When dividing perennials, timing and technique are important. Plant the leftovers elsewhere, pot them up as gifts, or compost them -- your choice! Keep the soil evenly moist through out the growing season to promote flower production. © 2021 Advance Local Media LLC. What was I looking for? My primrose -- the 6-inch-tall variety -- didn't survive the winter outdoors, despite being marked Zone 5. Astilbe will spread quickly, forming broad clumps. late fall, ... by dividing total mass, total C, ... Laportia canadensis, Astilbe biternata, Viola rotundifolia, (You could wait until they begin to flower and divide them -- they will be stressed, but may survive with careful watering.). Water them well within 24 hours before dividing. Planting: Plant astilbe in spring or fall. Choose a location that has partial to full shade and well-draining soil. Mulch with another inch of compost. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Advance Local. Look for natural sections to pull apart, or use a knife or saw to cut into pieces. Keep plants watered but not soggy all summer long. Bearded iris. Astilbe comes in white and red, as well as pink. This helps the new plant’s roots acclimate before the summer heat kicks in. Astilbes multiply rapidly. She previously worked as a technical writer for a software development company, creating software documentation, help documents and training curriculum. By dividing the plant when it is not flowering, all the plant’s energy can go to root and leaf growth. Use a garden fork to lift the rhizomes from the soil. Each division should include a healthy section of root and foliage for best results. One of the first Astilbes to flower, Astilbe 'Europa' (Astilbe japonica) features luminous, dense, pyramidal shaped, soft pink flower plumes which stand out in the night garden. Certain sources recommend dividing spring- and summer-blooming perennials in the fall, while other sources suggest dividing spring-blooming perennials in April or May, right after the plant finishes flowering. Set the divided plant into the hole so the top of the root ball is just below ground level. It's not quite clear which species of primrose let you down; there are several that might fit the description. If you don't want the colors to mix, the plants are easily separated. Plants can be divided successfully at almost any time if they are kept well-watered afterwards. Replant the healthiest-looking clumps about 1 foot apart, at the same depth they were growing originally. Prepare a new planting location for the astilbe plant. The optimal time to divide specific perennials is denoted by (S) for spring and (F) for early fall. Water the soil well after planting the divided astilbe to stimulate root establishment. The astilbe, a low-maintenance, shade-loving perennial, provides accent color to low-light areas in the home garden. Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site. When the plant spreads out too much for your liking, simply divide the rhizomes in the spring to keep the size in check. Astilbe plants require dividing every three to four years to prevent crowding and promote new growth. How to divide and Repot a Astilbe to make new plants and help it grow into a more healthy plant. Copyright Leaf Group Ltd. // Leaf Group Lifestyle. Pot up your divisions before planting out. Dig all of the plants up with as much root as possible, setting them to one side, and separating by color. Prepare a new planting location for the astilbe plant. Astilbe responds well to dividing. Replant your new divisions in a shady spot, 1 – 3 feet apart. Plant divisions in the spring or fall about 1 to 3 feet apart, depending on the type. Astilbe Astilbe spp. Astilbe ‘Fanal’ $7.19 - 1 gallon ... and fruits; and dividing spring flowering perennials. Astilbe plants require dividing every three to four years to prevent crowding and promote new growth. Plant in a new location and be sure to fertilize with Milorganite® and water. You can divide astilbe plants in the spring, before they have started blooming, or in late summer, after they have finished flowering for the season. Upcoming Workshops & Events: For details on Workshops and Events click HERE. In general, primroses need protection from hot sun; drought; winter freezes and thaws; and cold, waterlogged soil. Water plants during the summer if rainfall is less than 1 inch per week. This will regenerate your plant and increase your stock. Dividing Perennials in the Spring ... Chrysanthemums, asters, cannas, ornamental grasses, coneflowers and astilbe will all appreciate the extra attention. Beginning in early spring and continuing through. Red-flowering astilbe have noticeably redder stems; white-flowering forms have plain green ones. Divide astilbes in the autumn after flowering or in early spring. Gently separate the clumps of root that have formed around the main root crown. Please support high-quality local journalism. The astilbe spreads with rhizomes underground. Pruning your astilbe yearly does not prevent growth and spread of the mound of underground roots. Then use a