Astilbe - Dark Side of the Moon

An dramatic addition to the landscape, Dark Side of the Moon is a unique dark leafed Astilbe with purple flowers. The richly colored burgundy leaves provide an attractive mound of fern like foliages, that darken as they age. Dark stems rise up and raspberry purple panicles flowers rise up to create a spectacular display.

Dark Side of the Moon blooms later than most astilbe and is useful for extending the bloom season into late summer. The foliage adds texture to the garden with deep fern like incisions and a rough texture. Foliage color is bronze to green and the flower panicles are a hot purple that pops in low light. Moderately drought tolerant, but will perform better in moist soils with water support.

General care for any tree or shrub is easy, but like any living thing will require your attention. Please educate yourself and follow these simple rules.

Astilbe - Dark Side of the Moon

Astilbe is most productive in rich soil high in organic matter and dappled sunlight. They can grown in full shade, but will not bloom prolifically. In a shady garden they can be successful if placed in an area that receives a periodic patches of sunlight through the day. Although they are relatively easy to grow, Astilbes can be water hogs. They are plants that must have consistently moist soil and grow well in areas that support ferns and hostas, where sunlight is present, but doesn't throughly dry the soil out. For this reason, they benefit greatly from mulching and regular organic matter added to the soil. Fertilization is best done with a slow release fertilizer spread in late February and prior to fertilization mulch or compost should be refreshed.