Re: Fertilizing Astilbes now - or not

In a message dated 9/17/1999 7:26:37 PM Central Daylight Time,
jgadney@EMAIL.MSN.COM writes:

<< Greetings Nancy and all:

 I would NOT fertilize any perennial, tree or shrub at this time if you live
 in zones 6 and below. It's too late. Fresh growth may be killed over winter
 and this damages the entire plant.

 When perennials are pushing out of the ground in spring, and trees and
 shrubs are leafing out, is a good time to start fertilizing.
 >>
 John This is not true, Those plants that that form buds for the winter like
ASTILBE, Daylilies and Hosta will have larger buds and better root systems
next year if fertilized. Herbaceous perennials are not trees or shrubs and do
not have new growth that lives over the winter. Thus they cannot have fresh
growth that is needed next spring.
Now plants that have stems on the surface of the ground like Shasta daisies
might not be the best to fertilize late in the season, But I only say this as
a concession based in lack of experience.

Paul
 zone 4
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