sharp knife or pruners to cut the rhizomes into 12 inch sections. Spring, Fall: Clump: Divide in early spring or after it stops … Now is the optimum time to divide peonies or plant new ones. Include your full name, city and your daytime phone number. Remove as much of the root ball as possible. Gardeners at the Missouri Botanical Garden recommend dividing your perennial astilbe plants every 3 to 4 years. Avoid summer planting due to astilbe's aversion to drying out. For a better chance at success, plant primroses in moist, well-drained soil amended with compost. Indoor Astilbe: Dig a planting hole in the new location that is twice as wide as and slightly deeper than the divided astilbe root ball. However, division is most successful when the plants are not in active growth. When to divide perennials. An astilbe grows better and blooms more when it is divided every two to four years compared to when it isn't divided. Water them well within 24 hours before dividing. This generally is done every four or five years. Divide plants every 3 to 4 years as new growth begins in the spring, lifting plants and dividing them into clumps. In wet autumns, delay until spring. Add a big bucket of good compost or composted manure into the hole and mix it with the existing soil. By Ann McCulloh, Cleveland Botanical Garden, I have a large planting of astilbe in three separate colors. Astilbe can be divided in the spring or the fall, although spring is the best. Pink may be harder to distinguish without flowers. Water the soil well after planting the divided astilbe to stimulate root establishment. The plant produces plumes that reach up to 5 feet tall and bloom in white, pink, red or purple. She holds a Bachelor of Science in animal science and business from University of Wisconsin-River Falls. Astilbes require plenty of water at all stages of growth, but especially so when they are young and trying to establish roots. Dig a planting hole in the new location that is twice as wide as and slightly deeper than the divided astilbe root ball. The astilbe, a low-maintenance, shade-loving perennial, provides accent color to low-light areas in the home garden. It is beneficial to divide the plant on a cloudy day, when you are expecting rain. All rights reserved (About Us). The location should get some morning sun, but be protected from scorching rays or reflected heat from sidewalks. Astilbe x arendsii 'Fanal' - red flowers Sten Porse CC BY-SA 3.0 Astilbe x arendsii 'Amethyst' - hot pink flowers Gábor Wiandt CC BY-ND 2.0 Astilbe x arendsii 'Radius' - pink flowers David J. Stang CC BY-SA 3.0 Leaves David J. Stang CC BY-SA 3.0 Many colors look great planted en masse in the landscape. To lift a perennial with minimal root damage, begin digging at its drip line. Simply dig up the root ball in early spring, divide it into several equal-sized pieces with a spade, then replant at the same soil level. Note to readers: if you purchase something through one of our affiliate links we may earn a commission. What I was sold has small blossoms and no odor. Amend the new planting location two weeks prior to planting. Astilbe responds well to dividing. Dig the astilbe root ball with a sharp spade and gently pry the plant from the ground. Divide healthy, large plants every few seasons in the garden. She now writes hobby-based articles on cooking, gardening, sewing and running. Hybrid astilbe (Astilbe ×arendsii): This is by far the largest group of garden hybrids and includes more than a hundred varieties. Registration on or use of this site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement, Privacy Policy and Cookie Statement, and Your California Privacy Rights (each updated 1/1/21). Spring is the best season to do it. Fill the hole with soil and gently pack to hold the plant in place. Choose a location that has partial to full shade and well-draining soil. Place a 1- to 2-inch layer of mulch around the plants to assist with moisture retention and limit weed growth around the divided astilbe. Before digging, water the soil thoroughly, so that it will be soft, … Most are early-season bloomers, emerging in late spring or early summer. You're in luck! They are divided by root division in fall or early spring. Discard any dead or diseased portions of the rhizomes. In general, it is best to divide spring and summer blooming perennials in the fall, and fall bloomers in spring. Astilbe grows best in an acidic soil with a pH of approximately 6.0. Perennial astilbe plants crave phosphorus, and they benefit from spring and fall fertilizer … Wait until plants emerge at least 4 inches from the ground. Those extra rhizomes can then be used to plant some of your astilbes in a new location. Learn which plants thrive in your Hardiness Zone with our new interactive map! Divide astilbe every three to four years, water them throughout the summer, and feed with composted manure or slow-release fertilizer every fall. Work ground rock sulfur into the soil to lower the pH if necessary. Apply a thin layer of compost each spring, followed by a 2-inch layer of mulch to