Bring a burst of colour and elegance to your garden with Astilbe! Revel in the enchanting plumes of flowers that grace your space throughout the growing season.
Planting Calendar
Prepare
Position
Astilbe thrive in partial to full shade. Choose a spot that receives filtered sunlight, especially in the afternoon.
Soil
Astilbe prefer well-draining soil rich in organic matter. Enhance your soil's organic content by incorporating Kings Compost and Kings Sheep Pellets. Mix them thoroughly into the soil. If you're growing Astilbe in containers, use Kings Container Mix, which contains water storage crystals to maintain soil moisture.
Plant
When planting in the ground, gently remove the plant from its pot. Dig a hole twice as deep and wide as the root ball. Combine Kings Compost, Sheep Pellets, and Tui Novatec Premium Fertiliser, then blend with the existing soil. Backfill the hole so that the top of the plant's roots align with the surrounding ground. Firmly press down the soil and water thoroughly with Aquaticus Organic Garden Booster. In clay soils with poor drainage, plant on a raised mound and introduce Gypsum Clay Breaker at the hole's bottom to improve drainage.
Care
Watering
Astilbe require consistent watering throughout the growing season. Water slowly to ensure moisture reaches the roots, avoiding surface runoff. Astilbe dislike waterlogged conditions, so ensure the soil is well-draining. If in pots, never let the pot sit in water. Water generously in the summer, preferably in the morning.
Feeding
Nourish your Astilbe with Aquaticus Organic Garden Booster every two weeks during the growing season. Additionally, apply Tui Novatec Premium Fertiliser in spring and summer for continuous feeding.
Mulching
Mulch around the base of the plants, ensuring it doesn't touch the stem, with Living Earth More than Mulch. Mulching suppresses weeds and helps the soil retain moisture.
Pruning
Maintain the tidy appearance of your astilbe with a light trim a couple of times during the season. Removing spent flowers encourages more blooming.
General Care
When using sprays, chemicals, or fertilisers, always read and follow the label instructions. Apply sprays in the evening to protect beneficial insects from harm.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best location to plant Astilbe?
Astilbe thrives in partial to full shade. It prefers a spot with dappled sunlight, but it can tolerate more shade in hotter climates.
How often should I water Astilbe?
Astilbe require consistent watering throughout the growing season. Water slowly to ensure moisture reaches the roots, avoiding surface runoff. Astilbe dislike waterlogged conditions, so ensure the soil is well-draining. If in pots, never let the pot sit in water. Water generously in the summer, preferably in the morning.
When should I fertilise Astilbe?
Nourish your Astilbe with Aquaticus Organic Garden Booster every two weeks during the growing season. Additionally, apply Tui Novatec Premium Fertiliser in spring and summer for continuous feeding.
How do I propagate Astilbe?
The best way to propagate Astilbe is by division. In early spring or autumn, dig up the plant, separate the clumps, and replant them in the desired location.
What pests and diseases affect Astilbe?
Astilbe is relatively pest and disease-free. However, it can be susceptible to powdery mildew, spider mites, and aphids. Ensure good air circulation and avoid overhead watering to prevent issues.