Description of the Chinese astilbe variety Visions in ed, cultivation and propagation

Among all the varieties of Chinese astilbe, Visions in red is considered one of the most attractive. Large purple inflorescences highlight this flower in flower beds and front gardens. The lushly flowering bush is resistant to adverse conditions and tolerates seasonal weather changes. The variety is actively used in landscaping, both independently and as part of compositions. The name of the variety is also found in the spelling Vision, Visions or in other interpretations of the original Astilbe chinensis Visions in red.

General information about Chinese astilbe Visions in ed

The origin of astilbe is associated with the territory of the Primorsky Territory, China, the Korean Peninsula and Japan. The wild flower was first described in the first half of the 19th century. Botanists throughout Europe have been breeding the plant; the selection of varieties goes back at least 150 years. During this time, not only the habitat of the culture expanded, but also the variety of decorative characteristics changed significantly.

Purple astilbe chinensis Visions in ed looks significantly different from other varieties of the plant, but retains its natural unpretentiousness. In terms of height, the variety is classified as low, and in terms of the shape of the inflorescences, it is rhombic.

All plants of the Vision series are bred to enhance attractiveness, the leaves have a pronounced texture, and the inflorescences are distinguished by their lushness and variegated palette.

Description and characteristic features of the variety

The Astilbe chinensis Visions red variety is mainly distinguished by the rich red hue of its inflorescences and shoots, on which are green leaves with a bronze tint. The plant is resistant to lack of moisture and tolerates bright sunlight, although it prefers light partial shade. The winter hardiness of this variety is quite high and corresponds to zone 4, so Visions Red is able to survive frosts down to -34 °C.The plant grows quickly and confidently in free territory and displaces weaker crops and weeds.

External hive data

Astilbe Visions in ed is a low-growing variety and reaches a height of no more than 50 cm. At the same time, the green part of the plant is located at a level of 30 cm, and the flower stalks rise above them by another 10-20 cm. Astilbe shoots are straight and strong, with a smooth surface. The leaves have a serrate edge, are pinnate, oval in shape, slightly elongated. The root of the plant is located vertically or with a slight slope. Every year the rhizome increases by 2-4 cm in height, which leads to the need to constantly increase the bulk soil at the base of the flower.

All about flowering

Astilbe varieties Visions in ed bloom from July to August. At this time, the flower stalks are covered with lush, dense inflorescences in a shape close to a diamond. Large groups consist of small, fragrant, bright flowers with a rich reddish-purple hue. Fully opened petals have a lighter tone.

How does culture reproduce?

There are several ways to propagate Chinese astilbe Visions in ed:

• seminal;
• vegetative.

If the flower stalks of plants are not removed after flowering, then the seeds of the plant can ripen on their own and disperse into the surrounding area. When self-sowing, varietal qualities may be lost, so this method is better suited for growing astilbe from seeds purchased in a store. To propagate bushes already existing on the site, it is worth using the vegetative method. There are 2 options for such propagation: by dividing the bush and by replacing buds.

Requirements for climatic conditions and soil

The climatic requirements for growing the Visions In Ed variety must correspond to the 4th winter hardiness zone. As for the morphological composition of the soil, the plant can be planted in any soil, as long as it is loose enough and does not lead to prolonged stagnation of moisture or rapid drying out. Planting a flower on sandstones is possible only in conditions of partial shade and subsequent abundant mulching of the area. The ideal option for planting is well-fertilized, clay-manure or loamy soil, which can be neutral or slightly acidic.

Planting a plant on the site

In garden design, astilbe of the Visions in red variety is used both in single plantings and in group plantings. Joint planting is possible in:

• mixborders;
• discounts;
• curbs;
• shady alpine slides;
• flower beds around tree trunks;
• large containers.

When planting astilbe, it is worth taking into account the condition of the soil and light load, since the plant reacts extremely negatively to drought and overheating of the soil.

Choosing a suitable place

An area with light partial shade is best suited for planting astilbe. The abundance of direct sunlight leads to more active, but shorter flowering. The variety does not tolerate growing in places with dry air; low humidity is detrimental to the flower.

