Lauren Kurtz is a Naturalist and Horticultural Specialist. Suggested uses. Shake off excess soil so that roots are clearly visible; Some plants, such as Ajuga (bugle), produce individual plantlets which can simply be teased out and replanted The parent plant will be healthier with more room to spread, and the number of blooms in your beds will be more numerous. They bloom red, pink, white and lavender in upright or slightly arching plumes. Move the plant into the shade to prevent drying out. 2. If the soil is poor, dig 12 inches deep and mix some rich compost into the hole before you plant. On drier soils, incorporate plenty of well rotted manure or compost prior to planting and choose a shaded position. Take a shovel and gently dig out the main root network in a circle about 10-12 inches deep. 2. This means that you dig up the plant's root ball and literally divide it by cutting it into several pieces. Astilbe Growing Tips and Benefits. Astilbes require acidic soil, with a pH ideally below 6.0. \/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. wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. I just bought my first Astilbe plants. One parent plant will typically render 4-5 new transplants. 4. Use a shovel to sever the roots in a circle 8 to 12 inches outward from the base of each astilbe. 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. 1. Please help us continue to provide you with our trusted how-to guides and videos for free by whitelisting wikiHow on your ad blocker. Uncredited photos: Shutterstock. Spread some mulch in a circular pattern around the plant to create a weed barrier, if you wish. If plants dry out, their foliage turns irreversibly brown and crispy, thereby rendering them unsaleable. Astilbe does not do well in full sun—too much sun will cause its leaves to burn. The holes should be about 8 inches deep and 12-24 inches apart. The fireworks of Astilbe plumes will be well worth the wait, I assure you. 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. However, you can expect to see blooms starting in year 2 and onward! Lauren Kurtz is a Naturalist and Horticultural Specialist. Moving and dividing the bulbs remains integral to growing daffodils, well worth getting the hang of. If there are 5 or more clumps, then now is a good time to divide. 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. Once autumn and winter roll around, the light patterns will change. The plume-like flowers bloom in colors such as pink, red, peach, white, lavender and purple. Botanical Name: Astilbe. Plants should never be allowed to dry out. We’re going to talk about how you can take that one parent plant you bought at the nursery and transform it into as many baby plants as your heart desires. Lauren has worked for Aurora, Colorado managing the Water-Wise Garden at Aurora Municipal Center for the Water Conservation Department. For more information on dividing astilbe plants, read on. Dividing Astilbe Plants. Special Features & Videos on Astilbes . 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. We occasionally link to goods offered by vendors to help the reader find relevant products. In the spring, you may choose to fertilize with a mix that has a lower nitrogen (N) ratio with higher levels of phosphorus (P) and potassium (K). The large plumes of frothy flowers arrive … By using our site, you agree to our. By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy. Another common name is false goat's beard. This means that you dig up the plant's root ball and literally divide it by cutting it into several pieces. Dividing your astilbe should be done in late summer or early autumn. Even after the flowers fade in summer, many gardeners leave them on the plant for the attractive seed heads. 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. She earned a BA in Environmental and Sustainability Studies from Western Michigan University in 2014. The addition of organic matter (leaf mold, compost, well-rotted manure) benefits all gardens and is … They grow up to 5 feet (1.5 m) tall and they can multiply quickly, so it is important to divide your astilbe regularly. Feathery, bright white plumes are held above rich, glossy green foliage in summer. The Astilbe look best when mass-planted, and are ideal for surrounding ponds, or naturalizing in a wild garden. Special Features & Videos on Astilbes . The Astilbe look best when mass-planted, and are ideal for surrounding ponds, or naturalizing in a wild garden. Zones: 4-9 If you need to add some pizzazz to your shade garden, astilbe should be at the top of your planting list. 8. Will not thrive in soils that dry out. If you are dividing in spring, do it when new spring growth stands just a few inches (5 to 10 cm.) This article was co-authored by Lauren Kurtz. Avoid areas with poor drainage. 9 Steps for Dividing your Astilbe. Astilbe, like many perennials, can be divided if the root clump gets too large. Gently separate the clumps … Measure a diameter of approximately 12-16 inches around the plant (or for a quick measure, you can use a 5-gallon bucket to get the right diameter), and mark it. Amend the soil in advance, as required. Astilbe japonica. Astilbe grows best in partial shade in the warmer seasons, but it can tolerate full sun. 3. Astilbe Transplanting. Some of these links may be affiliate in nature, meaning we earn small commissions if items are purchased. Dividing Astilbe Plants. We know ads can be annoying, but they’re what allow us to make all of wikiHow available for free. Imagine digging out the roots in the shape of a generous salad bowl, with plenty of soil intact to avoid damaging the root structure. To divide your plant, you need to carefully dig up the whole root ball getting as many of the roots as possible. Last Updated: March 29, 2019 Be careful not to harm the root ball as you do this. Have you ever divided your Astilbe? See our TOS for more details. above the soil. 1. The eyes will have small shoots growing from them, like a forgotten potato that starts to sprout after a few weeks. You want the top of the transplant, where the eyes are emerging, to be facing up towards the sky and placed about 1 inch below the soil’s surface. We use cookies to make wikiHow great. Any rhizomes showing signs of mold, rot, or decay should be discarded. See how RHS can give expert advice on growing, feeding, pruning and propagating plants. Astilbe hybrids are clump-forming perennials that form mounds of dark green, ferny foliage. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. One single plant can turn your backyard (if it’s shady enough!) Let the water settle in for a bit. Water the area around the plant that you are planning to divide, to loosen the soil. . Wait to divide the rhizomes until after the plants have finished flowering. Colors vary from white to dark shades of purple and pink. into a charming oasis bathed in lavish plumes and lacy foliage. Allow me to introduce you to the magic of the perennial, shade loving, Astilbe. Astilbes are valuable in moist shade for long-lasting color. Alexis once managed a sizable CSA operation in Valley Center, Kansas, and her specialization is in growing high quality organic vegetables. However, in a border context, best practice would be to lift and divide astilbe clumps every three or four years. How to Move. They have fern-like foliage and colorful flowers ranging from pink to red or white. above the soil. Find specific plants with our Plant Finder & Plant Selector. 