How to Plant Astilbe Bareroot
Astilbes, also known as "False Spirea" because of their small, spiky flowers, are perennials that can remain undivided for several years and still live a long time. They grow best in moist, well-drained soil, and they'll tolerate full shade if that's where you need to grow them to get moist soil, although partial shade is best. They won't tolerate either dry or heavy, slow draining soil. You should therefore take some extra time to prepare your soil to hold some water but still drain well before you plant your Astilbes to ensure to maximize their life and productivity. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Bare root Astilbe(s)
- Digging tool such as a trowel
- Peat moss
- Starter fertilizer
- Watering can with water
Instructions
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1
Dig a hole about 12 inches across and 12 inches deep.
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2
Place the loose soil you've just dug out of the hole in a bucket and mix it with peat moss (or compost, if you have it, or some other kind of organic matter) and a handful of slow-release granular fertilizer. Mix the fertilizer and peat thoroughly into the bucket and then place about 4 inches into the bottom of the hole. It's the addition of the organic matter that will improve drainage and water retention, and both the organic matter and fertilizer will add nutrients necessary for the plant to grow well.
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3
Place the bare root plant on top of the 4 inches of soil mix in the bottom of the hole and return the rest of the mix to the hole to cover the roots with about 1-2 inches of soil above the top of the roots. Finish filling the hole to the top and gently tamp the soil down.
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4
Mix starter fertilizer (liquid fertilizer with vitamin B to stimulate root growth) into a watering can with a gallon or so of water. Add the starter fertilizer to the water in the amount indicated on the label.
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5
Pour the water/starter fertilizer mix into the filled hole where the root ball now sits.
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6
Water as necessary to prevent wilting until the plant establishes itself.
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Tips & Warnings
Space the plants about 12-18 inches apart. It may be hard to tell up from down on these plants when their roots are bare, because the stems and roots look a lot alike. You should be able to tell the stems by the new sprouts on them. The new growth looks clean and white, while the roots look dirty and brown.