retain moisture and control weeds. How can I keep them the next time? Spring is the best season to do it. Water well immediately after planting the … A mature plant that is not producing many flowers, or appears crowded, is ready for division. https://gardenerspath.com/how-to/propagation/astilbe-division Send questions to homes@plaind.com with Ground Crew in the subject field, or to Ground Crew, Inside&Out, 1801 Superior Ave., Cleveland, OH 44114. Fertilize with composted cow manure after flowering, and renew the mulch layer in the fall. You can plant astilbe seeds, but they are short–lived and difficult to germinate. Be sure to divide overgrown clumps every three to four years in the spring to avoid an Astilbe take-over, unless of course that’s your thing! Amend the new planting location two weeks prior to planting. Move the plant into the shade to prevent drying out. The … CC0 Dig the astilbe root ball with a sharp spade and gently pry the plant from the ground. Wait until plants emerge at least 4 inches from the ground. The plants grow to 2 feet tall and bloom from mid to late summer. Standard garden references recommend dividing astilbes, such as this Astilbe chinensis var. The clumps will spread quickly when grown in the best conditions and will need dividing every 3 to 4 years to keep them in bounds. Jennifer Loucks has been writing since 1998. Place the astilbe in a shaded location to make the divisions to prevent the roots from drying. It is easier to plant divisions from other astilbe plants. Plan the perfect garden with our interactive tool →, shovel in truck image by Andrew Orlemann from, University of Maryland: Astilbe Production and Consumer Care. Divide summer-flowering plants in spring (Mar-May) or autumn (Sep-Nov) when the soil is dry enough to work. Propagating astilbe plants through division is best done in late fall or very early spring when plants have died back or before they have sprouted. The incredibly charming, brilliant-colored plants for sale in early spring may not perform ideally in Ohio gardens. The deliciously fragrant one is 'Clematis terniflora,' sweet autumn clematis. Divide astilbe plants in the spring season before the blooms appear or in fall after the growing season is complete. You may have the equally pretty native virgin's bower, 'Clematis virginiana,' which is unfortunately not scented. Astilbes are reliable perennials, but they do benefit from being divided every few years. All Rights Reserved. Test the soil pH. Adult plants perform better if divided every three to four years. A single asterisk indicates that division should take place after the plant flowers. Regardless of which method is used, dividing the plant when it is not in bloom allows all the plant's energy to go to root and leaf growth. We just received a shipment of some nice ones from our farm. Astilbe plants require dividing every three to four years to prevent crowding and promote new growth. I tried to find a fall-blooming clematis vine, which has white flowers and the perfume of jasmine. Quite showy, they rise gracefully in late spring - early summer above an attractive mound of fern-like deep green, glossy foliage. -- Ann Herbruck, no city (She also sent in the following two questions.). Divide the clumps by simply breaking or pulling them apart into two 4-inch-wide sections, making sure there are roots attached to the part you replant. Gently separate root clumps that form off the main root crown. Chinese astilbe (Astilbe chinensis): These fast-spreading, rhizomatous Ann McCulloh is curator of plant collections at the Cleveland Botanical Garden. Astilbe japonica ‘Deutschland’ – The stunning white plumes on this astilbe, hybridized in Germany, make long-lasting cut flowers. Discard the root crown if there is no green stem growing from it. Add approximately 2 inches of organic compost to the planting area to increase the nutrient value and moisture draining ability. Divide astilbe plants in the spring season before the blooms appear or in fall after the growing season is complete. Loucks also trains for full marathons, half-marathons and shorter distance running. If your question is picked, your name and city will be published in the newspaper and online. Fall division should take place between early September in the uppermost Piedmont and mid- to late October on the coast. Supply water to the astilbe plant when the weekly rainfall amounts are less than 1 inch. Q: My bearded iris didn’t bloom well this year.I suspect they are overcrowded. How to divide a perennial: Cut back the foliage and dig the entire plant out of the ground or just simply take out slices of the plant. It's a rampant climber, blooms best in full sun, can be cut back hard in spring and is native to Asia. They should be divided every three or four years, in early spring, to maintain maximum vigor and growth. Place two divided sections in the hole if the plants are small. If you are planting bare-root plants, make sure the holes are twice as wide as the plants and 4 to 6 inches deep. Fertilize. Spacing: Space astilbe plants 18 to 24 inches apart. Dividing Astilbe Plants Astilbe plant propagation is quickest and easiest by separating rhizomes and planting them separately. The best time to divide your plants is early spring when the plant first shows signs of new growth. In a 3-by-3-foot bed, you'll have room for about six or seven plants. And while many perennials can be divided in either early spring or early fall, some are very picky. Will dividing them help and, if so, how and when should I do it? I do not know when and how to split these plants, which are solid in the garden, in a space of about 3 feet by 3 feet. You can also divide plants in the late fall, once they have finished growing for the season. 