Astilba - what to plant next to

For landscaping, a plant called astilba is often used. It has small flowers and long, spreading branches. With this plant it is possible to create a unique design. If you find out what to plant next to astilba, you can create harmonious compositions on your site.

Astilba: what to plant next to

Before deciding what to plant astilba in a flower bed with, it is worth understanding its features and studying the description. This plant is picturesque, bright, has numerous inflorescences. They can decorate a lawn, garden or flower garden. It is grown in Asia, Japan, China, Mongolia. It is also called "false spirea". In the selection of neighboring plants, it also matters, astilba is a shrub or flower.

What does astilba look like

What leaves look like

Astilba leaves are complex, bipinnate. Some leaves have a heart-shaped base. They are shiny above and matte below. They look very unusual in bright sun. The foliage can also be rich olive, bronze and burgundy.

What does an astilbe flower look like

The plant belongs to the saxifrage family. The height, depending on the variety, can be from 20 to 200 cm. The flowering time of astilba is from June to September. The flowers thin out the delicate scent that is like bird cherry. The color of the petals can be white, pink, burgundy, red and lilac.

There are several forms of inflorescences:

• Drooping. The inflorescences are on a long and narrow stem. They sink to the ground, which looks especially graceful and sophisticated.
• In the form of a pyramid. The flanks with flowers have a perpendicular divergence to the central axis. These parts become thinner and shorter. The narrowing of the inflorescences occurs from the base to the crown.
• Paniculata. Here, too, there is a divergence of the lateral branches perpendicular to the axial, but they also strongly branch
• Rhombic. Branches with flowers grow at right angles and form a kind of rhombus.

Tall varieties

Tall varieties of astilba:

• Amethyst: a bush can grow up to 1 meter in height; the flowers are large, have a blue-violet color;
• Arends: grows up to 160 cm; large pink flowers;
• Pomegranate: grows up to two meters; the flowers are blood red;
• Diamond: grows up to 1.5 meters in height; the flowers are large and white;
• Ostrich feather: grows up to 80 cm; flowers have a lavender hue;
• Thunder and lightning: the height can reach 80 cm; small ruby ​​flowers;
• Lavender: grows up to 1 meter; flowers are small, lavender in color.

Tall variety

A successful combination is obtained with such plants: lilies, daffodils, crocuses, tulips, hosts, junipers, ferns, conifers.

Low-growing varieties

The undersized varieties of astilba include:

• Vision in red: height up to 30 cm. Flowers are small, bright purple. They have a strong aroma.
• Gloria: height 50 cm. Lush inflorescences in the form of a diamond. The flowers themselves are small and white.
• Europe: height up to 50 cm. Flowers are pale pink, odorless.
• Montgomery: height up to 70 cm. Flowers are pink and large.
• Purple Rhine: height up to 50 cm. Small purple-pink flowers.

What to plant next to an undersized astilba depends on the season. For example, in the spring it looks good with rhododendrons and Iberis. The best combination of this plant is next to daylilies, hosts and incense. A good option is to plant it next to a rose. However, in this case, a certain distance must be observed.

The use of decorative properties in landscape design

Astilba in landscape design is often used to brighten a shady area. This flower can be used to decorate the most inconspicuous places or to decorate an artificial reservoir. It is often used in black and white compositions. To create such a flower bed, it is necessary to plant the seeds of such plants: white iris, variegated iris, white bells, oxalis with purple-black leaves.

These flowers love moisture. In this regard, they should be planted next to columns or artificial reservoirs. If planted next to roses, you must do this in the northern part. If planted in pots, it is possible to make a small garden and at the same time combine with other plants.

Astilba in the garden: landscape tricks

Before planting astilba, you should consider some points:

• Think carefully about the colors. A flowerbed can be made monochrome if it consists of one type of plant, or it can be made diversified if different types are used.
• This flower will grow well if planted in shady corners. When creating a flower bed from different kinds of varieties, it is worth planting a stunted species in the foreground, then a Chinese one, for example, a superba, and then a tall one.

Astilba with red leaves

Delfts Lace is a red-leaved variety. It can be used to decorate tracks in an original way. The simultaneous planting of this species with spireas will serve as a beautiful addition to the flower bed. Moreover, astilbe should be planted in the foreground of the composition.

Astilba: shade or sun

When growing, the question arises: what does Astilba like - shade or sun. She prefers shade most of all. If you plant it in the sun, then the flower will dry out and you will have to water it more often, as well as mulch the soil. Often the reason why the leaves of a plant curl is direct sunlight. You will have to make more effort so that it grows in the sun and does not dry out.

The distance between astilbe plants when planting

In order for the plant to please with a beautiful flowering, it is necessary to observe a certain distance between the bushes when planting. Low-growing species must be planted at a distance of 30 cm, and tall ones - 50 cm.

The combination of astilba with other plants

To create a monochronic composition, you can plant a flower next to the following plants:

• Siberian white iris;
• Variegated iris;
• White dotted bells;
• Triangular oxalis.

Astilba and hosta in landscape design

Two plants - astilba next to the hosta - are used very often in landscape design, since both of these plants are similar in principles of care. They love water and shade. Calm and expressive hosta goes well with expressive astilba.

Flowerbeds with astilba and hosta

Such flower beds are unique: the brightly blooming astilba and the lush rosette of the hosts complement each other perfectly. Having landed this combination in a dark corner, you can decorate it advantageously.

Flowerbed with astilba and hosta

Hydrangea next to Astilba

Hydrangea, like astilba, loves moist soil. In this regard, they are often planted in the neighborhood. One of the advantages of such a composition is that after the flowers fall off, they will decorate the flower bed with beautiful decorative leaves.

Astilba is a beautiful flower that can be advantageously used in landscape design in combination with other plants.