Contents
Astilba Luk et Mi impresses not only with its unusual flowers, but also with amazing characteristics. This plant belongs to the saxifrage family, is distinguished by beautiful flowers and unpretentious care.
Astilba blooms beautifully and is unpretentious in care.
Description of astilba Look at Mi
Herbaceous perennials always attract the attention of gardeners. Japanese astilbe was no exception. It got its name because of the peculiarities of the leaves: the name literally translates as “without shine”. Astilbe leaf plates are completely matte. There are several varieties of this plant, among which the Japanese Luk et Mi is the most decorative.
The variety is distinguished by openwork glossy leaves.
Its uniqueness lies in its striking contrasts. On dark red, almost burgundy stems, leaves of a rich green hue appear. The main difference between the variety is the presence of glossy leaves. They have a feathery shape and resemble elegant openwork lace.
Astilba Look at Me refers to compact plants, its height does not exceed 50-60 cm. The bush is quite sprawling and prone to rapid growth. Prefers shaded areas with a moderate amount of light. Perennial needs protection from the scorching midday sun. The variety impresses with its resistance to frost (up to -34 ° C).
Features of flowering
Astilbe (Astilbe Look at Me) belongs to the late flowering group, as gardeners can admire unusually beautiful flowers in July-August. Dried flower stalks do not lose their attractiveness, they can not be cut until late autumn. The flowers are collected in separate inflorescences, which are shaped like fluffy panicles.
Their color range is quite wide – from white to salmon and even red. The splendor and abundance of flowering depends on the quality of summer dressings. This period is especially important for budding. Be sure to apply fertilizers rich in potassium.
The flowers are shaped like fluffy panicles.
Application in design
Due to its high decorativeness, Luk et Mi astilba is widely used in landscape design. Plants are planted in mono-flower beds or mixed flower beds, against the backdrop of lawns. They look spectacular in the foreground of shrubs, decorated in the form of a hedge. Astilba Luk et Mi is combined with almost all shade-tolerant plants: hellebore, bergenia, podophyllum. Delicate flowers such as irises, lilies of the valley and tulips will also help to shade its original beauty.
Astilba Luk et Mi is planted in flower beds, flower beds, lawns
Methods of reproduction
There are 3 main breeding methods for astilba Luk et Mi, each of which has its own characteristics and results:
- By dividing the bush. The most effective and popular method among gardeners. A strong, healthy astilbe bush, Luk et Mi, is dug out of the ground in early March, the leaves are removed and cut into cuttings (3 to 5 buds remain on each). The dead parts of the root system are carefully cut off, and the cuttings themselves are planted in the soil with an interval of 30 cm and provide daily watering.
Most often, astilba is propagated by dividing the bush.
- Kidneys. The so-called renewal buds are cut off along with part of the root and must be treated with ash for disinfection. The resulting shoots are placed in a substrate of peat with gravel (in a ratio of 3:1). The top of the container is sealed with foil. Astilba Luk et Mi is transplanted into the garden after six months or a year. The pruning procedure is done in the spring.
- Seeds. This method is rarely used. Hybrid varieties do not transfer their characteristic features to daughter plants. It is necessary to purchase varietal seeds in specialized stores. They are stratified and planted in the same way as the seeds of other plants, but they are not buried in the ground.
Landing algorithm
First, for astilba Luk et Mi, you need to find a suitable place. A rarefied shade is most suitable for her, so it is permissible to plant it under trees. A sufficient amount of soft diffused light will penetrate through their crown, and the scorching rays of the sun will not be able to harm the plant.
A place near the water is also suitable, as the astilba Luk et Mi loves moisture. Even a short-term drought can cause irreparable harm to it. The soil must be dug up, then fertilizers are applied to it (rotted manure, decomposed peat or compost).
The landing pattern is quite simple:
- It is necessary to dig a landing pit of such a volume that the branched rhizomes of astilba can freely fit in it.
- Mix the soil with organic fertilizers (in specialized stores you can easily choose the right ones).
- If the soil dries out too quickly, additional hydrogel can be added.
- Planting material is placed in the pit (the growth point remains above the soil level) and all the roots are carefully straightened so that they do not break off, they are covered with soil from above and compacted.
- Luk et Mi astilba seedlings, which previously grew in pots or containers, must be buried to the same level as in containers. After watering, the soil usually settles, so it is important to check if the roots are peeking out.
- Near the astilba, a so-called watering circle is necessarily formed, which allows you to keep moisture in the ground. The soil is moistened every other day. This mode is followed until the plant takes root completely.
Aftercare
Regular watering is very important for astilba Luk et Mi. The soil is kept constantly moist. If the plant could not be planted in the shade, water will help significantly reduce the negative impact of the open sun. After each moistening, the soil is mulched and loosened so that it does not dry out so quickly, and a dense crust does not form on its surface, which prevents the ventilation of the roots.
The soil around the bush must be regularly loosened
For the full growth and flowering of Astilba Luk et Mi, a beneficial nutrient medium is needed. Systematic top dressing will help to ensure it. Gardeners use organic ingredients, because astilba does not tolerate mineral fertilizers very well. Organic top dressing completely fills the needs of the flower in nutrients, which are necessary for abundant flowering and harmonious growth. Two-year-old astilbes are usually fed with rotted manure or soil based on compost and peat.
Preparation for winter
Astilba Look at Me (Look at Me) is frost-resistant and withstands fairly low temperatures without loss (down to -30 ° C and below). The greatest danger is fraught with spring frosts. During this period, you need to carefully monitor the weather and cover the plants in a timely manner, using spruce branches or non-woven material for this.
In autumn, when the astilbe flower stalks Luk et Mi crumble themselves, they are carefully cut off. In October, they do the same with shoots. The roots do not need special shelter, dry fallen leaves or branches are enough. The main thing is to protect the plant from a sharp jump in temperatures in the spring.
Diseases and pests
Astilba Luk et Mi is resistant to common diseases. Among pests, only aphids, slobbering pennitsa or snails can be dangerous for her, but they are easy to get rid of with a strong solution of laundry soap or common factory preparations.
Most often, astilba is affected by aphids.
With excessive watering, root rot can develop, but viral diseases can be brought along with poor-quality planting material.
Conclusion
Astilba Look et Mi is a very beautiful compact plant that is easy to grow in the garden. She does not require special conditions, but for a comfortable living environment she will thank with abundant, luxurious flowering, which will please the eye for a long time. In addition, Luk et Mi astilba flowers are often used as deadwood to decorate a room.
Reviews about astilba Look at Mi
