Content
Lacy greenery with bright panicles of flowers is found in all climatic zones of Russia. Its hardiness and ease of care attract gardeners. To achieve its lush flowering, you need to know how to properly transplant astilbe to a new place.
The bright color of astilbe varieties allows you to create interesting combinations in the landscape
Why do you need to replant astilbe?
The astilbe bush grows and blooms without replanting for decades. During the long growing season, the rhizome rises above the ground. There is a threat of it burning out in the summer, rotting from increased moisture, and frostbite without snow cover.
Over time, the soil structure becomes depleted and changes - the roots suffer from oxygen and mineral starvation. Without transplantation, the inflorescences become smaller and their number decreases. Greenery loses volume and attractiveness.
The root system of the bush increases by an average of 4-5 cm per year, which makes it difficult for astilbe to grow in dense group plantings. It is recommended to replant the flower after 3-4 years.
When can astilbe be replanted?
The perennial is carried around the site throughout the growing season. This does not always happen without loss. Favorable timing depends on the climatic conditions of the region. You can transplant astilbe to another place:
- in early spring, when the growth buds swell;
- in the summer, however, experienced gardeners advise waiting until the flower releases at least 6 buds, observing the replanting rule - not to disturb the earthen ball;
- in the fall - after the astilbe has completely faded.
A plant transplanted during these periods adapts faster.
When is it better to replant astilbe: in spring or autumn
The timing depends on the purpose of the process. It is better to transplant astilbe for rejuvenation in the spring. Awakening buds are clearly visible, making it easier to identify healthy segments.
In autumn, you can create compositions from early flowering varieties. They are replanted so that at the very beginning of next summer they can enjoy their lush flowering.
When can you replant astilbe in the spring?
Spring awakening of astilbe during transplantation
Frosts are receding, growth buds are awakening - the plant is ready to be transferred to a site prepared in advance in the fall. Advantages of spring transplantation:
- successful survival;
- rapid growth of the root system;
- budding of mid-flowering and late-flowering species already this season;
- prevention of diseases (strong immunity is developed).
This period is suitable exclusively for heel transplantation.
When to replant astilbe in the fall
The optimal timing is the end of August or the beginning of September. The number of transplants depends on the completion of flowering and weather conditions; the disturbed plant must be given time to take root (at least 1.5 months).
In order for new bushes of early species to bloom at the beginning of the next season, they are also replanted in the fall.
The culture's dormant period is also suitable. You can replant astilbe in the fall, even in October.
When to replant astilbe in the Moscow region
Due to its biological origin, the crop easily adapts to the capricious climate of the Moscow region and is well accepted in fertile soil. You can replant an adult astilbe plant in the Moscow region from spring to autumn.
If the weather was warm and the snow melted early, then the bush is ready for replanting at the end of April. In a normal spring, they begin to move astilbe from the first days of May, the main thing is that its new location matches the variety.
You can also transplant astilbe to another place in the fall at different times. It is dug up at the end of August or beginning of September. If the ground has not frozen yet and the air temperature has not dropped below +5C, then October is also a good time.
When replanting, experienced gardeners follow the lunar calendar. For better rooting, it is necessary to plant the crop in the ground on the waxing moon and in a fertile zodiac sign.
Astilbe replanting in October should occur in the waning phase so that the roots do not start to grow.
When can astilbe be transplanted to a new location in the regions?
For the selection of cultivated varieties, wild species inhabiting the forests of North America and the Pacific Islands are used.Thanks to this, hybrids successfully decorate gardens and parks in the northern regions, central Russia and southern Russia.
The timing of astilbe transplantation in the fall in Siberia and the Urals completely depends on the weather. Considering the early onset of frost, the optimal period is considered to be the end of August and the first week of September. Only then will the transplanted flower take root fully.
Spring planting in the northern regions is possible when the air warms up to +10OC, usually at the end of May. If the spring is prolonged, replanting may be delayed until early June. This circumstance will delay flowering or even push it back to the next season. If there is no urgent need, then it is better to change the location of the astilbe in the fall.
In the mild climate of the south, an adult astilbe plant is most often transplanted in April so that the adaptation period ends before the onset of heat. When replanting in the fall, October is the ideal time.
