Description of astilbe variety Diamant, planting and care, wintering and propagation

Diamond astilbe is chosen primarily because of its high decorative properties and frost resistance. This plant of extraordinary beauty can grow both in open areas and in partial shade. A perennial herbaceous plant found naturally in deciduous forests and on river banks. In order for Astilbe Diamant to actively grow and develop, you need to know its characteristics, the subtleties of planting and care.

History of selection of astilbe Diamant

The Diamant variety was bred by the famous breeder Arendsa. By crossing the tall David's astilbe, 40 hybrid forms were obtained, including Diamond, distinguished by snow-white flowers.

Description and characteristics of the plant

In order for Astilbe Diamant to effectively decorate the garden, bloom for a long time and not get sick, it is necessary to become more familiar with its characteristics and distinctive features.

Lifespan

On average, a culture can live 5-7 years. In one place, the bush can bloom for 10 years; if replanting is not done, then the growth period of Diamant astilbe can be extended by periodically adding a fertile layer of soil.

Bush height and leaf shape

Astilbe Diamond from the Saxifraga family is distinguished by a long flowering period and relative undemanding care. The height of the bush reaches almost 90 centimeters, its width is 40-50 centimeters. On fairly strong branches, alternately dark green colored, complex pinnate leaf plates are located. They are medium in size and look quite original.

Inflorescence shape and color

Astilbe Diamant's flowers are not large in size; they are small, only 0.5 centimeters in diameter. The flowers are simple, bright pink in color, and have a pleasant scent. Inflorescences are of a broad paniculate type.

Flowering period

Large clusters of inflorescences bloom in June and fade in September.Astilbe Diamant is suitable for both cutting and gardening.

What frosts are terrible for astilbe

Astilbe Diamond is characterized by sufficient hardiness, frost resistance zone 3-4. But in the northern regions it is recommended to additionally protect the bushes from sub-zero temperatures.

Susceptibility to diseases and insects

Astilbe Diamond is rarely attacked by harmful insects and dangerous diseases. The perennial herbaceous plant has increased immunity to both parasites and diseases. Only under unfavorable growing conditions and serious violations in care can such troubles arise as the appearance of secretions of slobbering pennix larvae. They are removed mainly by hand.

This small pest can be detected by its characteristic foamy solution, which is very reminiscent of saliva. It is in it that the parasite lays its offspring. The result of the life activity of pennies is twisted leaf plates and the loss of their natural green color. If no measures are taken, the Astilbe Diamond will begin to fade and die.

Agrochemicals such as Aktara, Karbofos, Konfidor, Rogor are highly effective against pennies.

Sometimes bushes can be affected by the strawberry nematode, which lives on leaves and buds, and the root-knot nematode, which causes serious damage to the root system. It is almost impossible to cure diseased astilbe; it is removed from the soil and destroyed.

If lightened lesions appear on the leaf blades, the perennial bush should be treated with a working solution based on Karbofos or Aktara. This sign clearly indicates the presence of a pest such as a cicada on astilbe.

Among the diseases, the plant can be threatened by root rot, which often occurs due to excessive moisture in the soil. The bush should be removed from the soil, the rotten sections of the roots should be cut off, treated with a solution of potassium permanganate and replanted in a new location.

If bacterial spotting has been detected, then treatments with copper-based preparations are needed. Viral diseases cannot be cured.

The use of flowers in landscape design

Thanks to its attractive appearance and large luxurious inflorescences, Diamant astilbe is actively used in landscaping open areas. Bushes look especially harmonious along the border, in combination with other flower crops, in a flower bed. Another winning option for placing luxurious bushes with a pleasant smell and bright flowers is planting in a row.

An excellent tandem of astilbe Diamant with chic peonies and shaggy conifers, which also help to cover their root system from drying out and the scorching sun. Considering the fact that Diamond astilbe is capable of actively growing and developing even in shady areas, it is good to place it near water bodies and ponds where there is a high level of humidity.

Regardless of where and in what combination Diamant astilbe is used, it will always attract attention with its original appearance.

