Astilbe is one of America’s most loved ornamental plants, and with good reason. This hardy perennial produces masses of blooms surrounded by lacy, fern-like foliage. Astilbe is generally a reliable bloomer, but if your astilbe won’t bloom, there are several possible causes. Read on to learn more about why your astilbe stopped blooming.
Why is My Astilbe Not Blooming?
You may be wondering how to keep astilbe blooming, especially if you notice yours isn’t flowering like it was before. Here are the most common reasons for blooming troubles and how to remedy them: Soil and Moisture – Although astilbe prefers organic, well-drained, acidic soil, it’s important that the plant is relatively moisture retentive. The soil shouldn’t be allowed to become bone dry and may require more frequent irrigation during hot, dry weather. Avoid frequent, shallow irrigation, however, which produces weak, shallow roots. As a general rule, one deep watering per week is adequate. A layer of mulch helps keep the roots evenly moist. Replace the mulch as it decomposes or blows away. Sunlight – While astilbe usually tolerates moderate sunlight, most astilbe varieties perform best in shade. If your plant is in full sunlight, provide shade (especially during hot afternoons) or consider moving the plant to a more suitable location. Also, keep in mind that astilbe planting in bright sunlight will require more frequent irrigation. Fertilizer – Astilbe plants are heavy feeders and may not bloom without adequate nutrition; this is a common reason for an astilbe that is not flowering. Provide a slow-release fertilizer with a ratio of 3-1-2 in spring, and then feed the plant a high-nitrogen fertilizer when the plant is setting buds in late summer or early autumn. If possible, amend the soil regularly with compost or well-rotted manure. Maintenance – Astilbe benefits from division when the plant is at least three years old. Although astilbe doesn’t usually need much pruning, removing spent blooms and flower stalks throughout the blooming season helps keep the plant neat. However, this isn’t a requirement and unlike many blooming plants, deadheading won’t promote more blooms. If you like the appearance of the stalks and seedpods, feel free to leave them in place until spring.
-
Gifts For Bird Lovers, Birders and Birdies To Attract More Feathered Friends To Your Yard!If you’re looking to bring more birdies to your garden, these gifts for bird lovers should definitely be on your wish list. Grab some avian attractions to get your gardens all aflutter
-
Elegant Exotics: 8 Beautiful Amaryllis Varieties That Will Brighten Any Holiday DisplayWhether red, pink, white or variegated, the right amaryllis varieties can enhance any living space, especially during the holidays. We round up eight of the most exquisite
-
Astilbe Is Turning Brown: Troubleshooting Brown AstilbesBrowning astilbe can certainly mar your garden. Find out here why your astilbe is turning brown and what you can do to prevent or fix it here.
-
Bloom Time For Astilbe Plants: When Does Astilbe BloomWhen does astilbe bloom? Astilbe plant bloom time is usually a phase of time between late spring and late summer depending on the cultivar. Learn more about the blooming of astilbe in this article to ensure more of these flowering plants in your garden.
-
Troubleshooting Astilbe Diseases: Overcoming Problems Growing Astilbe PlantsAstilbe plants are as tough as they are lovely. This doesn?t mean that they are completely pest free, however. For information on astilbe plant diseases, the following article will help. Click here to learn more.
-
Tips On Feeding Astilbe: Learn About Fertilizer For Astilbe PlantsAstilbe produces vibrant, beautiful fronds of flowers, bringing color to dark areas. But how can you make sure you're getting the most out of your astilbe blooms? Click this article to learn more about how to fertilize astilbe plants.
-
Astilbe Bare Roots – Learn About Bare Root Planting Of AstilbeAstilbe plants are usually propagated by root division in spring. Sometimes, however, they are sold bare root at that time. For more information about growing astilbe from bare roots, you should click on the following article.
-
Dividing Astilbe Plants: How To Transplant Astilbe In The GardenMost perennial plants can be divided and transplanted, and astilbe is no exception. You don't need to transplant or divide astilbe plants every year, but every two to four years. For more information on dividing astilbe plants, click this article.
-
Astilbe Companion Planting: Companion Plants For AstilbeAstilbe is a fantastic plant to have in your flower garden. But what else can go in those spaces with it? Click on this article to learn about astilbe companion planting and plants that grow well with astilbe.
-
Astilbe Winter Care: How To Winterize Astilbe PlantsWhile it should survive for years, there are a few steps you can take to give astilbe a serious leg up and make sure it survives the cold. Find out how to care for astilbe plants in winter in the article that follows.
