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Japanese Astilba is an unpretentious frost-resistant ornamental culture that is very popular among gardeners and summer residents. The plant easily tolerates high humidity, therefore it prefers areas with a rarefied shadow, located near lakes, rivers and artificial reservoirs. The culture is used to decorate flower beds, home gardens, to create hedges and divide the territory.
General description of the Japanese astilba
More than three hundred varieties of astilba are known, divided into 12 groups (undersized, fringed, Lemoine hybrids, simple-leaved, pink and others). Astilbe japonica is a perennial herbaceous crop belonging to the Saxifrage family. Differs in compact size, bright dense inflorescences and shiny glossy leaves that enhance the decorative qualities of the plant. Japanese astilba hybrids have predominantly dense inflorescences of various colors. There are nondescript pastel, carmine red, lilac, cream and pink panicles.
The best varieties of Japanese astilba
Botanists count more than 300 astilba varieties, and this number is increasing. There are Chinese, Korean, Japanese, whole-leaved, naked and curly astilbes. There are 4 groups depending on height (from dwarf to large) and 4 varieties that differ in the shape of inflorescences (from pyramidal to paniculate and rhombic). Belonging to the variety affects the decorative qualities, stress resistance indicators and other factors.
Vesuvius
Astilbe Japanese Vesuvius grows up to 60 cm in height and up to 40 cm in width. Differs in strong, thin and branched stems with dark green leaves and rich carmine-red flowers with a memorable pleasant aroma. Flowering begins in June and lasts almost until the end of summer. For this variety, nutritious slightly acidic soils, moistened and loosened, are best suited.
The Vesuvius variety is resistant to diseases and pests, therefore it does not require special care.
Washington (Washington)
The main bush reaches 45 cm in height, flower stalks – up to 65 cm and above. The leaves are light green in color with openwork outlines. It is a culture in demand among designers due to its unpretentiousness and snow-white loose inflorescences of stunning beauty.
The intense pronounced aroma of the Washington variety resembles the fragrance of bird cherry.
Montgomery
Astilba japanese Montgomery is distinguished by lush blood-red inflorescences. Leaves on brown stems change color depending on the season: from brownish-burgundy in spring to dark green in summer. The height of erect peduncles reaches 68 cm.
Flowering variety Montgomery begins in the second half of July and lasts about two weeks
Red Sentinel (Red Sentinel)
Astilba Japanese Red Sentinel was bred by Dutch breeders. Chunky bushes reach 0,5 meters in height. Leaves are red-brown. With the onset of summer, the color changes to a matte green.
The peduncles of the Red Sentinel variety are large, dark red
They are characterized by pink-white sepals and bluish anthers.
Ellie
Astilba Japanese Ellie has the whitest inflorescences in comparison with all other varieties. An adult bush reaches 60 cm in height. Flowering begins in mid-summer. After withering, the panicles do not change their color to brown, remaining green.
Flowering variety Elli lasts from mid-July to the second half of August
Elizabeth Van Veen
Astilbe japanese Elizabeth Van Veen prefers shady areas where it can grow up to 60 cm in height.
In case of excess sunlight, the height of the Elizabeth Van Veen shrub will not exceed 40 cm
In spring, the fringed leaves take on a rich brown-red hue. In summer they turn green. Peduncles – brown, purple-lilac or purple-crimson.
Deutschland
Astilbe Japanese Deutschland reaches 60 cm in height. Bushes – sprawling, but at the same time maintaining compactness.
Deutschland is distinguished by medium-dense white inflorescences up to 20 cm long.
The buds open in the first days of June and fade after 19-20 days. Before flowering, their color becomes a rich cream shade.
Dusseldorf
Astilbe japanese Düsseldorf rarely reaches more than 45-50 cm in height.
Differs in large inflorescences with a rich dark pink hue and light green leaves. Flowering usually begins in July and lasts until the end of summer.
Variety Dusseldorf tolerates an abundance of sunlight only with frequent watering.
Rhineland
Medium-sized Japanese astilba reaches a height of 70 cm. It is distinguished by large inflorescences with pyramidal carmine-pink panicles, shiny green-bronze foliage with an openwork edging.
The Rhineland variety develops best when planted near water bodies.
The plant begins to bloom in mid-July. Flowering lasts approximately three weeks.
Bonn
Astilba Japanese Bonn is a perennial herbaceous rhizome ornamental culture, which is distinguished by a straight crown, compact size and dense inflorescences of a dark carmine hue.
An adult plant reaches 60 cm in height
Differs in high stress resistance and good survival rate. Feels best in the shade of trees next to hosta, aquilegia and ferns.
Europe
The maximum height of the peduncles of this spreading variety is 0,5 meters. The tripartite leaves are dark green, the inflorescences have a light pink hue. Thick, lush, without a pronounced smell. Buds begin to set in late spring, the main flowering period is July. If you prune the bush at the end of August, it will retain its shape until the onset of frost.
Variety Europe easily tolerates stagnant humidity and excess sunlight.
Astilbe variety Japanese Europe has a strong resemblance to Peach Blossom. In order to distinguish one from the other, you need to look at the inflorescences – in Europe they are rhombic in shape, and in Peach Blossom they are paniculate.
Rock and Roll (Rock and Roll)
Astilbe Japanese Rock and Roll is distinguished by reddish straight stems and inflorescences collected in snow-white panicles. The color of the flowers varies from pinkish-white to red-lilac. The leaves have a rich green color with bluish hues. In height, an adult plant reaches 62 cm. It prefers fertilized clay-dung soil.
Rock and Roll is suitable for growing in containers.
Blooms from mid-summer for 30-40 days.
