Herbaceous Perennial: Astilbe (Astilbe Japonica)
Theseshade-loving perennialsgrow in clump-like formations.
They can be planted in either the spring or fall, but youll want to avoid summer planting.
They like deep watering every week.
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Mulch in the spring with organic bark mulch to help maintain appropriate soil moisture levels.
Prune to the ground in the fall to reduce chance of disease and other concerns.
They are typically between six- to 10-feet tall and oftentimes nearly as wide.
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They need protection from harsh afternoon sun and both overwatering and over-fertilizing should be avoided.
They can be pruned after blooming in April.
Azaleas require regular deep watering in soils with good drainage.
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It grows up to 5 feet in height with a span of just 1.5 feet.
It blooms in the summer and self-seeds.
It attracts a variety of pollinators including bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.
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One of the primary issues associated with bee balm is powdery mildew, but regular watering should help.
They often range in height from two to four feet, but can be taller.
you’re able to deadhead if you dont want them to self-seed.
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To that end, do not trim foliage back until it has yellowed.
The best time to plant bulbs is in the fall, spacing two to three inches apart.
But all isnt lost for the dahlia-lovers among us.
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Grow them instead as annuals.
Plant tubers in the spring and youll be rewarded with blooms in late summer.
Beware of excessive watering as it could lead to root rot.
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Mature plants should be watered if rainfall amounts total less than an inch in a week.
Flowers appear in spring, but deadheading right after it blooms could spur a second late-season bloom as well.
In USDA Zones farther South it will need some shade from mid-afternoon sun and humidity could also cause problems.
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They reach a mature height of anywhere from 3 to 10 feet.
If doing so, prune right after the spring flowering.
Absolutely avoid pruning after mid-July as youll probably be trimming away next years blooms.
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It takes partial shade but can handle full sun if you stay on top of watering.
Unlike the French hydrangea, the flower color of the smooth hydrangea does not change with soil pH levels.
It attracts butterflies, songbirds, and the hydrangea sphinx moth, of which it is its host plant.
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Plant in rich, well-drained soil where they can benefit from full sun.
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