How to plant a herbaceous plant on the site

Astilbe Diamond, although it is an unpretentious plant, knowing the rules of planting will make it much easier to care for it in the future and obtain abundant and long-lasting flowering.

Optimal landing place

When choosing a clearing for planting Diamond astilbe, you should give preference to well-lit areas. Shaded places and areas near an artificial reservoir or fountain are also suitable.Planting it on the north side of the building has a beneficial effect on the perennial herbaceous plant.

It is best if you plant bushes on loamy soil, where groundwater is close. The soil acidity level should be in the range of 5.5-6.5.

Timing and technology of planting

Recommended timing for planting is May-early June. Before planting the plant, it is necessary to dig up the selected area and clear it of weeds. Add mature manure, compost or rotted peat at the rate of 2 buckets of organic matter per 1 square meter. The technology for planting astilbe Diamond consists of the following steps:

1. Dig a hole 20-30 centimeters wide and deep. If you plan to plant several bushes, then the distance between them should be 30 centimeters.
2. Add wood ash (half a glass) and mineral fertilizer (1 tablespoon) to the hole.
3. Spill with water.
4. Pour a small layer of fertile soil and place the seedling in the center of the hole, spreading its roots on different sides.
5. Sprinkle the roots and tamp lightly.

To preserve moisture, the soil under the bushes should be mulched with sawdust, pine needles, humus or peat.

Recommended proximity to other crops

The best option for placing Diamond astilbe is planting next to thujas, juniper bushes, near hostas and ferns. An excellent composition is obtained by combining astilbe with hellebore, bergenia, Rogers, and cuff. Diamond also looks impressive with aquilegia, daylilies, lilies, ferns, phlox and geraniums.

How to care for "Diamond" in the garden

Caring for a perennial is quite simple; it must be regularly moistened, fed and protected from sub-zero temperatures.

Regularity of watering

Since Astilbe Diamant is moisture-loving, it is always necessary to control the level of humidity in the soil. Irrigation activities should be carried out regularly. Such a simple agricultural practice as mulching will allow you to protect the roots of the plant from drying out. In addition, the soil will not have to be constantly loosened to prevent oxygen starvation of the underground part of the perennial plant.

The bush especially needs plenty of moisture at the stage of inflorescence formation. During the hot season, water procedures are recommended to be carried out in the morning or evening. Otherwise, during the period of active sun, burns occur on the leaves.

Which fertilizer does the variety prefer?

To achieve the desired effect when growing Diamant astilbe, it is necessary to carry out feeding procedures throughout the growing season. In spring, it is advisable to apply fertilizer compositions with a high concentration of nitrogen to the soil.

For these purposes, rotted vegetation, which is added when hilling the bushes, is best suited.

In mid-June, it is recommended to add potash to the soil. To prepare the working solution, use 2 tablespoons of potassium salt per 10 liters of water. When the flowering phase ends, phosphorus-containing compounds will be required, where 20 grams of the drug are used per garden planting.

Covering the roots for the winter

To ensure bright flowering of Astilbe Diamant in the future, it is necessary to properly prepare it for wintering. First of all, the bush must be cut to ground level, and the area must be mulched with peat or humus. To be safe, it is also covered with spruce branches.

Reproduction methods

It is possible to grow Diamond astilbe on a plot either by seed or by dividing the bush.Last year's collected seeds are placed in sandy-peaty (1:3) soil to a depth of 5-7 millimeters, moistened with a spray bottle, covered with film and placed in a room where the air temperature is +20 degrees. Picking is done after the formation of two true leaves. Sowing is done in March-April.

Delenki are obtained from a plant extracted with a clod of earth. Divide it into 2-3 parts, the main thing is that each has at least four growth points. They are planted in prepared holes at a distance of 30 centimeters.

Astilbe Diamond is rightfully classified as a luxurious ornamental crop. The plant fits perfectly into any flower arrangement and does not require special growing skills. The main thing is to adhere to the rules of agricultural technology and the result will not be long in coming.