We recently moved and I was able to start fresh with a clean slated flower bed. Our new house faces the west where the old house faced the east. When I transplanted my perennials, they did real well at first and now the leaves are turning brown and they look like they are dying. I have three astilbe plants that aren't doing too well and look like they are dying. I have fertilized, made sure there are no pests. I thought that maybe I wasn't watering enough and then was afraid I was watering too much and was killing them that way. I read that they like shady areas and was wondering if they might be getting too much sun. The same with my hostas, the ones that are on the end of the flower bed are doing much better than the one that is in the sun the most. I was thinking about moving them around.
Both the hostas and astilbes will appreciate filtered sunlight or shade so you are right in moving them.,
What animal is eating it? And what other plant can I plant to keep them from getting eaten?
It is likely slugs or snails. They love new growth and only feed at night so it is hard to see them. These articles will help:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/facts-about-slugs-and-how-to-kill-garden-slugs.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/organic-snail-control-how-to-control-garden-snails.htm
Hello, I have just purchased 6 dwarf Astilbe and was thinking of putting one in each of my 14" hanging baskets with some trailing begonias. I know this is unusual but I do like to try different things as sometimes they can turn out quite stunning. The Astilbes grow to about 60cm. What do you think? Dave Someone must have some constructive ideas on this issue!
As long as you are giving them a shady place to grow, I think this is a great idea. Make sure to keep the soil moist, though.
I made the stupid mistake early last summer of adding lime to my soil in an attempt to make it more acidic for my new Astilbe plants. This, of course, gave me the opposite affect that I wanted and now I'm wondering if it's too late to recover them. Do I need to just start over with new plants, or will trying to bring the soil back to more of an actual acidic state work with my original plants? Thank you for your time.
If your plants are still alive, you may be able to recover them, but starting over with new ones wouldn't hurt either. For growing information and care of astilbe plants, this article will help: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/astilbe/growing-astilbe-plants.htm I would test your soil pH and go from there. Rather than adding lime, you can amend the soil with compost and use a fertilizer for acid-loving plants. Here is more information: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/soil-fertilizers/soil-ph-plants.htm, https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/soil-fertilizers/raise-acid-level-soil.htm
How can I get rid of black flies that are on my Astilbe and Daisy plants outside? I've tried Basil plants next to them, doesn't work. Thank you
I would recommend trying neem oil. It is effective against both harmful insects and fungus, and it's very safe to use. Here is more information: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/problems/pests/neem-oil-uses.htm
I have several Astilbe in my garden, all from same plant. I have divided it twice and it used to be quite pink in color but it now has faded to soft white. Is there any thing I can do to bring back the color?
Astilbe flowers are their brightest color when they first appear and fade as they age.
There is nothing that you can do to increase or change the color. It is just the nature of the plant.
You could look for some bright colored varieties to boost your garden appearance.
Here is a link about Astilbe care.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/astilbe/growing-astilbe-plants.htm
I have 2 purple astilbe plants in my front garden. I put in 3 years ago. The second year the plumes were tall and full. This year the color is beautiful but the plumes are much shorter, hardly taller than the greens of the plants. The green base is full and looks healthy. Our entire yard has large maple trees and this garden get partial sun. I usually leave the plumes even after they turn brown. Can I do something to encourage the plumes to be taller next year?
Here is an excellent article that should help.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/astilbe/growing-astilbe-plants.htm