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When astilbe does not bloom, it is important for gardeners to know the main reasons for this manifestation. The flower is valued for its lush decorative effect, which pleases the eye throughout the season. After the end of the flowering period, the effectiveness of the spreading bushes does not decrease at all. But perennials are grown in plots precisely for the moment of flowering. In order for astilbe to bloom within the prescribed period, it is necessary to strictly adhere to the requirements of agricultural technology.
The beauty of a flowering plant leaves no one indifferent
Features of astilbe flowering
There are more than 200 varieties and hybrids of perennials. They differ in size, color of inflorescences, and splendor of flowering. A feature of the plant is the duration of flowering. But most of all, gardeners love astilbe because the decorative effect of flowers is enhanced when planted in partial shade. Not many plants can “boast” of such a characteristic.
The bush produces graceful inflorescences even when placed in partial shade
How astilbe blooms
Astilbe inflorescences consist of small openwork flowers. They can have different colors from rich red and lilac to delicate white, pink or blue. The most spectacular appearance is found in drooping inflorescences. If you look at them from afar, they resemble feather dusters. Upon closer examination, it is clear that such an illusion is created by thin petals and stamens.
The flowers resemble fluff and look very delicate
Other species have openwork petals.
Depending on the type of astilbe, the inflorescences can be of different shapes - drooping, paniculate, rhombic, pyramidal. The types can be distinguished by the following parameters:
- With a rhombic shape, the lateral shoots are located at an acute angle to the central branch.
- In the pyramidal one, they are located at a right angle to the central branch and decrease in size towards the apex.
- When the lateral shoots become smaller closer to the top, but extend at an acute angle, this is what the paniculate form looks like.
- Drooping branches have flexible ones.
The main types of astilbe inflorescences are easy to distinguish
The racemose inflorescences of astilbe are quite large, up to 20-30 cm in length. Different colors allow you to choose several species that bloom all summer. Some varieties can bloom with buds of several shades at once.
When and how long does astilbe bloom?
The duration and flowering time of varieties differ. There are species that bloom for no more than a month. Others delight gardeners with their flowering throughout the summer season.
Depending on the flowering period, astilbes begin to bloom in:
- June - early flowering varieties;
- July – medium flowering;
- August or September – late flowering.
The time at which a variety begins to flower also affects the length of the period and growing conditions.June and August astilbes are equally suitable for sunny or shaded places. July varieties require planting in shaded areas due to strong solar activity this month.
Properly selected varieties greatly decorate the site in the summer months
Flowering time depends on the method of planting and replanting the plant. If the perennial is propagated in early spring by dividing the bush, then the first inflorescences will delight the gardener in the fall.
Sexual propagation by seeds provides the longest waiting period. After all the necessary measures with the seedlings, astilbe will bloom only in the third year.
Another method that gardeners use is rooting renewal buds. The future sprout is planted in the spring and transferred to open ground the next year, also in the spring. The perennial will bloom in the summer of the year of planting.
What determines the flowering of astilbe
The most important stage in the life of a plant depends on several conditions - place, variety, condition of the plant, growing conditions. Of these, the most significant are heat and moisture.
For a perennial, you need to wisely choose the place where it will grow. Astilbe loves high temperatures and good watering. But, if the flower does not feel well in the sun, then you will have to transplant it into partial shade. Then flowering will resume. Many gardeners plant the plant in a place where groundwater is close and there is natural shading (trees).
List of reasons why astilbe grows poorly and does not bloom
To ensure that the plant does not stop blooming luxuriantly every year, you need to know the reasons that prevent this. Among the main factors that cause astilbe to bloom poorly are:
- characteristics of the variety;
- condition of the root system;
- diseases and pests;
- violations of planting and care rules;
- plant age.
Each nuance can cause a lack of flowering. If the cause is eliminated on time and correctly, the bush will bloom again.
After eliminating any of the problems, the grateful plant again pleases with its flowering
Varietal features
An important nuance that flower growers need to know is that not all varieties bloom in the first year of life. You should find out the characteristics of the variety so as not to panic in advance.
The second subtlety relates to the growing conditions of the variety. Many gardeners are confident that lush flowering can be achieved with slight shading of astilbe. However, there are species that do not develop well in the shade - Bergkrystal, Gloria, Weiss pearl.
The third feature concerns the flowering period. It is simply impossible to wait for the inflorescences of a late-flowering species in June. Therefore, you should find out in advance all the varietal characteristics of the plant, especially the flowering time of astilbe.
Age of flowers
Astilbe grows in one place for up to 10 years. Experienced gardeners advise not to leave the plant for so long without replanting. Otherwise, the lush flowering stops, and the bush becomes less decorative. To maintain the effectiveness of the perennial, it should be replanted after 4 years. This is due to the rapid growth of the root system, for which there is little space, and it comes to the surface. In this state, the plant stops opening its buds.
Weather
The plant does not tolerate overheating of the upper part of the rhizome and loss of moisture. Therefore, in very dry and hot periods of the year, astilbe does not bloom without watering. Also, the burning sun can cause budding to stop. Without rain and in the sun, the bush may die. The salvation in this case will be high-quality mulching of the soil with a layer of at least 5 cm.
