Vol. 43

Title:
Propagation of Astilbe

Author:
David J. Beattie

pp: 509-510

Abstract:
Astilbes are members of the Saxafragaceae family, native to North America and Asia, and are hardy, deciduous perennials. Most grow in dense clumps although some spread by underground rhizomes.

Astilbes can be propagated by seed, tissue culture, or division. Seed propagation is not recommended because cultivars do not come true from seed. Although Astilbe chinensis var. pumila plants are often propagated by seed, the most uniformly dwarf plants are produced from asexual divisions.

Astilbe seeds are small so when they are sown they should be lightly pressed into the germination medium Seeds do not appear to require a stratification requirement, and germination temperatures should be maintained at about 65 to 70F.

Some astilbe cultivars are being tissue cultured, especially in England. I do not recommend this method because of the propensity of astilbe to mutate (sport)— particularly red cultivars.

Most astilbes are propagated by division of the crown. In commercial propagation it

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