Bronzelaub
The variety was bred by Dutch breeders. An adult plant reaches 62 cm in height. The leaves are purple, bronze-green, the diamond-shaped inflorescences are pinkish-red.
Bronzlaub blooms from mid-July for 2-3 weeks
The optimal conditions for growing this variety are a shaded area with fertile, moist soil and a high level of groundwater. In case of too hot weather conditions and an abundance of sunlight, the flowering time can be greatly reduced.
Country and Western (Country and Western)
Country & Western is distinguished by large fluffy and very dense diamond-shaped inflorescences with rich hot pink, red-violet and lilac color.
Country and Western is one of the compact varieties, the growth of an adult culture usually does not exceed 50-60 cm
Thanks to the glossy dark green doubly pinnate leaves, the bush has a spectacular and presentable appearance both during and after flowering.
Chocolate Shogun
Astilbe Japanese Chocolate Shogun is very popular.
The decorativeness of the culture lies in the dark glossy leaves that retain a rich burgundy-brown hue throughout the year.
Inflorescences are creamy pink. Flowering begins in July and lasts until mid-August.
Cologne
Herbaceous perennial reaches a height of 55-62 cm. Paniculate inflorescences of a rhombic shape are compact, lush, with a pink-raspberry tint. Petals are purple-violet, leaves are green-brown. Variety Cologne is usually planted on the north side of buildings in places with partial shade, protected from the scorching sun.
Astilba Japanese Cologne is considered a frost-resistant and moisture-loving crop
Koblenz
Medium-sized perennial herbaceous plant, reaching a height of 55-60 cm. The leaves are dark green, with small teeth. Small carmine-red flowers are collected in medium dense fluffy paniculate inflorescences. Used to create group and single landings.
Koblenz seedlings do best in semi-shaded areas, but they can thrive in full sun.
Avalanche
Medium-sized perennial ornamental culture with dark green leaves and white inflorescences. Flowers do not have a pronounced aroma. The height of an adult plant is 55 cm.
Variety Avalanche takes root well in areas with sparse shade and high humidity.
Too dry air is detrimental to the culture and adversely affects the development and duration of flowering. It is used for decorative gardening, creating borders, mixborders and lawns.
Bremen
Broadly spreading bushes with small pink-raspberry or purple flowers reach 45-55 cm in height. Inflorescences – lush, paniculate, 12 to 17 cm long. Leaves – complex shape, with jagged edges.
Prefers places with high humidity: areas near fountains, artificial reservoirs, lakes and rivers
Astilba Japanese Bremen is considered a frost-resistant and resistant to diseases and pests variety.
The use of Japanese astilba in design
Astilbe japonica adjoins many ornamental crops: Siberian irises, peonies, tulips, lilies of the valley, Goryanka, bergenia and many others.
Astilba japonica fits perfectly into any flower garden and is combined with various plants in mixborders and lawns
Can be used to create rockeries and landscape compositions
To determine which plan (front or far) to plant a variety, you must first familiarize yourself with the indicators of its bushiness and tallness.
Astilba, planted along the garden path, will play the role of a hedge
With the help of Japanese astilba, you can transform decorative coniferous and mixed plantings.
Planting and caring for Japanese astilba
For open ground, Japanese astilba is better suited than many other herbaceous plants. The culture prefers places with partial shade, since the abundance of direct sunlight adversely affects growth and flowering. The plant is very unpretentious to the soil, however, a site with a high level of groundwater will be optimal. Prolonged drought is detrimental to the culture. The beginning of May is considered the optimal time for landing Japanese astilba. When transplanting in the autumn, you need to have time before the onset of frost. The landing of the Japanese astilba is carried out according to the following algorithm:
- Prepare recesses (up to 26 cm). Fertilizers, complex additives and bone meal are poured into the wells.
- The rhizome of the seedling is cleared of the earth. Dried roots are disposed of with a pruner or a knife with a sharp blade.
- It is recommended to place the seedling in a container filled with water with the addition of a growth stimulator for several hours.
Astilba Japanese needs periodic top dressing, compost, peat, as well as potash and phosphorus fertilizers. Before planting, humus is added to the hole, then it is filled with water. After planting rhizomes with buds, mulching must be performed. Japanese Astilba does not require special care. She only needs regular watering. If the soil dries out, the inflorescences become small, the foliage wilts, the plant acquires a sloppy appearance, which negatively affects its decorative properties.
Japanese Astilbe has adapted well to the winter cold, but temperature fluctuations in early spring pose a serious danger to her. Therefore, a perennial culture must be provided with shelter from spruce branches or other natural materials. The soil between individual plants is mulched and some pine needles are added. Japanese astilba bushes are transplanted every few years. It is not necessary to dig out the entire shrub, it is enough to renew the soil around it by sprinkling sections with ash.
After transplanting, the plant needs abundant watering for two weeks.
Astilba Japanese is a perennial crop that is highly resistant to frost, as well as various diseases and pests. The danger to the plant is represented by gall and strawberry nematodes. Signs of damage are reddish and yellowish-brown spots, limited by veins. The leaves become wrinkled and stiff. Due to the defeat by nematodes, the growth rate of astilba is significantly slowed down and the decorative qualities deteriorate. You can fight nematodes both mechanically (by dividing into several parts with further quarantine for each), and with the help of special preparations (Bassamil, Nematorin or Nematofagin BT).
Heat treatment is a proven folk method of pest control. The affected plants are removed from the soil and immersed for several minutes in a container with water preheated to 50 degrees. After the roots have cooled, they are transplanted into a new substrate.
Conclusion
Japanese Astilbe is one of the most popular ornamental crops. It is unpretentious, resistant to stress and pests, undemanding to care. A perennial plant is able to decorate any garden plot, lawn, border or mixborder.