Astilba Delft Lace: description and characteristics of the variety, planting dates, care and reproduction

The origins of the history of astilba, called Delft Lace, go back to a relatively nondescript plant that grew in the South-East of our continent and the territory of Japan. It became known among botanists in 1825. Appearance was not impressive. Presumably, "astilbe" meant then "without shine."

History of Delft Lace hybrid breeding

She acquired real brilliance thanks to the talent of the German breeder Georg Arends (1862-1952). His hybrids are cultivated descendants of Japanese astilbe, Chinese riverine, David and Thunberg. Among them is the extraordinary astilba Delft Lace (Delft Leys).Among other hybrids, it is unusual for large openwork inflorescences and a lacy rosette of carved leaves that change their color during the season. Therefore, it is called Delft lace. Delft is the first actual capital of the Netherlands.

Description and characteristics of the plant

Astilba is generally one of those plants that now occupy an increasing place in our gardens. In addition to its spectacular appearance, it attracts with its unpretentiousness. And responsive to elementary care available to any beginner. And Delft Lake is one of the best.

Appearance of the bush and branching of the root system

Astilba bush Delft Lace is stocky and strong, foliage - up to 30 cm in height and up to half a meter in width. Height with panicles - 60-80 cm. At the time of flowering and under favorable conditions, it captivates with the grace of forms, rich colors and delicate aroma.

Lacy dark waxy leaves surprise with the transition of colors from burgundy, in spring and bright green in summer, to green-blue in autumn.Red-brown stems lift a fluffy openwork inflorescence above the dense foliage. The shape of the inflorescence is conical. Buds are salmon-pink in spring. Flowers are deep pink.

The rhizome of Delft Lace, becoming more powerful with age, diverges into many strong branches extending into the depths of the ground. The peculiarity of the astilbe root system is that it grows from above. Buds are tied, giving rise to more and more new roots, the lower part of which gradually dies off. Therefore, it is necessary from time to time to add soil at the base of the bush.

All about flowering

Astilba Delft Lace blooms profusely and continuously in July-August. The air cloud of the paniculate inflorescence pleases with overflows of pink shades for more than a month. First, panicles attract attention from afar. Then you notice their dazzling contrast with the greenery of the bush.

Thickets of blooming astilba make a strong impression when several bushes are planted nearby. Delft Lake is a wonderful honey plant and attracts a huge number of bees and butterflies.

A young plant, planted in the spring by dividing the root, blooms in the year of planting. Grown from seeds - in the third year.

Freeze and drought tolerance

Astilbe is grown without problems in most of Russia. Delft Lace is resistant to frost down to -35˚C. But according to the reviews of gardeners, it definitely withstands -38˚C.

Tall astilbes are more resilient, they are not afraid of climate changes and temperature changes. And in rainy seasons, when other plants rot and are affected by fungal diseases, astilbe feels very confident.

Extremes are contraindicated for her: moisture stagnation and lack. That is, Delft Leys will not endure a multi-day drought. Sometimes even a plant revived by watering will no longer be able to please with abundant flowering. A long flowering of astilba is possible with constant soil moisture.

What diseases and parasites are dangerous for a flower

It is about astilba Delft Lace that gardeners speak of as resistant to diseases and pests. However, it is also sometimes affected by slobber pennitsa and nematodes (strawberry and gall).

Pennitsa strikes the leaves. They curl up and get stained. The bush withers partially or completely. At the first sign, it is necessary to treat the plant with insecticides.

Strawberry nematode also damages leaves, flowers and buds. Especially possible during periods of high humidity. Gallic settles on the roots of astilba, forming outgrowths in which larvae develop. It is impossible to cure a plant attacked by nematodes. If they occur, the following measures are required:

affected plants removed and destroyed;
astilba and other at-risk crops should not be grown on this plot until 4-5 years.

For prevention, it is recommended to treat the purchased planting material with growth stimulants (Gumi, Epin) before planting.

As for slugs and snails, according to the observations of gardeners, they are indifferent to astilbs.

Application in landscape design

The use of astilba in the landscape creates unlimited possibilities for the designer's imagination to fly. Especially when it comes to Delft Lace. General advantages of astilbe:

perennials;
moisture-loving;
easy care;
decorative.

And Delft Lake still prefers light shading. And its foliage bizarrely changes color during the season. Therefore, it is good everywhere:

solo;
groups;
on flowerbeds;
near water bodies;
in semi-shaded compositions;
with bulbous;
coniferous;
decorating unsightly landscape elements.

And one more thing: very good for cutting.

Astilbe planting

Timing

Usually astilbe Delft Lace is planted in spring. Although, if astilba is democratic, this can also be done in the fall a month before the onset of cold weather (not lower than + 5˚C). In central Russia, this is approximately September. You can do it in summer, but it's better in cloudy weather.

Planting material

Roots should not be:

rotten;
too wet;
overdried.

A sprouts:

outstretched;
thin;
pale;
crooked.

Such seedlings will not take root well and will be sick for a long time.

