Astilba David

2024 Author: Gavin MacAdam | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 13:38

Astilbe David (lat. Astilbe davidii) - a representative of the genus Astilba of the large family of Saxos. He is a native of China. It also occurs in nature there, but mainly in the northern and northwestern regions. Often this view can be captured on the territory of Mongolia - a state bordering in the northern part with Russia, and in the east with China. A rare species, it is rarely used in ornamental gardening and floriculture, although it is famous for its high decorative properties.

Characteristics of culture

Astilba David is represented by perennial herbaceous plants, which reach a height of 1.5 m. The bush formed during the growth process has a wide spreading shape. Foliage, in turn, is complex, occurs both twice and three times plumose, usually wrinkled, light green in color, petiolate. A distinctive feature of the leaves of the species under consideration is considered to be a noticeable venation, which has a brown tint.

The flowers of David's astilba are formed in huge numbers, they are small, lilac or pink-lilac, collected in narrow pyramidal inflorescences. In length, the inflorescences reach 25-40 cm, which depends on the growing conditions, the climate of the region and care. This species blooms in mid-summer, usually flowering occurs in the third decade of July and ends after 10-14 days. Sometimes the flowering period does not exceed a week, which depends entirely on weather conditions and location.

Features of cultivation

Astilba David, like its closest relatives, is not a whimsical crop, but compliance with the required growing conditions promises abundant flowering and active growth. The species in question can be planted on nutritious, moderately moist, non-saline soils. The high occurrence of groundwater will not interfere with the development of culture, therefore, it can be safely planted close to water bodies. But on dry and poor soils, and even in the sun, it should not be grown, most likely, it will die without showing its true beauty.

It should be noted that David's astilba has a rather negative attitude towards overheating of the soil. It is for this reason that it is not recommended to plant it in open sunny areas. If this advice is neglected, it is necessary to provide the culture with proper and timely care, which consists in systematic watering and mulching of the soil with natural material, for example, wood chips. By the way, mulch will not only protect the root system of David's Astilba from overheating, but also minimize moisture loss from the soil, prevent weeds and, finally, keep the soil looseness in its previous state, which is no less important for the development of culture.

With proper and regular care, as well as favorable growing conditions, astilbe of David (like other representatives of the genus) develops very quickly, respectively, and grows, forming a lush mass that needs to be divided over time. This procedure is recommended to be carried out at least once every 3-5 years. If the operation is not carried out in time, the duration and quality of flowering will decrease, because over time the rhizome grows, while the young roots make their way through the soil and dry out strongly, which threatens the indicated problem.

In general, caring for a crop does not take much time. The most important thing is to provide her, as already mentioned, with proper watering and not forget to apply mulch. Top dressing is also required. Especially Astilba Davila needs phosphorus and potassium fertilizers. They should be applied to the soil in preparation for planting and thereafter annually. Organic fertilizers should not be avoided, but only rotted fertilizers, such as compost or humus, should be used. The amount of fertilizer applied depends solely on the composition of the soil.