Astilbe chinensis Darkside Of The Moon - Chinese Astilbe

A rare specimen in its species, 'Darkside Of The Moon' is the first astilbe with dark foliage and purple flowers! Its new leaves emerge yellow veined with dark brown and darken to almost-black chocolate at maturity. From July its pinkish-purple flowers, gathered in stiff upright panicles, illuminate the surroundings of water features, cool beds, and moist areas of the garden. It also performs very well in a large container kept moist on the terrace. Very hardy, never sick, Astilbe lives a long time in the same spot. In addition to its flowering the divided foliage, in a chocolate brown, almost black colour, is very decorative, although it disappears in winter.

Astilbe 'Darkside Of The Moon' comes from the chinensis species, from the Saxifragaceae family, and is native to China, Korea, and eastern Siberia. It is a rhizomatous and herbaceous perennial plant that is fond of humid and fertile soils, although less water-demanding than other species. Of medium growth, Asltilbe 'Darkside Of The Moon' reaches 70-80 cm (28-32in) in height when in flower, 50 cm (20in) for the foliage, and spreads over 65 cm (26in). Initially raspberry-coloured in its buds, from July to September this Astilbe develops fluffy panicles composed of tiny pinkish-purple flowers. In a vase, the fresh flowers are beautiful but quickly wilt. Its thick and finely cut foliage is a chocolate-brown, almost black. In spring, during budburst, it unfolds into shiny leaves, yellow veined with brown.

Plant this Darkside Of the Moon astilbe in a cool to moist bed, in partial shade, in the company of other perennials, or en masse. With its Heuchera-like foliage, it forms a nice contrast with Hostas or variegated Carex. Also consider cool soil perennials such as Ferns, Rodgersias, or Japanese Anemones.