Dark Side of the Moon Astilbe Astilbe
Astilbe 'Dark Side of the Moon' PP 35461

A regal plant in the garden, 'Dark Side of the Moon' is the first dark-leaved Astilbe with purple flowers. A member of the Astilbe chinensis family, it is more robust and larger-growing and blooms later in summer than some other species. It forms an incredibly attractive mound of luscious, deep burgundy chocolate leaves 22 inches tall and 28 inches wide, from which rise sturdy stems bearing plume-like panicles of deep raspberry color buds that open to showy, fuzzy, bright purple flowers. The flowers come later in summer extending the Astilbe bloom season. Emerging leaves are yellow with a dark margin, becoming completely dark as they age. More heat and sun tolerant than other Astilbe, Dark Side of the Moon will grow in full sun or shade in northern gardens, preferring some filtered sun or shade during the afternoon hours in the hot-summer climates of the south. Though moderately drought tolerant, it prefers moist but well-drained soil, especially during summer.

The Dark Side of the Moon Astilbe is easy to grow in an organically rich, moist but well-drained soil in full sun to partial shade in northern gardens (USDA Zones 4-6) and some filtered sun or shade during the afternoon hours in the hot South (USDA Zones 8-9). Though it tolerates dry periods better than other Astilbe species, it performs best in consistently moist soil, especially during the summer.