Astilbe in the Ask a Question forum

Apr 19, 2016 5:07 PM CST

Thread OP

I live in the Washington, D.C., Metro area (Zone 7).

Last fall, I planted bare root astilbes and tulips in large planters. Early winter was warm, and the astilbes put up growth in December. January cold killed the growth. The tulips are up and blooming, but I haven't seen any sign of astilbe growth. Is it too early to see any activity, or is it likely the astilbe are dead?

| @Quincystreet | Post #1121279 (1)

DaisyI

Apr 19, 2016 7:20 PM CST

Name: Daisy I
Reno, Nv (Zone 6b)
Not all who wander are lost

Welcome to NGA!

Carefully (don't want to disturb new shoots) dig down to one of the rhizomes and check to see if it's moosh. If they are solid, give them a chance. Astilbe are used to this sort of thing.

Daisy

Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and proclaiming...."WOW What a Ride!!" -Mark Frost

President: Orchid Society of Northern Nevada
Webmaster: osnnv.org

| @DaisyI | Post #1121418 (2)

Weedwhacker

Apr 19, 2016 8:08 PM CST

Name: Sandy B.
Ford River Twp, Michigan UP (Zone 4b)
(Zone 4b-maybe 5a)

Welcome, @Quincystreet !

Astilbe grow fine for me up here, so I don't think yours were killed by the cold... I suspect yours will be popping up soon!

“Think occasionally of the suffering of which you spare yourself the sight." ~ Albert Schweitzer
C/F temp conversion

| @Weedwhacker | Post #1121477 (3)

vma4922

Apr 21, 2016 7:45 PM CST

Name: Val
Near Boston, MA (Zone 6a)

I'm in zone 7 also and my astilbe (bare root from last spring) just broke ground this past weekend. keep an eye out and give it a while longer..let us know!

| @vma4922 | Post #1123920 (4)

riverman123

Apr 23, 2016 11:02 PM CST

Name: Jason
Gold Bar, Washington (Zone 8b)

They'll be fine. They're as tough as nails. some of ours are just beginning to sprout. and some are fully open, but we've never had a problem with any of them returning even after the harshest winters.

| @riverman123 | Post #1126273 (5)