I bought 20 of these last spring. I thought I had gone mad, but after seeing them in the ground I wish I had more. All came though my Zone 5 winter and are already looking great at the end of May 2024. This is an impressive plant. It looks amazing paired with light green, and even better with dark green foliage plus white blooms. The leaves are large enough to provide an almost architectural contrast with other astilbe. Many of my plants also developed occasional orange/red sections on the older leaves by mid-summer. I don't know if this is normal, but it looked incredible paired with lilium "Henryii" and honeysuckle "Dropmore Scarlett", not to mention the contrast with the plant's own purple blooms. Finally, the leaf color is consistent from nearly full-shade to almost full-sun. This really helps create a uniform effect in the section of the garden which spans shade to sun.
'Dark Side of the Moon' Astilbe hybrid
- Sun or Shade
- Spring
- Summer
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Details
20 - 22 Inches24 - 28 Inches24 - 28 Inches51cm - 56cm61cm - 71cm61cm - 71cmFeatures
Rich deep chocolate brown leaves. New leaves are yellow with a dark margin turning completely dark as they age. Raspberry buds open to rosy purple flowers.
Award WinnerFoliage InterestAttracts:BeesResists:DeerRabbitsCharacteristics
Plant Type:PerennialHeight Category:MediumGarden Height:20 - 22 Inches 51cm - 56cmSpacing:24 - 28 Inches 61cm - 71cmSpread:24 - 28 Inches 61cm - 71cmFlower Colors:PurpleFlower Shade:Rosy purpleFoliage Colors:BlackFoliage Shade:BlackHabit:UprightContainer Role:FillerPlant Needs
Light Requirement:Sun or ShadeThe optimum amount of sun or shade each plant needs to thrive: Full Sun (6+ hours), Part Sun (4-6 hours), Full Shade (up to 4 hours).
Maintenance Category:EasyBloom Time:SummerHardiness Zones:4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9bWater Category:ConsistentSoil Fertility Requirement:Average SoilSoil Fertility Requirement:Fertile SoilSoil PH Category:Acidic SoilSoil PH Category:Neutral SoilUses:Border PlantUses:ContainerUses:Cut FlowerUses:Dried FlowerUses:Mass PlantingMaintenance Notes:Astilbes are long-lived perennials that are most comfortable when grown in rich soil and light shade to filtered sun. They will grow in full shade, but will not bloom as prolifically there.
Though they are easy to grow, Astilbes have one critical requirement--lots of water. Plants must have consistently moist soil; dryness leads to a quick demise, especially in sun. Increase watering as the foliage emerges and the plumes mature. If the soil dries out, the leaves will develop brown, crispy margins and will begin to drop.
Fertilize Astilbes in late spring before flowering starts. Wait to cut back the old foliage until spring; it will help protect the plant from winter damage. In the spring, if the crown has risen above soil level, gently press it back into the ground and apply some organic matter around the plant.
'Dark Side of the Moon' Astilbe hybrid USPP 35,461, Can PBRAF -
3 Reviews
5241321Browse reviews from people who have grown this plant.-
Rod Cater, New Brunswick, Canada, 25 weeks ago
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I bought 2 of these gorgeous plants this year. One is doing great, it even flowered beautifully. The other is toast. They are in different areas of the garden but similar environments. Not sure what happened. Maybe it will surprise me and pop up next spring, it would be a big surprise. I will check my soil in the area and try again next year I guess. They are such beautiful plants with the deep colored leaves, it looks amazing next to my lime green huecara and lungwort. Love this plant!! Giving a 4 because one didn't make it 1 season.
Donna Staub, Kentucky, United States, 1 year ago -
I instantly fell in love with this plant and absolutely thrilled to add it to my flower bed!!
Jeanean Arias, Florida, United States, 2 years ago
1 Award
Award Year Award Plant Trial 2022 Director's Select & Best of Species Penn State University -
