Unpack bare roots or rhizomes on arrival and plant them within a week. Until then, keep them somewhere cool and ensure the roots remain slightly moist, never wet.
Out of season
Explore a world of striking contrast, using Astilbe 'Dark Side of the Moon' as the ebony to your ivory. Pair it with zingy green grasses and hostas, or plants with big bright blooms like begonias, and you’ll be set for an out-of-this-world summer synthesis. The incredibly dark foliage of this false goat’s beard is indeed one astonishing feature, put together with its fountains of fluffy purple flowers and there you have one cracking ensemble.
Astilbe 'Dark Side of the Moon' can grow in sun or shade—it’s not too fussy in that sense but it does need damp soil. This makes it very useful for filling gaps in what can be tricky conditions for some plants, such as cool, shady areas, clay soils or near water. Growing fairly quickly into a bushy plant, Astilbe 'Dark Side of the Moon' is a good choice of plant for relatively rapid results. Every year, this hardy perennial will grow back and bush out a little more each time.
Quantity
Plant profile
Plant calendar
Remove the packaging straight away, check the compost and water thoroughly if dry. Check the plant’s hardiness before placing it outdoors. Plant into a border or permanent container within a month, choosing the position recommended for the variety. Keep the top of the root ball level with the surrounding soil, firm gently and water well.
Soak the roots in water for three to six hours immediately before planting. Keep any crown, buds or emerging shoots above the water where possible.
Pot most bare roots into 15–20cm pots filled with peat-free multipurpose compost. Large or depth-sensitive roots, including peonies, are often best planted directly into borders.
Arrange the roots naturally without bending them. Cover the roots completely, positioning the crown and buds at the depth recommended for that particular perennial.
Keep pots in a sheltered outdoor position and water whenever the compost begins to dry. Grow on until roots hold the compost together when lifted from the pot.
Plant into a suitable border or permanent container once well rooted. Add a label and water regularly throughout the first growing season while the perennial establishes.
- Botanical name
- Astilbe 'Dark Side of the Moon'®
- Flower colour
- Purple, red
- Established height
- 70cm-1m
- Established spread
- 30-50cm
- Growing skill
- Easy to grow
- Habit
-
Upright
Clump-forming - Hardiness
- Fully hardy
- Leaf colour
- Green
- Mouse resistant
- No
- Plant size
- 2/3 eyes
- Plant spacing
- 5 plants per m2
- Pollinator friendly
- Yes
- Position
- Sheltered
- Rabbit resistant
- Yes
- Scented
- No
- Soil acidity
- Any
- Soil moisture
-
Damp
Free draining - Soil type
-
Loam
Clay
Loam-based compost - Suitable for
-
Large containers
Borders
Cottage gardens
Low maintenance gardens - Sunlight
-
Full shade
Partial shade
Dappled shade - Toxicity
- No report
- Years to establish
- 2-3 years
Pollinator-friendly
Great for shade
RHS Recommended
Perennial
Fully hardy
Packed peat-free
Low maintenance
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Astilbe 'Dark Side of the Moon' reviews
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