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Astilba Luk et Mi amazes not only with its unusual flowers, but also with amazing characteristics. This plant belongs to the saxifrage family, has beautiful flowers and unpretentious care.
Description of Astilba Bow et Mi
Herbaceous perennials always attract the attention of gardeners. Japanese astilba was no exception. It got its name because of the peculiarities of the leaves: literally the name translates as "without shine". Astilba sheet plates are completely matte. There are several varieties of this plant, among which the Japanese Onion et Mi is the most decorative.
Its uniqueness lies in its striking contrasts. On dark red, almost burgundy stems, leaves of a rich green hue appear. The main difference between the variety is the presence of glossy leaves. They have a feathery shape and resemble an elegant openwork lace.
Astilba Look at Me belongs to compact plants, its height does not exceed 50-60 cm. The bush is quite sprawling and prone to rapid growth. Prefers shaded areas with a moderate amount of light. A perennial needs protection from the scorching midday rays of the sun. The variety is striking in its resistance to frost (up to - 34 ° C).
Flowering features
Astilbe (Astilbe Look at Me) belongs to the late flowering group, as gardeners can admire the unusually beautiful flowers in July-August. Dried flower stalks do not lose their attractiveness, they can not be cut until late autumn. The flowers are collected in separate inflorescences, which are shaped like fluffy panicles.
Their color range is quite wide - from white to salmon and even red. The splendor and abundance of flowering depends on the quality of summer dressings. This period is especially important for budding. It is imperative to apply fertilizers rich in potassium.
Application in design
Due to its high decorativeness, astilba Luk et Mi is widely used in landscape design. Plants are planted in mono-flower beds or mixed flower beds, against the backdrop of lawns. They look spectacular in the foreground of shrubs, decorated in the form of a hedge. Astilba Luk et Mi is combined with almost all shade-tolerant plants: hellebore, badan, podophyllum. Delicate flowers such as irises, lilies of the valley and tulips will also help to shade its original beauty.
Reproduction methods
There are 3 main breeding methods for Astilba Luk et Mi, each of which has its own characteristics and results:
- By dividing the bush... The most effective and popular method among gardeners. A strong, healthy astilbe bush Onion et Mi is dug out of the ground in early March, the leaves are removed and cut into cuttings (each leaves from 3 to 5 buds).The dead parts of the root system are carefully cut off, and the cuttings themselves are planted in the soil at intervals of 30 cm and provide daily watering.
- By the kidneys. The so-called renewal buds are cut off along with a part of the root and must be treated with ash for disinfection. The resulting shoots are placed in a peat-gravel substrate (in a ratio of 3: 1). From above, the container is sealed with foil. Onions at Mi are transplanted into the astilba garden after six months or a year. The pruning procedure is done in the spring.
- Seeds... This method is rarely used. Hybrid varieties do not transfer their characteristic traits to daughter plants. It is necessary to purchase varietal seeds in specialized stores. They are stratified and planted in the same way as the seeds of other plants, but they are not embedded in the ground.
Landing algorithm
First, for astilba Bow et Mi, you need to find a suitable place. A sparse shade is most suitable for it, so it is permissible to plant it under trees. A sufficient amount of soft diffused light will penetrate through their crown, and the scorching rays of the sun will not be able to harm the plant.
A place near the water is also suitable, since Astilba Luk et Mi loves moisture. Even a short-term drought can cause irreparable harm to her. The soil must be dug up, then fertilizers are introduced into it (rotted manure, decomposed peat or compost).
The landing pattern is pretty simple:
- It is necessary to dig a planting hole of such a volume that the branched rhizomes of astilba can freely fit in it.
- Mix the soil with organic fertilizers (in specialized stores, you can easily choose the right ones).
- If the soil dries out too quickly, an additional hydrogel can be added.
- Planting material is placed in the pit (the growth point remains above the soil level) and all the roots are carefully straightened so that they do not break off, they are covered with soil on top and compacted.
- Astilba seedlings Onion et Mi, which previously grew in pots or containers, must be buried at the same level as in containers. The soil usually settles after watering, so it is important to check to see if the roots are sticking out.
- Near the astilba, a so-called watering circle is necessarily formed, which allows you to keep moisture in the ground. The soil is moistened every other day. This regime is adhered to until the plant takes root completely.
Follow-up care
For Astilba Onion et Mi, regular watering is very important. The soil is kept constantly moist. If the plant cannot be planted in the shade, the water will help to significantly reduce the negative effects of the open sun. After each moistening, the soil is mulched and loosened so that it does not dry out so quickly, and a dense crust does not form on its surface, which prevents ventilation of the roots.
For the full growth and flowering of Astilbe Onion et Mi, a beneficial nutrient medium is needed. Systematic feeding will help to provide it. Gardeners use organic ingredients, because astilba does not tolerate mineral fertilizers very well. Organic fertilizing completely replenishes the flower's nutrient needs, which are necessary for abundant flowering and harmonious growth. Astilbe two-year-olds are usually fed with rotted manure or soil composed of compost and peat.
Preparing for winter
Astilba Luk et Mi (Look at Me) is frost-resistant and can withstand fairly low temperatures (down to -30 ° C and below) without loss. The greatest danger is fraught with spring frosts. During this period, you need to carefully monitor the weather and cover the plants in a timely manner, using spruce branches or non-woven material for this.
In autumn, when the flower stalks of Astilba Onion et Mi crumble themselves, they are carefully cut off. In October, the same is done with the shoots. The roots do not need a special shelter; dry fallen leaves or branches are enough.The main thing is to protect the plant from a sharp jump in temperature in spring.
Diseases and pests
Astilba Luk et Mi is resistant to common diseases. Among the pests, only aphids can be dangerous for her, drooling pennies or snails, but they can be easily eliminated with a strong solution of laundry soap or common factory preparations.
With excessive watering, root rot can develop, but viral diseases can be brought along with poor-quality planting material.
Conclusion
Astilba Luk et Mi is a very beautiful compact plant that is easy to grow in the garden. She does not need special conditions, but she will thank for a comfortable living environment with abundant, luxurious flowering, which will delight the eye for a long time. In addition, the flowers of Astilba Onion et Mi are often used as dead wood to decorate the room.
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