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Plant Information
'Dark Side of the Moon'
Astilbe
The novel combination of dark foliage and purple flowers on ‘Dark Side of the Moon’ astilbe will make it an instant classic perennial for your landscape. Deep chocolate-burgundy, matte textured leaves first emerge shiny with hints of yellow, forming a robust, eye-catching mound. ‘Dark Side of the Moon’ is a type of Astilbe chinensis (Chinese astilbe) which is a later blooming species that is useful for adding late season color to the landscape. In late summer, dark stems rise above the foliage carrying raspberry-colored buds which open to rosy purple flowers.
| Blossom Color | Purple |
| Bloom Season | Summer |
| Exposure | Sun or Shade |
| Height | |
| Width | 24-28 in |
| Spacing | 24-28 in |
| Container Sizes | |
| Hardiness Zones | 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 |
| Wildlife Attracted | Bees |
| Wildlife Deterred | Deer,Rabbits |
| Features | The novel combination of dark foliage and purple flowers on ‘Dark Side of the Moon’ astilbe will make it an instant classic perennial for your landscape. Deep chocolate-burgundy, matte textured leaves first emerge shiny with hints of yellow, forming a robust, eye-catching mound. ‘Dark Side of the Moon’ is a type of Astilbe chinensis (Chinese astilbe) which is a later blooming species that is useful for adding late season color to the landscape. In late summer, dark stems rise above the foliage carrying raspberry-colored buds which open to rosy purple flowers. |
| Adaptable as a Houseplant | No |
| Bog Plant | No |
| Is Disease Resistant | No |
| Drought Tolerant | No |
| Edible | No |
| Erosion Control | No |
| Fragrant Flower | No |
| Fragrant Foilage | No |
| Heat Tolerant | No |
| Native to North America | No |
| Salt Tolerant | No |
| Succulent | No |
| Water Plant | No |
| Uses | |
| Maintenance Notes | Astilbes are long-lived perennials that enjoy nutrient rich soils. Though all kinds of astilbe enjoy growing in moist soil, ‘Dark Side of the Moon’ is a cultivar of Astilbe chinensis which can typically handle moderately drier soils compared to other species. However, its growth will be more robust in moist soil. In northern climates, ‘Dark Side of the Moon’ will grow bulkier and have more flowers if grown in sunnier conditions as long as there is adequate moisture. However, it will also grow well in the shade in the North and in warmer climates. Fewer flowers may be produced in deep shade. You will know your astilbe is too dry if the leaves start to develop brown, crispy margins and they start to drop. Prevent this by keeping the soil consistently moist if possible, and increase watering as the plant begins to flower. Wait to cut the old foliage back in the spring rather than in the fall so it can help to protect the plant from winter damage. If part of the root ball has heaved over the winter, meaning risen up above soil level, gently press or dig it back into the ground and apply some fresh humus or compost around the base of the plant. Astilbe can be fed with slow release plant food in late spring before the plant begins to flower. |
| 2022 | Director's Select & Best of Species - Penn State University |
