Content
Astilbe Luk et Mi amazes not only with its unusual flowers, but also with its amazing characteristics. This plant belongs to the saxifrage family, is distinguished by beautiful flowers and ease of care.
Astilbe blooms beautifully and is easy to care for
Description of astilbe Luk et Mi
Herbaceous perennials always attract the attention of gardeners. Japanese astilbe was no exception. It got its name because of the characteristics 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 Onion et Mi is the most decorative.
The variety is distinguished by openwork glossy leaves
Its uniqueness lies in its bright contrasts. Leaves of a rich green hue appear on dark red, almost burgundy stems. The main difference of the variety is the presence of glossy leaves. They have a feathery shape and resemble elegant openwork lace.
Astilbe Look at Me is a compact plant, its height does not exceed 50-60 cm. The bush is quite spreading and prone to rapid growth.Prefers shaded areas with moderate amounts of light. The perennial needs protection from the scorching midday rays of the sun. The variety is striking in its resistance to frost (up to – 34 °C).
Features of flowering
Astilbe (Astilbe Look at Me) belongs to the late flowering group, since gardeners can admire the unusually beautiful flowers in July-August. Dried flower stalks do not lose their attractiveness; they can not be cut off 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 feeding. This period is especially important for budding. It is imperative to apply fertilizers rich in potassium.
The flowers are shaped like fluffy panicles
Application in design
Due to its high decorative properties, Luk et Mee astilbe is widely used in landscape design. Plants are planted in mono-beds or mixed flower beds, against the backdrop of lawns. They look impressive in the foreground of shrubs shaped like a hedge. Astilbe Luk et Me 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 highlight its original beauty.
Astilbe Luk et Mi is planted in flower beds, flower beds, lawns
Reproduction methods
There are 3 main methods of propagating Astilbe Luk et Mi, each of which has its own characteristics and results:
- Dividing the bush. The most effective and popular method among gardeners. A strong, healthy astilbe bush, Onion et Mi, is dug out of the ground in early March, the leaves are removed and cut into cuttings (from 3 to 5 buds remain on each). Dead parts of the root system are carefully cut off, and the cuttings themselves are planted in the soil at intervals of 30 cm and provided with daily watering.
Most often, astilbe 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 film. Astilbe 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 used extremely rarely. Hybrid varieties do not pass on their characteristic characteristics to their 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, you need to choose a suitable place for astilbe Luk et Mi. Sparse shade is most suitable for it, so it can be planted 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, since astilbe Luk et Mi loves moisture. Even a short-term drought can cause irreparable harm to it.The soil must be dug up, then fertilizers (rotted manure, decomposed peat or compost) are added to it.
The landing scheme is quite simple:
- It is necessary to dig a planting hole of such volume that the branched rhizomes of astilbe can freely fit in it.
- Mix the soil with organic fertilizers (you can easily choose the right ones in specialized stores).
- If the soil dries out too quickly, you can additionally add hydrogel.
- Planting material is placed in the hole (the growing 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 on top and compacted.
- Astilbe seedlings Luk et Me, 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 sticking out.
- A so-called watering circle must be formed near the astilbe, which allows you to retain moisture in the ground. The soil is moistened every other day. This regime is followed until the plant takes root completely.
Aftercare
For astilbe Luk et Mi, regular watering is very important. The soil is kept constantly moist. If the plant could not be planted in the shade, water will help to significantly reduce the negative impact of 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 interferes with the ventilation of the roots.
The soil around the bush must be loosened regularly
For full growth and flowering, Astilbe Luk et Mi requires a beneficial nutrient medium. Systematic feeding will help ensure this.Gardeners use organic components because astilbe does not tolerate mineral fertilizers very well. Organic fertilizers completely replenish the flower's needs for 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.
Preparing for winter
Astilbe Look at Me is frost-resistant and can withstand fairly low temperatures (down to -30 °C and below) without loss. 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.
In the autumn, when the flower stalks of Astilbe Luk et Mi fall off, they are carefully trimmed. 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
Astilbe Luk et Me is resistant to common diseases. Among the pests, only aphids, slobbering pennies or snails can be dangerous for it, but they can be easily gotten rid of using a strong solution of laundry soap or common industrial preparations.
Most often, astilbe is attacked by aphids.
With excessive watering, root rot can develop, but viral diseases can be introduced along with low-quality planting material.
Conclusion
Astilbe Luk et Me is a very beautiful compact plant that is easy to grow in the garden. She does not require special conditions, but she will reward you for a comfortable living environment with abundant, luxurious flowering that will delight the eye for a long time.In addition, Luk et Mi astilbe flowers are often used as dead wood to decorate a room.
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