Violation of landing rules
When planting a plant, it is necessary to comply with the requirements of the variety. If you violate any of the points, the astilbe stops flowering. The main attention should be paid to:
- Degree of illumination. A correctly chosen location for the species will provide ideal conditions for the development of the perennial.
- Soil composition. The soil should be moisture-absorbing and always slightly damp. Having planted a plant on dry or waterlogged soil, waiting for flowering will be problematic.
- Acidity level. The plant prefers slightly acidic soil. If the site has a different value, then the necessary acidification or alkalization measures must be taken.
- Distance between bushes. Astilbes like a little thickening. When planting low-growing varieties further than 25 cm, and tall varieties - 50 cm.
- Preparation of rhizomes. If you neglect to soak the roots in a fungicide solution, the plant may be subject to further attacks by pests.
To prevent infection of the bush, you need to treat the rhizomes before planting.
- Position of the base of rhizome sprouts. They must be level with the ground surface. Violation of this rule even leads to the death of the plant.
Before planting, you need to remember all the nuances in order to carry out the process correctly.
Violation of the rules of care
The perennial does not require complex care. But some points must be followed strictly. Lack of flowering may be due to:
- Violations of the watering schedule. In order for the inflorescences to grow long and large, you need to moisten the bush abundantly, especially in the summer.
Not only flowering, but also the growth of perennials directly depends on the quality of watering
- Inadequate nutrition.For lush flowering, astilbe needs complex mineral fertilizers, as well as superphosphate + urea + potassium.
- Neglecting mulching. The active sun evaporates moisture in the near-stem zone and suppresses the plant. Mulching protects the roots from overheating and drying out and retains moisture. Straw, sawdust, bark, and pebbles are suitable.
- Poor preparation for winter. If the rhizome freezes in winter, the plant will not bloom in summer.
- Irregular replanting of the bush. The old root system does not provide astilbe with enough nutrients for lush flowering. It is possible to renew the rhizome without replanting - digging and trimming old roots. Then the bush is returned to its original place.
- Inattention when inspecting the plant and lack of preventive treatments against pests or diseases.
- Exposing the rhizome. It is necessary to add soil under the plant annually so that the rhizome does not freeze, does not dry out and produces new adventitious roots. This will give astilbe resources for flowering. Otherwise, the astilbe dries and does not bloom.
Astilbe resists damage well, but damage to the roots can only lead to an increase in green mass. The perennial will not have the strength to bloom. You need to know what enemies the flower has in order to take appropriate measures.
Diseases and pests
Astilbe does not bloom when pests or diseases appear. The main problems of the bush can be attacks:
- The pennies are slobbering. The pest is a carrier of viral diseases and affects leaves. You can fight pennies manually by collecting the pest. Rogor, Konfidor, Karbofos are also used against the parasite.Foamy discharge does not allow the substances to fully affect the pest, so manual collection is more reliable.
It is important to know the external signs of the pest in order to notice it immediately
- Root nematode. The pest attacks the roots. The drugs hardly help, so you have to remove the affected bush. Astilbe can be replanted in the same place no earlier than after 5 years.
Nematode damage can only be determined by examining the root system
Important! You need to remove the bush with part of the soil so that the infected roots do not remain in the ground. - Strawberry nematode. Affects leaves and buds. Capable of destroying a large number of plants in a short time. The bushes should be dug up and burned. Chemicals don't work.
Strawberry nematode is considered a very dangerous enemy of astilbe
Due to the fact that the perennial is a moisture-loving plant, it can be affected by root rot.
Root rot can be easily avoided if agricultural practices are followed.
This occurs when there is a deficiency of oxygen in the soil and an excess of moisture. Preventive treatment with Bordeaux mixture or antiseptic solutions helps.
What to do if astilbe does not bloom and the reason has not been established
The main rule of a gardener should be a careful inspection of the plant. Some reasons are only noticeable upon close inspection. If no visible causes are found, you should dig up the bush and check the condition of the root system. This is a rhizomatous plant, and its viability directly depends on the health of the roots. The second solution is to replant. At the same time, choose a new location very carefully, taking into account all the requirements of the variety.
Advice from professionals
Experienced flower growers advise:
- Conduct preventive treatments against diseases and pests in a timely manner.You shouldn't wait for problems to appear.
- Purchase only high-quality planting material from a trusted supplier. This applies not only to cuttings, but also to seeds.
- Be sure to burn all parts of the plant if there is pest or disease damage to prevent spread.
- Inspect the bush regularly, especially during the flowering period.
- Replant astilbe to a new location in a timely manner.
- Avoid proximity to crops susceptible to pests and diseases.
- Don't forget to cut off the flower stalks after flowering.
Compliance with such basic requirements will prevent many problems and allow you to enjoy astilbe flowering every year.
Conclusion
Astilbe does not bloom on the site only if certain growing rules are violated. Completing each point will make it possible for even a novice gardener to grow a lush flowering bush.