What does culture get along with and what doesn’t?

Ideal for planting together with astilbe Visions in ed:

• hosts;
• hyacinths;
• tulips;
• saxifrage;
• daylilies;
• phlox;
• bells;
• tall cereals.

Heuchera, bergenia and geranium can be planted in the foreground of the crop. You can plant lilies of the valley, podophyllum, hellebore, goat weed, irises or kupena nearby. You should not plant light-loving flowers near this variety, as well as small plants that can be crowded out by the more resistant astilbe.

Timing and technology of planting a flower

Visions seeds are sown in open ground in late autumn, and for seedlings - from February to March. They are placed on top of pre-dug, fertilized and abundantly watered soil, without deepening or covering with a layer of soil. After germination, the plants are planted at a wider distance from each other. Seedlings are planted in a permanent place in summer or autumn.

Propagation by dividing the rhizome is the easiest way. It is advisable to carry out the process at the beginning of summer or between the end of August and September. To do this, bushes about 4 years old are dug out of the ground and divided into equal parts so that several buds are preserved on each. Each part is planted in a new place and watered generously with warm water.

The use of individual replacement buds slightly complicates the flower propagation process. Buds about 6 cm high are cut from the rhizome, capturing its tissue. Planting material is placed in a container filled with a mixture of peat, turf and sand. After 15-20 days, the buds take root and are ready to be planted in a permanent place.

Astilbes are placed in such a way that the grown bushes are no closer than 0.3 m from each other. After planting, plants are mulched with crushed peat or compost to maintain the required level of moisture.

Care

Astilbe does not require constant careful care; it is loyal and hardy. Regular watering in combination with proper fertilizing and loose soil allows you to grow attractive bushes with minimal labor costs.

Watering and spraying

In order to grow lush, healthy astilbes of the Visions in Ed variety, it is necessary to monitor the degree of soil moisture at the roots.The soil and rhizomes should not be allowed to dry out; this can lead not only to a deterioration in appearance, but also to the death of the flower. Plants need to be watered frequently, especially in dry weather, and at low air humidity levels, watering can be supplemented by spraying.

Fertilizing and loosening the soil

The complex of fertilizers for the fruitful growth of astilbe depends on the quality of the soil. It is advisable to add compost and peat to dry soil; for wet soil, it is a fairly universal fertilizer for flowering plants. When planting bushes, mineral fertilizers and bone meal with humus are added to the soil. After flowering has finished, potassium-phosphorus fertilizers can be added to the soil that is poor in composition. It is advisable to accompany each watering by loosening the soil so that moisture and oxygen reach the roots of the plant.

Formation of bushes

To improve the decorativeness of the crop, it is worth completely cutting off dry and damaged shoots. To maintain attractiveness, it is also recommended to remove flower stalks after flowering. It is advisable to divide growing bushes into parts every 4 years in order to relieve the load and restore the decorative appearance of astilbe. The rhizomes need to be cut into pieces, keeping at least one replacement bud, and the bushes should be planted in a new location.

Prevention of insects and diseases

There are no natural pests of astilbe in the middle zone, but plants can be affected by nematodes or strawberry worms. The appearance of brown spots, growths on roots and deformation of leaves can be prevented by using fungicides in a timely manner.

Pennywort larvae can cause damage to bushes, causing the flower to wither and lose its green part. To combat the pest, you can use Karbofos, which is also suitable for prevention.

Astilbe can pick up viral or fungal infections from neighboring plants. The easiest way to protect a plant is by timely removal of weeds and damaged areas, as well as preventive spraying with Fitoverm, Confidor or analogues.

How to protect a plant from frost

In the fall, after the end of the growing season, the above-ground part of Visions flowers is completely cut off. In conditions of severe frosts or insufficient snow cover, it is recommended to protect the bushes from freezing. Visions in red can be covered with natural or artificial materials.

What problems may arise when growing

Growing astilbe from seeds is made difficult by the tiny size of the material, the amount of which in 1 g reaches 20 thousand.

As it grows, the Chinese astilbe variety Visions In Red does not form dense growth, which does not allow dividing the bush too often.