Astilbe Dark Side of the Moon

Common Name: Astilbe

An instant classic for the landscape! 'Dark Side of the Moon' is the only dark leafed Astilbe with purple flowers that's on the market. Rich deep chocolate burgundy leaves form an incredibly attractive mound of foliage. Emerging leaves are yellow with a dark margin with a glossy sheen that become completely dark as they age. Dark stems hold raspberry buds that burst forth with rosy purple flowers. This performs best both for growing and flowering in full sun in the north with adequate moisture, but also grows in shade.

A member of Astilbe chinensis (Chinese Astilbe). A later blooming species useful for extending the bloom season into late summer. Foliage is deeply incised, coarsely textured, and often bronze-green in color. Flowers are borne on narrow, branched panicles. Though garden performance is far superior in moist soils, members of this species are moderately drought tolerant.

Height:

20.0-22.0 Inches

Spread:

24.0-28.0 Inches

Scape Height:

28.0-34.0 Inches

Hardiness Zones:

4,5,6,7,8,9

Flower Color:

Purple shades

Foliage Color:

Near-black shades

Sunlight:

Full Sun (> 6 hrs. Direct Sun)

Part Shade (4-6 hrs. Direct Sun)

Full Shade (< 4 hrs. Direct Sun)

Water Requirements:

Average Water Needs

Consistent Water Needs

Soil Quality:

Fertile Soil Quality

Soil Chemistry:

Acidic Soil (pH < 7.0)

Neutral Soil (pH = 7.0)

Bloomtime:

Late Summer

Attracts Wings:

Bee Friendly

Critter Resistant:

Deer Resistant

Rabbit Resistant

Seasonal Interest:

Dried Seed Heads

Growth Rate:

Medium

Garden Style:

Patio Container

Eclectic

Modern

Woodland Shade

Other Features:

Border Plant

Container

Cut Flower

Cut Foliage

Dried Flower

Fragrant Flowers

Mass Planting

Specimen

Origin:

Not Native to North America