Store the selected astilba roots before planting in the refrigerator, checking their condition from time to time.

Optimal location

Astilbe planting site should be at least shaded during the hottest part of the day. Delft Lace prefers a diffused shade, although it will tolerate any light. But in partial shade it blooms 1-2 weeks longer.

Moist soil is the main condition. Groundwater would be suitable nearby. Without swamping. Increased air humidity near ponds or fountains will be an additional plus.

Required soil composition

Astilba Delft Lace is absolutely unpretentious to soil conditions, but, if there is a choice, it would prefer loams. On too fertile soil, astilbe begins to fatten. And clay is impossible: the soil should be light. With increased acidity, wood ash or dolomite flour is added.

Technology and landing scheme

When planting Delft Lace in the soil, follow the general recommendations for astilbe:

Fertile soil, ash, humus are poured into a hole larger than the radius of the root growth. Little by little.
Before planting, delenochki are soaked in phytosporin for disinfection.
A solution of phytosporin, gumi, epin and growth stimulants can be shed on a planted bush to support immunity and relieve stress when planting.
Sprinkle the root neck of the plant by one and a half cm. No more.
If planted at a distance of 30 cm, the result is a flowering carpet over time.
When planting in sunny weather, the bushes are covered for 2-3 days with some kind of shelter, such as, for example, a large flower pot or basin. Shoot in cloudy weather or in the evening. Better in the rain.
Feed with herbal infusion or well-rotted manure.
Mulch to keep the soil from drying out.

We organize competent care for Astilba Delft Lace

Irrigation and fertilization

Most of all, Delft Lake is afraid of drought and noticeable interruptions in irrigation. After rooting, the main thing is good watering. When the soil dries out, if the process of drying the leaves has begun, it can no longer be stopped. Therefore, it is necessary to water the bushes constantly. Especially in dry weather.

In spring and in the first half of summer, it is recommended to feed astilbe twice with mullein infusion or mineral nitrogen-containing fertilizers. Phosphorus-potassium fertilizers support it after pruning faded panicles. Such top dressing will increase the winter hardiness of plants.

Delft Leys does not like soil rich in organic matter and microelements. With excessively fertile soil, panicles of inflorescences become smaller and the plant as a whole becomes smaller.

Shaping cut

After flowering, flower stalks are cut off so that the plant does not waste energy on seed ripening.

In addition, periodic pruning is important to maintain the decorativeness of the bush in landscape design.

Loosening and mulching the soil

Astilbe Delft Lace will gratefully respond to loosening the soil, enriching it with oxygen, simultaneously removing weeds and hilling the upper part of the roots.

The role of mulching in astilbe care cannot be overestimated:

Keeps weeds from sprouting.
Stores priceless moisture during hot periods.
Attracts worms that loosen the soil.
When decomposed, it becomes a wonderful fertilizer.

Types of mulch:

dried cut grass without seeds;
straw;
well-rotted compost;
chips or bark of coniferous trees;
pieces of cardboard decorated with wood chips;
coir circles, not cheap in stores, but very comfortable;
planting green manure (for example, mustard).

Siderats quickly rise. Cut with a chopper, they retain moisture, overripe, become an excellent top dressing, and protect against diseases with phytoncides.

Preparing the plant for winter

Cut off all the tops and cover the astilbe root with it. Sprinkle with earth, cm by 4, and then with leaves, peat or crushed bark. Astilba Delft Lace is hardy. But due to possible temperature fluctuations, it is still worth taking care of the top layer of roots. Therefore, rotted compost can be placed under each bush.

Transfer

Astilbe is planted at least every 5 years. The buds in the soil become crowded. And they bulge to the surface. Plants weaken, and flowering becomes poorer. You can cover new roots with earth. But the division of the rhizome also increases the flowering time, heals the entire bush.

In the spring, transplants are more easily tolerated. You can divide when the shoots just appear above the ground. And it blooms this season. Transplant the plant in the summer only as a last resort. Astilba Delft Lace blooms at the end of August and can be transplanted in the first half of September.

Methods of reproduction

Astilba can be propagated by seeds, renewal buds and dividing the bush.

When propagated by "own" seeds, varietal properties are lost. With quality hybrid seeds, everything will work out:

Seeds are stratified, that is, at a temperature of -4 to +4˚ they withstand 20 days.
Then spread over moist soil.
When the first shoots appear, irrigate the ground with a syringe.
Two real leaves - so you can dive the seedling on a third of the root.
At the end of spring, shading, plant sprouts on a prepared bed.

Kidney renewal:

In the spring, the bud is cut off along with a piece of rhizome.
Both cuts are treated with ash.
The buds are buried in a mixture of gravel and peat (1:3) and covered with a film.
Plant sprouts in place in the fall or next spring.

When dividing the Delft Lace bush, they dig it up and cut the astilba rhizome into divisions with a sharp shovel or knife so that each has from 1 to 5 renewal buds. Delenki plants are planted immediately so that the roots do not have time to dry. Every day new bushes are watered.