| My new Astilbe that I put in about 4 days ago is having some problems. The leaves are shriveled and the blooms are withering into a brownish color. What have I done wrong? |
| I suspect your astilbe is going through some transplant stress. The blooms aged prematurely but that's the plant's response to the shock of being transplanted. Prune the dead flowers off but leave the foliage alone. Once the roots become established the plant should develop some new leaves. When that happens, prune away the old, dead leaves. Astilbes grow best in morning sun and filtered afternoon sun, in moist soil. When you water, make sure the water soaks down deep into the soil to encourage it to root deep where the soil moisture tends to be more constant than at the surface. If you place several inches of organic mulch over the root zone of the astilbe, you'll help the soil retain moisture, regulate soil temperatures, and help suppress weeds. Best wishes with your new astilbe! |