How to transplant astilbe to a new place
Astilbe is an unpretentious flower. It will grow in any corner of the garden. But in order to see the fullness of the colors and enjoy them longer, you need to replant the astilbe correctly.
Site selection and soil preparation
The location on the site depends on the type and variety; they are all shade-loving and moisture-loving. The diffused light of large trees is an ideal shelter from scorching rays, but at the same time, species of light shades prefer more illuminated areas.
The best neighbors for transplanted astilbe will be ornamental trees and shrubs, since fruit trees take up a lot of moisture.
Astilbe serves as decoration for the root zone of large trees
The plant feels great along the banks of reservoirs and wetlands, near fences and buildings.
Original astilbe as a border
The soil is preferably loamy, fertilized with humus, slightly acidic. Alkali in the ground is neutralized with dolomite flour and ash. Only the next season can you transplant the astilbe to this new place. Heavy soils are diluted with sand, peat or compost at the rate of 10 kg/m2.
When groundwater is close to the groundwater, drainage is placed in the planting holes, protecting the rhizome from rotting. If moisture is not retained and the soil dries out quickly, it is advisable to put a hydrogel at the bottom; it will retain water and release it to the plant at the right time.
Hydrogel and drainage – reliable protection
The holes are not deep, about 20 cm. This way, the transplanted astilbe will have room to grow roots upward. The diameter depends on the size of the root system; the hole should be 5 cm wider.
The top layer of soil dug out of the hole is mixed with rotted manure, a glass of ash and 20 g of mineral fertilizer. The seedling is then covered with this mixture.
How to dig and prepare astilbe bushes
The plant has to be moved in different cases, so the replanting methods also differ.
Methods and their implementation:
- Transshipment – used for emergency transplantation.
Carefully dig up near the bush at a distance of 15-20 cm from the stems, remove the earthen lump and transfer it to a previously prepared place. Carefully place it in the hole so that the soil does not crumble, otherwise the suction roots will be damaged. - Complete soil replacement – used when replanting an adult astilbe plant to another place, rejuvenating the bush by dividing the rhizome into separate segments.
Dig up a flower, shake off the soil, rinse the roots with water. Using a sharp sterile knife, cut them into sections with 5-6 buds. Treat the cuts with crushed charcoal or soak them in a solution of potassium permanganate. - Partial transplant. In early spring, without digging up the bush completely, several renewal buds with roots are separated. This segment is also called the “heel”. Treat both cuts with ash. The mother root is buried. Cut off - planted in another place.
Dividing the root into segments should be done very carefully, using sharply sharpened instruments.
If astilbe was purchased in a retail chain and was stored in peat soil:
- The roots are thoroughly cleaned before planting;
- placed for a day in any growth stimulator, for example, Kornevin;
- washed in a pink solution of potassium permanganate.
And only then are the divisions transplanted into the ground.
Transplant algorithm
The transplantation process itself is not complicated and is performed in several steps.
Stages | Necessary actions |
Selecting a location | Shaded, humidified |
Soil preparation | Digging, weed removal, fertilization |
Working with a landing hole | Place drainage or hydrogel (if necessary) at the bottom of the hole, fill it to the middle with soil, and pour water |
Planting rhizomes | Place in a hole so that the growth buds are located 5 cm below ground level, straighten the roots, cover with soil, filling all cavities, compact |
Final works | Water thoroughly, mulch with a layer of 5 cm |
Mulch will prevent the soil from drying out and the rapid spread of weeds. When transplanting several bushes, it is necessary to maintain an interval of 30–40 cm.
Mulching is an important stage of care
Caring for astilbe after transplantation
The versatility of the flower does not require special attention other than regular watering, especially in the first year after transplantation. Annual fertilizing with organomineral fertilizers will maintain the nutritional balance in the soil. Timely removal of weeds and mulching will prevent the roots from drying out. Sheltering for the winter in a harsh climate will protect the astilbe from freezing.
Conclusion
Replanting astilbe is not difficult if you listen to the advice of knowledgeable people. She is not picky and takes root easily. Proper transplantation will extend its life and flowering for a long time.
