Despite their soft, delicate appearance, Astilbe is a tough perennial capable of thriving in shady conditions. Beyond looking absolutely beautiful, their fluffy, feathery plumes attract butterflies while deterring deer and other hungry critters. These dependable performers are more than worthy of a home in your garden. Allow us to show you how to grow and care for Astilbes for a breathtaking display!
Hey fellow gardeners! I’ve been growing astilbe for years, and today I’m gonna share everything you need to know about planting bare root astilbe. These gorgeous perennials with their feathery plumes are perfect for adding color to shady spots where other plants struggle. Let me walk you through the process step-by-step!
What is Bare Root Astilbe?
Bare root astilbe comes without soil around its roots, usually wrapped in moist peat moss or newspaper When you buy them in early spring, they might look kinda dead – but trust me, they’re just dormant! These plants are actually easier to ship and often cheaper than potted ones.
When’s the Best Time to Plant?
Spring is your golden window for planting bare root astilbe. The soil’s starting to warm up and there’s usually plenty of natural rainfall – perfect conditions for these moisture-loving plants!
Preparing for Planting
What You’ll Need:
- Garden spade or shovel
- Rich, well-draining soil
- Organic matter (compost or peat moss)
- Water source
- Mulch
Site Selection:
- Pick a partially shaded spot
- Avoid full sun exposure
- Choose an area near water features if possible
- Ensure good drainage
Step-by-Step Planting Guide
1. Root Inspection and Preparation
- Unpack your bare roots immediately upon arrival
- Check if roots are moist – if not, give them a quick soak
- Trim any damaged or broken roots
- Keep roots damp until planting time
2. Soil Preparation
- Dig a hole twice as wide as the root spread
- Make it 4-6 inches deep
- Mix in organic matter with native soil
- Ensure soil is humus-rich and well-draining
3. Planting Process
- Spread roots out in the hole
- Position crown just below soil surface (about 1 inch deep)
- Backfill with prepared soil
- Firm soil gently around roots
- Water thoroughly
4. Post-Planting Care
- Apply 2-3 inches of mulch
- Keep soil consistently moist
- Don’t let roots dry out
- Watch for new growth
Ongoing Care Tips
Watering Schedule:
- Water deeply when soil feels dry
- Don’t water lightly every day
- Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged
Maintenance:
- Divide plants every 4 years
- Remove spent blooms
- Cut back foliage in late fall
- Refresh mulch annually
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Planting too deep: Crown should be just below soil surface
- Letting roots dry out: Keep them moist at all times
- Full sun exposure: These guys need shade!
- Poor drainage: Roots can rot in waterlogged soil
- Overcrowding: Give them space to grow
Troubleshooting
If your astilbe ain’t thriving, here’s what might be wrong:
- Yellow leaves: Usually means too much sun
- No flowers: Could be too much shade or not enough water
- Wilting: Need more frequent watering
- Poor growth: Soil might be too poor or dry
My Personal Tips
I’ve learned through trial and error that astilbe loves company! Try planting them with other shade-loving perennials like hostas or ferns. They create this amazing woodland garden vibe that’s totally Instagram-worthy!
We’ve found that mulching is super important – it helps keep the roots cool and moist, just how astilbe likes it. I usually use a nice layer of shredded leaves or bark mulch.
Wrapping It Up
Planting bare root astilbe ain’t rocket science, but it does need some TLC. Follow these steps, keep ’em watered, and you’ll have gorgeous plumes of flowers brightening up your shady spots in no time!
Remember: patience is key when growing from bare roots. It might take a few weeks to see growth, but once they get going, they’re pretty much unstoppable!
Have you tried growing astilbe before? What’s been your experience? Drop a comment below – I’d love to hear your stories and tips too! Happy gardening, everyone!
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Astilbes thrive in moist, well-drained soils that offer average to slightly below average moisture. If you have a shady area that could use a bit of color and texture, Astilbes are a fantastic choice! These beauties will burn in full sun and prefer areas with light to moderate shade, where many other flowers typically wont survive.
Plant your Astilbe plants in the spring or fall, depending on your unique climate. Its best to avoid summer planting as Astilbes will not tolerate drying out. You can expect blooms from these versatile charmers to arrive in early summer through fall.
- Find a location where the soil drains well, and your Astilbe will receive light to moderate shade, as it will burn in full sun. If water puddles remain 5–6 hours after a hard rain in your chosen planting spot, scout out another site or amend the soil with generous amounts of peat moss, perlite, and coarse sand to improve the drainage.
- Tuck your Astilbe root crowns into the soil 12–24” apart with the roots fanned slightly and pointing downwards and the eyes or growing points no more than an inch below soil level.
- Water well after planting to gently soak the soil and settle it around the roots.
- Water periodically during active growth periods if rain does not occur. Keep in mind that weekly deep waterings are better than lighter drinks every day or two.
- Apply a layer of mulch to your newly planted roots to help manage freezing and thawing soil.
- Clip off spent flower stems after blooming has finished for the season. Your Astilbes will continue to provide attractive foliage for the remainder of the growing season.
- Trim off leaves that begin to turn yellow or wilt as cooler fall temperatures arrive with the knowledge that next spring will bring fresh growth.
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Despite their soft, delicate appearance, Astilbe is a tough perennial capable of thriving in shady conditions. Beyond looking absolutely beautiful, their fluffy, feathery plumes attract butterflies while deterring deer and other hungry critters. These dependable performers are more than worthy of a home in your garden. Allow us to show you how to grow and care for Astilbes for a breathtaking display!
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Planting Depth1″ -
Planting ProximitySpecies dependent; 12-24″ -
Planting SeasonSpring -
Plant BenefitsDoes well and provides bright color in shade. Attracts pollinators. -
Water QuantityModerate -
Bloom SeasonSummer -
Sunlight QuantityPartial Shade to Full Shade -
Hardiness ZonesZones 3-9
How to Plant ASTILBE Bare Roots
FAQ
When should Astilbe be planted?
Astilbe ‘Bressingham Beauty’ should be propagated by division in late winter or early spring and then planted out in late spring. Cut back after flowering. Be aware that it may be susceptible to vine weevil and powdery mildews.
How to plant Astilbe?
Bare root planting of astilbe is fairly easy, as long as you remember to keep the roots damp. When you first get the plants, inspect the roots and clip out any that are broken or damaged. The next step is to dig large planting holes.
How do I get a bare root Astilbe?
Plant as soon as possible. Read on to learn a little more about this process. Bare root Astilbe can be obtained in one or two ways. You can either purchase a plant with bare roots from a garden centre, plant nursery or online supplier, or you can divide an existing Astilbe plant in your garden.