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

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