1 | For lots of these pretty plumes, water astilbe regularly or site it where the soil stays consistently moist. Then you can grow other moisture-loving companions, such as queen of the prairie.
Botanical Names
Chinese astilbe Astilbe chinensis
Japanese astilbe Astilbe japonica
Queen of the prairie Filipendula rubra
Star astilbe Astilbe simplicifolia
Astilbe is one of those go-to perennials that brings so much to the garden. Its distinctive blooms range from bright and bold to soothing pastels, and they last for weeks- even months when you have the right combination of astilbes. Flower plumes come in different shapes, from stiffly upright, like the pink blooms at right, to loose and drapey. In addition, the ferny pest- and disease-free foliage provides great texture for your shade garden, and deer and rabbits usually give it a pass. Astilbe can even grow in full sun if you have a spot with plenty of moisture.
Though there are 25 species, just a few of them are the primary source for most of the hybrids you find at the garden center: Japanese astilbe is an early summer bloomer. Chinese astilbe and smaller star astilbe flower in midsummer.
Let's explore how you can design with and grow gorgeous plants like these.
Grow Gorgeous Astilbe
2 | Terrific texture Besides beautiful flowers, astilbe’s deeply dissected leaves provide good contrast when paired with other leaf shapes, such as the smooth, round foliage of tall sedum.
Denne historien er fra Issue 171 - June 2023-utgaven av Garden Gate.
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Denne historien er fra Issue 171 - June 2023-utgaven av Garden Gate.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
Spinach - Learn the secrets to growing this tasty green in spring and fall.
If you're one of those gardeners who can't wait to get started in spring and hates to throw in the trowel in fall, spinach is the perfect shoulder season crop. This mild, earthy-flavored green comes in many varieties, ranging from crinkly-leafed savoys to slightly textured semi-savoys and the flat, smooth-leafed types. Colors can be dark green, light green and even red-veined. Here's how to get the most of it every year.
Why Bulb Depth Matters - Dig deep enough to ensure your plants stand tall and live the longest
When you're planting bulbs, it's tempting to just dig a hole as deep as your trowel will reach easily, nestle the bulb in, cover it up and move on. But the fact is, each type of bulb will flower best and thrive at a different depth.A good rule of thumb is to plant a bulb two to three times its height. One reason planting depth is important is because it helps to keep the bulbs protected from fluctuations in temperature that happen closer to the surface.
GARDEN ESSENTIALS
FALL GARDEN CLEANUP TOOLS
Saving Seeds
Saving flower seeds is a great way to get more plants with almost no investment. It's easy to do. Here's how to save seeds from some of your favorite annuals as the growing season winds down.
Cucumber Trellis Flop
I watched cucumber trellis growers online for several seasons with envy. What a brilliant way to save space in raised garden beds and make it look fancy! Finally, I was sold and decided to try it in my garden.
9 Tough Perennials for Clay Soil
Whether you garden in the nutrient-poor red clay of the Southeast, the calcium combined-with-clay caliche of the West or something in between, the common denominator is that clay soil is difficult to grow in. Why? Tiny particles of clay hold tightly together, slowing drainage and limiting the amount of oxygen that can reach plant roots. You've seen the resultsanemic-looking or rotting plants.
Garden Fences
Discover the perfect blend of functionality, style, and materials for your ideal fence.
A GARDEN OF STORIES
Learn plant and project tips from a couple who's been gardening here for nearly 50 years.
Switchgrass
Adaptable switchgrass goes with the flow.
Establish a Monarch Waystation
Did you know that a single monarch butterfly can migrate up to 3,000 miles? That's a lot of ground to cover! This amazing insect makes a fascinating journey, unlike any other butterfly.
