Re: Astilbe Secrets
Hello Diann,
When you mention quickly heading into dormancy, makes me think they are
getting too dry and hot. Bit more shade passably, lots of compost to hold moisture
but not be soggy, good organic mulch. Pay just a bit of attention during long
spells of hot and dry... give them a deep watering once a week. You will do fine
with astilbe.
There are variations of cultivars and species of astilbe on care. If you pick
the species or cultivars with chinensis in the name they are a bit easier to grow,
get to perform better in hot areas that get dry. Not that they will live on a rock
with no attention, but they are more tolerant of dry than many of the others out
there.
Gene Bush Southern Indiana Zone 6a Munchkin Nursery
around the woods - around the world
genebush@otherside.com http://www.munchkinnursery.com
----- Original Message -----
From: Diann Barbee Thoma <diannthoma@EARTHLINK.NET>
Subject: Re: [SG] Astilbe Secrets
> AWESOME! Even my favorite local nursery owner said he struggles with
> astilbe (so he sold me some Aruncus). Do I dig mine up and replant them
> after amendment, or just wait until Spring and compost the top of the soil
> around them? Or?? Few if any are happy-they head quickly into dormancy (or
> worse!).
>
> Thanks again,
> Diann
