My Astilbe


on Thursday, June, 17 2010 @ 01:50:22 pm (449 words)
In General [ 14540 views ]

Astilbe "Visions" far shot
Astilbe "Visions" close shot

My Astilbe, cultivar Visions, is continuing to do quite well. My Astilbe was a gift from my Aunt. One day as I was visiting, she pointed to the Astilbe in her garden and asked me if I would like to have it. I said yes without hesitating and we dug it up and I brought it home with me.

Astilbes grow well in light to moderate shade; in cooler climates they might do well in a an area with part sun. I had planned on creating a border garden on the other side of the drive. Since there are large trees on that side of the drive, I was going to create a shade garden. I started with hostas; however, the voles soon devoured them and I had to salvage what was left and relocate them to the side garden. When my Aunt gave me the Astilbe, I planted it on the other side of the drive in the planned shade garden. The first year, even though I kept it watered, it die back to the ground. Full grown oak trees can really suck the water from the ground and my Astilbe just could not compete.

I was surprised when the next spring I saw my Astilbe come to life. Again I worked to keep it watered, however, once again it died back to the ground. I was sure that it was over for my Astilbe this time. I was really surprised to see the Astible sprout the following spring and I decided that I needed to relocate it. One day I got the spade and dug up the Astilbe with a generous root ball and plopped it down beside the Azalea bush in the front garden with the intention of finding a new location later. Later never came and my Astilbe did quite well beside the Azalea, actually continuing to grow and bloom. Since my Astilbe liked living beside the Azalea bush, that is where I left it. Last year I did moved it over slighly so it would not be so much under the Azalea as it was.

Astilbes are easy to grow in the home garden. They prefer light to moderate shade with moist soil but avoid areas that stand in water. A good indication of an area that will stay too wet is if you see puddles still standing five hours after a heavy rain. If you still want to plant in the area, raise the level of the soil first. Astilbe "Visions" will reach a height of 38 to 46 cm (15 to 18 in.) with a similar spread. Astilbes are hardy zones 3 to 8 with a soil ph range of 5.5 to 6.5.


2 comments

Comment from: Kelli [Visitor]
KelliWOW! What a great job you have done with this plant - it’s absolutely beautiful
06/18/10 @ 08:39
Comment from: kimberly [Member]  
KimmyThank you Kelli.
06/18/10 @ 10:10

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