Container Grown Astilbe - Tips On Growing Astilbe In Pots

If you want to grow more than one astilbe, look for a larger container. Fill the container with a good quality commercial potting mix, or create your own with a combination of organic material such as peat, compost, composted bark chips, perlite or sand. Be sure the container has at least one drainage hole.

Can you grow astilbe in container?

DRESS UP A SHADY PATIO: Compact astilbe varieties grow very well in containers. They can be planted on their own or be mixed with shade tolerant annuals and other perennials. Locate the container in a shady spot and water regularly to ensure the soil never gets completely dry.

How fast does astilbe spread?

Most astilbes spread easily, so divide your plants every 3 to 5 years to prevent overcrowding and to keep them vigorous and healthy.

How do you keep astilbe blooming all summer?

The trick to extending astilbe plant bloom time is to install a variety of cultivars from each blooming period. Consider the varieties “Europa” (pale pink), “Avalanche” (white), or Fanal (deep red) if you want astilbe with late spring or early summer bloom time.

Will astilbe bloom first year?

Even a small plant will quickly fill out and perform well in its first year. In hot, dry climates, they need to be planted in the shade and/or given plenty of water. Different varieties will bloom anywhere from mid-spring to late summer.

Do astilbe come back every year?

Astilbe is a shade-loving perennial that produces soft, feathery plumes of color. Blooming in spring, its foliage remians throughout the season to help keep the garden bed looking full and fresh.

Are astilbe poisonous to dogs?

Astilbe may be some of the taller plants in your perennial shade garden, as they grow to heights between 2 and 5 feet. ... This is one of the easier-to-grow shade perennials since it requires minimal care beyond basic watering. Both astilbe and yellow corydalis are non-toxic to dogs.

Do astilbe bloom more than once?

Astilbes bloom between late spring and late summer. They flower over a fairly long season since each flower plume consists of hundreds of densely packed tiny flowers, opening in succession. However, they do not all flower at the same time and are classified with a blooming time, ranging from Early to Late season.

How long do astilbe flowers last?

They bloom for 2 to 3 weeks. Depending on the variety, astilbes flower from early to late summer. Early blooming varieties begin to flower in late May or June while late bloomers begin in late July or early August.

Should I deadhead Astilbe?

Deadheading astilbe won't encourage new flowers, so you should leave them in place through the fall. Eventually, the flowers will dry on the stalks but should stay in place. When winterizing astilbe plants, you can cut all the foliage off, leaving just a 3-inch (7.5 cm) stem above ground.

Should astilbe be cut back after blooming?

After blooming has finished for the season, feel free to clip off any spent flower stems. Your astilbes will continue to provide attractive foliage until fall. After the first frost, the leaves may yellow; trim leaves if you wish and fresh growth will come next spring.

Does astilbe multiply?

Astilbe are shade-tolerant plants with average moisture needs. They have fern-like foliage and colorful flowers ranging from pink to red or white. They grow up to 5 feet (1.5 m) tall and they can multiply quickly, so it is important to divide your astilbe regularly.

What can I plant near Astilbe?

There are quite a few plants that meet these astilbe companion planting qualifications. Rhododendrons, azaleas, and hostas all prefer shade and grow in a very wide range of hardiness zones.
...
Ideas for Astilbe Companion Plants

Ferns.
Japanese and Siberian iris.
Trilliums.
Impatiens.
Ligularia.
Cimicifuga.

Why are my astilbe not blooming?

Soil and Moisture – Although astilbe prefers organic, well-drained, acidic soil, it's important that the plant is relatively moisture retentive. ... Fertilizer – Astilbe plants are heavy feeders and may not bloom without adequate nutrition; this is a common reason for an astilbe not flowering.

When can I divide astilbe?

You can also divide the plant (digging a piece out with a shovel) in early spring or fall, but not before the third year. Dividing your astilbes is healthy for the plant and encourages growth, and divided plants will look exactly like the original plant.

Why did my astilbe flowers turn brown?

The most common cause of browning astilbe is poor conditions. Astilbe thrive in moist conditions with soil that drains well and partial shade. ... Use mulch to keep water in the soil but avoid soggy soil. Even if your plants have been browned by drought, keep watering, as they may come back healthy next year.

What perennials should not be cut back in the fall?

Don't cut back marginally hardy perennials like garden mums (Chrysanthemum spp.), anise hyssop (Agastache foeniculum), red-hot poker (Kniphofia uvaria), and Montauk daisy (Nipponanthemum nipponicum).

Is Creeping Jenny dog safe?

A nontoxic ground cover that grows well in part shade, creeping Jenny (Lysimachia nummularia) features petite, rounded leaves that turn golden with some sunlight, but will still be striking in shade.

What plants are dangerous to dogs?

The 16 Most Common Poisonous Plants for Dogs

#1 Sago Palm. These ornamental palms are popular in warmer climates and every part of it is toxic to dogs. ...
#2 Tomato Plant. With summer comes tomato plants in the garden. ...
#3 Aloe Vera. ...
#4 Ivy. ...
#5 Amaryllis. ...
#6 Gladiola. ...
#7 American Holly. ...
#8 Daffodil.

Are dahlias safe for dogs?

Dahlia: Another beautiful flower that ranks among the plants toxic to dogs and cats are dahlias. Although not as high in toxicity as some of the other plants mentioned, this flower will cause your pet to experience mild gastrointestinal signs and mild dermatitis.

How do you take care of Astilbe?

All astilbes, even the more drought-tolerant varieties, prefer cool, moist soil rich in organic matter. Keep the soil evenly damp but not soggy, especially during the winter when plants are dormant. Avoid planting in heavy clay soils and sites with poor drainage.