Japanese astilbe

Japanese astilbe Care

Astilbe 'Montgomery'

What is the plant

Astilbe 'Montgomery' (Astilbe japonica) features dense, dark magenta red flower plumes borne on upright, dark red stems. Quite showy, they rise gracefully in early to midsummer above an attractive mound of fern-like deep green, glossy foliage.

Astilbes are one of the easiest perennial flowers to grow. They have long-blooming, plume-like flowers in soft shades of white, pink, and red, and the flowers are held on tall, stiff stalks above the airy foliage. Virtually pest-free, they can light up the shade garden or soften a sunny spot, and they are very low maintenance. Astilbe plants are also known as false spiraea, false goat's beard, and meadowsweet. There are several species and cultivars within the Astilbe genus, with variety in the flower plumes. Most of the popularly sold Astilbes are hybrids resulting from crosses among the species.

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Lighting

Part Sun

Difficulty

Easy

How to Care for the Plant

Water
The warmer the weather, the more moisture astilbe plants need, especially when situated in full sun. They do not handle prolonged periods of drought well; the leaves will brown and dry and if left dry too long, the plants will die. Remember to regularly check your astilbes to make sure they are moist. Water accordingly if rain does not occur. It’s best to water deeply when you water (not everyday sprinkling).
Fertilizer
Astilbe plants need phosphorus to bloom, so choose a fertilizer with the makeup of 5-10-5 or 10-10-10. Rake the fertilizer into the soil two weeks before you plant or sprinkle a few granules onto the soil after the astilbe has been planted. Once the plant is established, fertilize every spring when the soil is moist but the leaves are not.
Sunlight
Astilbe plants grow best in partial shade but can also grow in full sun. Astilbe will bloom in shade, but the plants prefer some sunlight to achieve their full size. In hot weather and dry soils, their foliage will burn, so partial shade, plus plenty of water, is preferable.

Disease diagnosis

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Soil
Astilbe plants prefer a slightly rich, moist soil, as well as a slightly acidic soil pH of around 6.0.
Temperature
Astilbe plants are tough and can survive winter, even in harsh climates. After the first hard frost, put down two inches of mulch around the stem to regulate the soil's temperature. The lowest winter temperatures they can survive are between -40°F and -30°F.
Popularity
79 people already have this plant 28 people have added this plant to their wishlists