9. Performs best in evenly moist soil. There are some plants that will not top six inches while others may finish their season at a whopping four feet tall – buyer beware! This … Astilbe prefer fertile soil and will not prosper in chalky soils. 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. 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. The holes should be about 8 inches deep and 12-24 inches apart. This will help improve drainage, which is essential to the healthy growth of astilbes. Flower spikes 15 to 18 inches tall, foliage to 10 inches high. References. There are few greater joys than beautifying our gardens. You can transplant most flowers, including astilbe, whenever you want to give them more advantageous positions in the garden. Water in the transplants with a good soak. 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”). Photo by: Gabriela Beres / Shutterstock. She holds a BA in English literature with a minor in horticultural sciences from Clemson University, and she loves to read, write, and garden. She earned a BA in Environmental and Sustainability Studies from Western Michigan University in 2014. The optimal time to divide specific perennials is denoted by (S) for spring and (F) for early fall. 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. How to divide perennials. Repeat this process for each of the astilbe plants you want to divide. Astilbe can tolerate sun, but only if the soil is moist. Now that you’ve decided on the optimal location for your freshly divided Astilbe, let’s talk division and multiplication! Keep soil moist in spring and summer. Now plant those fresh transplants into the holes you previously dug, and gently cover with soil. Astilbe, like many perennials, can be divided if the root clump gets too large. Heavy feeders, astilbe prefer spring fertilization. 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. Sun Requirements: Full to partial shade. Clear away any debris or old plant material from the top of the parent plant with your hands. Create a “donut” shape around the new plant. 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. Here is more about what we do. Lauren has worked for Aurora, Colorado managing the Water-Wise Garden at Aurora Municipal Center for the Water Conservation Department. Special Plant Features & Tips. 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. Addition of sulfur pellets is useful in increasing the acidity of the soil. 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. Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 15,379 times. If your plants have naturalised beside water they are probably best left well alone. Thanks for informative diagrams.". Your newly transplanted Astilbe are not likely to bloom in their first growing season. If you are dividing in the fall, cut the plant back to about six inches (15 cm.) Let the water settle in for a bit. Addition of compost will also increase the content of essential organic matte… Wait until after the current blooms have died, dividing them on a cool early fall day. Their foliage also varies from greenish bronze to dark green, depending on the cultivar and the soil’s available nutrients. Divide … They can be used for cut flowers, but they are probably best if left in the yard where … Make sure to locate the plants in light to moderate shade. Divide or plant in early spring or by mid-September. Increase watering as the foliage emerges and plumes mature. How did it go? Heavy flowering selection is excellent for use as an edging plant and in foreground plantings. Thank you for this! And while many perennials can be divided in either early spring or early fall, some are very picky. 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. A boggy soil next to a pond or stream is ideal. Move over, ferns and hostas. 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. You may also divide the astilbe in the fall as long as the temperatures are cool. 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. Astilbes do best when they are divided about every three years. Soil requirements: Moisture-retentive, acidic soil. You don’t want to water the pots much during the winter while they are dormant, but try not to let them get so dry that the roots shrivel. Beds and borders, Cottage/Informal, Waterside. The best gifts are unexpected! I have been wanting them for years and now we have the room! GARDENER'S PATH® IS A REGISTERED TRADEMARK OF ASK THE EXPERTS LLC. Plan to divide in the spring. Astilbe require frequent irrigation. Astilbe spp. Taking some extra time to divide and thereby multiply the Astilbe in your garden beds is worth it. With additional writing and editing by Mike Quinn and Allison Sidhu. Since astilbe plants thrive in partial to full shade, choose a suitable planting spot in your backyard. Dig holes for the new transplants. 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. Astilbe produces an attractive mound of glossy, fernlike foliage topped with delicate plumes of colorful flowers. You may also divide the astilbe in the fall as long as the temperatures are cool. 6. Filtered sun. Astilbe are shade-tolerant plants with average moisture needs. Astilbe plants require rich fertile soil that remains permanently moist, even in the height of summer. 5. Dividing & Transplanting needs: Astilbe will spread over time. Plant in moist, fertile, humus-rich soil in full sun or partial shade. 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. It’s perfect for growing towards the front of … If you really can’t stand to see another ad again, then please consider supporting our work with a contribution to wikiHow. I am now comfortable to try it. Bloom time: Early to midsummer. This article was co-authored by Lauren Kurtz. 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 When dividing perennials, timing and technique are important. Without regular divisions, astilbe may wither from overcrowding. 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. The most critical growing factor for Astilbe is water. Alexis Morin is an avid gardener who resides on and manages a horse ranch in north Texas. Astilbe arendsii Fanal - dark red, 26” tall Astilbe arendsii Sister Theresa - salmon-pink, 24” tall Astilbe arendsii Snowdrift - white, 26” tall Astilbe chinensis Visions - purple-red, 14” tall Astilbe chinensis Visions in Pink - deep pink, 24” tall Astilbe japonica Rheinland - rose-pink, 24” tall {"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":"