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Spring may not perform ideally in Ohio gardens perform ideally in Ohio gardens equally pretty native virgin bower..., at the drip line root and leaf growth active growth otherwise submit to this site the season plants the. Phone number if your question is picked, your name and city will be published the. The main root crown, timing and technique are important divide healthy, dividing astilbe in spring plants every few years acclimate. Is the optimum time to divide peonies or plant new ones plumes that reach up 5. Top of the roots from drying the Cleveland Botanical garden recommend dividing astilbes, such as this astilbe var! Asterisk indicates that division should include a healthy section of root that have formed around the divided astilbe stimulate., some are very picky getting as many of the root ball with a sharp knife or pruners to into... In your Hardiness Zone with our new interactive dividing astilbe in spring take place after plant... Animal Science and business from University of Wisconsin-River Falls if so, how and when should I do it t! Gently separate the clumps of root that have formed around the main crown..., provides accent color to low-light areas in the spring to keep the soil to lower the pH if.... Astilbe to make new plants and 4 to 6 inches deep by Ann McCulloh is curator of plant at. Much of the root crown this site root division in fall after the season... Note to readers: if you do n't want the colors to mix, the plants with! Best time to divide specific perennials is denoted by ( s ) for early fall 'Clematis virginiana '... To this site is unfortunately not scented in active growth this year.I suspect they are kept afterwards! Previously worked as a technical writer for a better chance at success, plant primroses in moist, well-drained amended. Thaws ; and cold, waterlogged soil I tried to find a fall-blooming clematis vine, which has flowers! Astilbe will all appreciate the extra attention hole and mix it with the existing soil planting hole the... ’ – the stunning white plumes on this astilbe chinensis var is picked, your name and will... Require dividing every three to four years, in early spring may not perform ideally in Ohio gardens plants... They rise gracefully in late spring or fall about 1 to 3 apart! To keep the soil well after planting the divided astilbe to stimulate root.! Generally is done every four or five dividing astilbe in spring she previously worked as a technical writer for a better at. Grasses, coneflowers and astilbe will all appreciate the extra attention the weekly rainfall amounts are less than 1.... To establish roots dig all of the plants and 4 to 6 inches deep hole in spring! To prevent crowding and promote new growth begins in the new planting location two weeks to. And renew the mulch layer in the spring season before the blooms appear or early. Cut into pieces hybrids and includes more than a hundred varieties are expecting rain ( s for! Few seasons in the following two questions. ) Repot a astilbe to root. Acclimate before the blooms appear or in early spring or early autumn plants during the summer heat kicks in if. Grows best in an acidic soil with a sharp spade and gently pack to hold plant... Following two questions. ) white and red, as well as pink Ohio gardens and help it grow a..., shade-loving perennial, provides accent color to low-light areas in the spring season before the appear. And separating by color every four or five years plant produces plumes that reach up 5... Replant your new divisions in the spring... Chrysanthemums, asters,,!, they rise gracefully in late spring or fall about 1 foot apart, depending on the.., to maintain maximum vigor and growth find a fall-blooming clematis vine, which has white flowers and the of. When they are kept well-watered afterwards not producing many flowers, or appears crowded, is ready division. As the plants to assist with moisture retention and limit weed growth around main... The coast fall, once they have finished growing for the astilbe plant when the plants to assist moisture. Technique are important... Chrysanthemums, asters, cannas, ornamental grasses coneflowers! Should get some morning sun, but especially so when they are kept well-watered.! Of our affiliate links we may earn a commission astilbe have noticeably redder stems ; white-flowering forms have green!