Astilbe Planted In Clay Soil Has Quickly Withered

Question From: Boiceville, New York, United States
Q: Just planted an astilbe next to other that are doing really well, plant quickly withered my soil is heavy clay, however, dug a decent hole and filled with good potting soil. Watered every other day weather has been warm but not too hot. What's up. Thank you.

A: You may have dug a bath tub and filled it with water, planted your astilbe and it drowned. Heavy clay backfill should have been amended with course sand ( also called builder's sand and good quality compost. I have been gardening in heavy clay ( pottery grade) for years and I swear by Amturf Soil Conditioner or Turface and compost. Best And Happy Yardening, Nancy