Great Astilbe
astilbe rubra
Also known as: ["Great Astilbe","Red Astilbe"]
Overview
A perennial herbaceous plant known for its feathery plumes of flowers and attractive foliage.
Benefits & Perks
["long-flowering","shade tolerant","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Saxifragales |
| Family: | Saxifragaceae |
| Genus: | Astilbe |
| Botanical Name: | Astilbe rubra |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Flowers
- Suitable Location: partially shaded garden bed with consistent moisture
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"5–30°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"4–8"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Well-drained but moisture-retentive.
- Soil Type: Rich, loamy, organic soil with good moisture retention.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: After flowering; annually in late fall or early spring.
- Pruning Intensity: Light to moderate; focus on removing dead or spent parts without drastically reducing size.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Partial shade to full shade; 4–6 hours of morning sunlight or bright indirect light is ideal. Avoid intense afternoon sun.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate plants gradually to new light conditions; protect from harsh midday sun; place in dappled shade or filtered light indoors.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
easymoderate
Sunlight
partial shade to full shade
Morning sun is best; avoid direct afternoon sun; adjust placement based on season.
Watering
every 7–10 days, more frequently in hot weather
Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; water at the base to avoid foliage; adjust frequency based on weather and soil conditions.
Soil
moist, rich, well-drained soil with organic matter
pH: Acidic to neutral, pH 6.0–7.0.
Ensure consistent moisture; enrich with organic matter; maintain slightly acidic to neutral pH.
Temperature
Prefers cool to moderate temperatures, 60–75°F (15–24°C). Tolerates cooler spring and fall conditions but struggles in extreme heat.
Protect from frost; avoid placing in hot, direct sun; maintain consistent moisture in heat.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during growing season
Fertilize in spring before flowering; avoid over-fertilizing to prevent root burn; water after fertilizing to distribute nutrients.
Propagation
Methods
Division is the most reliable method. Separate clumps in early spring or fall.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Dig up the clump.
- Divide into sections with healthy roots and shoots.
- Replant immediately at the same depth.
- Water thoroughly.
Best Time: Early spring or early fall when the plant is dormant or just beginning active growth.
Environment
Keep in partial shade with consistent moisture and moderate humidity. Protect from extreme temperatures.
Medium
Rich, well-drained garden soil or a mix of compost and peat moss.
Hormone
Not necessary for division, but can be used for stem cuttings if attempting alternative methods.
Timeline
Division establishes quickly in the growing season (weeks to months). Stem cuttings may take 4–6 weeks to root.
Tools Needed
Garden fork, sharp knife or pruners, gloves.
Quick Tips
Divide every 3–4 years to maintain vigor; ensure each division has roots and shoots; water well after replanting.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Cut flower stalks back to the base; trim foliage just above healthy growth nodes.
Pruning Plan
Remove spent flower stalks to encourage reblooming and maintain appearance. Trim dead or damaged foliage in late fall or early spring.
Tools
Pruning shears, gloves.
Checklist
Remove spent flowers; cut dead foliage; sanitize tools; avoid over-pruning.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before new growth begins or early fall.
Pot Size
Increase pot size by 2–3 inches in diameter if repotting is necessary.
Method
Use fresh, well-drained soil; tease out tangled roots; plant at the same depth; water thoroughly.
Suggestions
Repot only if the plant is root-bound or outgrowing its container. Division is often preferred over repotting for Astilbe.
Checklist
Check root boundness; use fresh soil; improve drainage; water well after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture before watering; water deeply; ensure proper drainage; adjust for weather changes.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water thoroughly until it drains from the bottom, ensuring even moisture reaches the root zone. Avoid wetting leaves to prevent fungal issues. Water early in the morning or late in the evening to minimize evaporation.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once a week during spring and summer, increasing to twice weekly in hot, dry periods. Reduce frequency in fall and winter, allowing soil to dry slightly between waterings.
Soil Improvement
Add compost or well-rotted manure to enhance fertility and structure; incorporate perlite or sand for drainage if needed.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Wilting, yellowing leaves, stunted growth, or leaf scorch in excessive heat; cold damage may cause leaf discoloration or dieback.
Cold Stress
Low temperatures can slow growth or cause root damage, especially if soil is waterlogged.
Solution: Ensure well-drained soil; mulch to insulate roots; protect from frost or extreme cold with a frost cloth or indoor relocation.
Hot Stress
Excessive heat can lead to wilting, leaf scorch, and reduced flowering.
Solution: Provide shade during peak heat; increase watering frequency; improve air circulation around the plant.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use balanced fertilizer; apply in spring; dilute liquid fertilizers; avoid winter feeding.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring as new growth emerges. Apply a liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength monthly during growing season, avoiding winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Non-toxicAstilbe rubra is not considered toxic to cats. The plant does not contain any known toxic substances that would cause harm to felines upon ingestion or contact.
⚡ Toxic If:
Generally non-toxic
Dogs
Non-toxicAstilbe rubra is not considered toxic to dogs. There are no known toxic compounds in this plant that would pose a risk to canine health if ingested or touched.
⚡ Toxic If:
Generally non-toxic
Humans
Non-toxicAstilbe rubra is not considered toxic to humans under normal circumstances. It does not produce any known toxic compounds that would cause adverse effects upon ingestion or contact.
⚡ Toxic If:
Generally non-toxic
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How often should Astilbe be watered?
A: Astilbe prefers consistently moist soil; water deeply once a week, or more often during hot, dry periods.
Q: Does Astilbe need full sun?
A: Astilbe thrives in partial shade, especially in regions with hot summers, though it can tolerate full sun with adequate moisture.
Q: Why are the leaves turning yellow?
A: Yellow leaves can indicate overwatering, poor drainage, or nutrient deficiencies. Ensure the soil is well-draining and check for root rot.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Saxifragaceae |
| Care: | easy |
| Light: | partial shade to full shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days, more freque |
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