Clinton News-Record, 1985-4-17, Page 7374,
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Astilbe adds color to garden
By W ayne Brown
Soils and Crops Branch
Ontario Ministry of Agriculture and Food
Astilbe, sometimes called goatsbeard
unfortunately is seldom found in Ontario
flower gardens. Astilbe cultivars are so
colorful, so perfect in form, with interesting
foliage fully complimentary to the flowers,
that no garden should be without several
clumps.
The plants are tough and hardy. However,
without sufficient moisture and preferably
some light shade, they fall short of their
potential display. Color produced by these
plants is so beautiful, it is worth a little
trouble to create the proper growing
conditions in the garden where they do not
naturally exist.
Moisture is more important than shade.
Most astilbe cultivars grow and flower
satisfactorily in full sun, as long as the plants
are grown in a. moist situation. Although
moist conditions are stressed, this does not
mean they should be treated as bog plants.
Instead, they should not be allowed to dry
out.
Astilbe, like most perennials, grow best in
a rich garden soil. Good soil preparation
before planting ensures the best rewards.
Incorporate liberal amounts of peatmoss and
aornpost into the planting location to produce
strong and beautiful plants. Provide an
annual mulch of peatmoss or compost around
the plants when dormant to help maintain
adequate moisture levels during the growing
season. Early each -spring, give plants a light
dressing of a commercial fertilizer high in
phosphorus and potash, for example 5-20-20,
to encourage strong roots and improve flower
color.
Some light shade or shelter from strong
winds maintain the flowers longer. Most
urban gardeners don't have to worry about
strong winds because most gardens are well
protected by shrubs. However, don't forget
about the high temperatures that develop on
southerly exposures and cause the soil to dry
out rapidly.
Astilbe foliage begins to appear and
develop from late April onwards. Leaves are
all deeply cut and often purplish or
bronzy -green. Early -flowering cultivars be-
gin blooming in early June and provide
excellent color for several weeks. Others
don't begin blooming until later in the
summer. Colorful, plume -like flower beads
are produced well above the foliage. The
early flowering cultivars associate well wi
lip
irises because of the contrast in flo
(Continued on Page 39)
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