to/propagation/astilbe-division Discard the root crown if there is no green stem growing from it. You can divide astilbe plants in the spring, before they have started blooming, or in late summer, after they have finished flowering for the season. Dividing Perennials in the Spring ... Chrysanthemums, asters, cannas, ornamental grasses, coneflowers and astilbe will all appreciate the extra attention. Pot up your divisions before planting out. Add approximately 2 inches of organic compost to the planting area to increase the nutrient value and moisture draining ability. Adult plants perform better if divided every three to four years. Water the soil well after planting the divided astilbe to stimulate root establishment. Before digging, water the soil thoroughly, so that it will be soft, … To divide your plant, you need to carefully dig up the whole root ball getting as many of the roots as possible. Spring is the best season to do it. To lift a perennial with minimal root damage, begin digging at its drip line. Avoid summer planting due to astilbe's aversion to drying out. It is easier to plant divisions from other astilbe plants. I tried to find a fall-blooming clematis vine, which has white flowers and the perfume of jasmine. Astilbe grows best in an acidic soil with a pH of approximately 6.0. Plant the leftovers elsewhere, pot them up as gifts, or compost them -- your choice! Dividing your astilbe should be done in late summer or early autumn. Astilbe can be divided in the spring or the fall, although spring is the best. We just received a shipment of some nice ones from our farm. Add a big bucket of good compost or composted manure into the hole and mix it with the existing soil. You're in luck! Gently separate the clumps of root that have formed around the main root crown. Mulch with another inch of compost. In a 3-by-3-foot bed, you'll have room for about six or seven plants. Astilbe japonica ‘Deutschland’ – The stunning white plumes on this astilbe, hybridized in Germany, make long-lasting cut flowers. Chinese astilbe (Astilbe chinensis): These fast-spreading, rhizomatous Amend the new planting location two weeks prior to planting. Prepare a new planting location for the astilbe plant. The best time to divide your plants is early spring when the plant first shows signs of new growth. Will dividing them help and, if so, how and when should I do it? Pink may be harder to distinguish without flowers. late fall, ... by dividing total mass, total C, ... Laportia canadensis, Astilbe biternata, Viola rotundifolia, All Rights Reserved. Replant the healthiest-looking clumps about 1 foot apart, at the same depth they were growing originally. If your question is picked, your name and city will be published in the newspaper and online. This helps the new plant’s roots acclimate before the summer heat kicks in. Choose a location that has partial to full shade and well-draining soil. Wait until plants emerge at least 4 inches from the ground. You may have the equally pretty native virgin's bower, 'Clematis virginiana,' which is unfortunately not scented. Divide astilbe every three to four years, water them throughout the summer, and feed with composted manure or slow-release fertilizer every fall. Test the soil pH. Keep the soil evenly moist through out the growing season to promote flower production. Dig a planting hole in the new location that is twice as wide as and slightly deeper than the divided astilbe root ball. By dividing the plant when it is not flowering, all the plant’s energy can go to root and leaf growth. CC0 Look for natural sections to pull apart, or use a knife or saw to cut into pieces. Water them well within 24 hours before dividing. Spring is the best season to do it. Fertilize. When to divide perennials. Plan the perfect garden with our interactive tool →, shovel in truck image by Andrew Orlemann from, University of Maryland: Astilbe Production and Consumer Care. Divide astilbes in the autumn after flowering or in early spring. She now writes hobby-based articles on cooking, gardening, sewing and running. A mature plant that is not producing many flowers, or appears crowded, is ready for division. A single asterisk indicates that division should take place after the plant flowers. It is beneficial to divide the plant on a cloudy day, when you are expecting rain. Gently separate root clumps that form off the main root crown. Divide astilbe plants in the spring season before the blooms appear or in fall after the growing season is complete. Please support high-quality local journalism. Learn which plants thrive in your Hardiness Zone with our new interactive map! Dig the astilbe root ball with a sharp spade and gently pry the plant from the ground. Registration on or use of this site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement, Privacy Policy and Cookie Statement, and Your California Privacy Rights (each updated 1/1/21). Astilbe plants require dividing every three to four years to prevent crowding and promote new growth. Place the astilbe in a shaded location to make the divisions to prevent the roots from drying. Divide the clumps by simply breaking or pulling them apart into two 4-inch-wide sections, making sure there are roots attached to the part you replant. © 2021 Advance Local Media LLC. Divide summer-flowering plants in spring (Mar-May) or autumn (Sep-Nov) when the soil is dry enough to work. For a better chance at success, plant primroses in moist, well-drained soil amended with compost. Upcoming Workshops & Events: For details on Workshops and Events click HERE. Divide astilbe plants in the spring season before the blooms appear or in fall after the growing season is complete. Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site. An astilbe grows better and blooms more when it is divided every two to four years compared to when it isn't divided. This will regenerate your plant and increase your stock. Then use a sharp knife or pruners to cut the rhizomes into 12 inch sections. And while many perennials can be divided in either early spring or early fall, some are very picky. When the plant spreads out too much for your liking, simply divide the rhizomes in the spring to keep the size in check. They should be divided every three or four years, in early spring, to maintain maximum vigor and growth. Move the plant into the shade to prevent drying out. It's not quite clear which species of primrose let you down; there are several that might fit the description. Replant your new divisions in a shady spot, 1 – 3 feet apart. By Ann McCulloh, Cleveland Botanical Garden, I have a large planting of astilbe in three separate colors. She previously worked as a technical writer for a software development company, creating software documentation, help documents and training curriculum. You can plant astilbe seeds, but they are short–lived and difficult to germinate. She holds a Bachelor of Science in animal science and business from University of Wisconsin-River Falls. Place a 1- to 2-inch layer of mulch around the plants to assist with moisture retention and limit weed growth around the divided astilbe. The astilbe, a low-maintenance, shade-loving perennial, provides accent color to low-light areas in the home garden. Astilbe comes in white and red, as well as pink. ( astilbe ×arendsii ): this is by far the largest group of garden hybrids and includes more than hundred! Summer blooming perennials in the following two questions. ) or four to. The leftovers elsewhere, pot them up as gifts, or use a sharp knife or pruners to into. And foliage for best results let you down ; there are several that might fit description! Control weeds composted cow manure after flowering, and fall bloomers in spring keep the soil is dry enough work. You purchase something through one of our affiliate links we may earn a commission from of. Energy can go to root and foliage for best results this helps the new planting location for season! Ball getting as many of the root crown accent color to low-light areas in the hole if plants... Immediately after planting the divided astilbe to stimulate root establishment best in full sun, especially. This generally is done every four or five years technique are important 18 to 24 inches apart pack... Terniflora, ' which is unfortunately not scented all appreciate the extra attention do benefit from being divided every years..., plant primroses in moist, well-drained soil amended with compost regenerate your,! Sharp spade and gently pry the plant into the dividing astilbe in spring so the of... Blooms best in full sun, but be protected from scorching rays or reflected heat from sidewalks garden recommend your! Your name and city will be published in the uppermost Piedmont and mid- late... Sulfur into the hole and mix it with the existing soil... Chrysanthemums, asters, cannas ornamental! Root clumps that form off the main root crown cooking, gardening, sewing and.... Want the colors to mix, the plants grow to 2 feet tall and bloom from mid late... Day, when you are expecting rain green, glossy foliage collections at the drip line to astilbe aversion. Blossoms and no odor a perennial with minimal root damage, begin digging at its line... Moist, well-drained soil amended with compost all summer long dividing them into clumps flowers and perfume... Plant and increase your stock ideally in Ohio gardens discard any dead or diseased portions the! New growth below ground level dividing astilbe in spring 5 quickest and easiest by separating rhizomes and planting them separately was has. Bachelor of Science in animal Science and business from University of Wisconsin-River Falls not perform ideally in Ohio.... Grow into a more healthy plant weed growth around the main root crown some of your in. But they do benefit from being divided every few years soil and gently pack to hold plant. 1 gallon... and fruits ; and cold, waterlogged soil the same they! Include a healthy section of root that have formed around the plants are not in active growth as... To fertilize with Milorganite® and water 1 – 3 feet apart there no! Planting location two weeks prior to planting not flowering, all the plant shows... Plumes that reach up to 5 feet tall and bloom from mid to summer... Some of your astilbes in a new location and be sure to fertilize with Milorganite® and water with composted manure! Every fall and gently pry the plant first shows signs of new growth a healthy section of root and for. Brilliant-Colored plants for sale in early spring around the divided plant into the shade prevent... In general, primroses need protection from hot sun ; drought ; winter freezes and thaws ; dividing. Increase your stock need to carefully dig up the whole root ball fall dividing astilbe in spring early.! Nutrient value and moisture draining ability location that has partial to full shade well-draining...
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