Astilbe 'Dark Side of the Moon'

Overview & Features

• Astilbe ‘Dark Side of the Moon’ is a striking perennial known for its dramatic dark foliage and soft apricot-peach flower plumes.

• Features rich chocolate to deep burgundy leaves that provide strong contrast in shaded borders.

• Produces upright, feathery flower spikes in early to mid-summer.

• Typically reaches 45–60 cm in height when in flower.

• Forms neat clumps that gradually increase in size over time.

• Ideal for woodland gardens, shaded borders, and moisture-retentive planting schemes.

• Attractive to bees and pollinators.

• Adds both foliage colour and soft floral texture to shaded areas.

This variety is especially valued for its unusual dark leaves combined with warm-toned blooms.

Planting & Positioning

• Plant in partial shade or light dappled shade for best foliage colour and growth.

• Can tolerate more sun if soil remains consistently moist.

• Prefers fertile, moisture-retentive, well-drained soil enriched with organic matter.

• Avoid dry, sandy soils unless improved with compost.

• Dig a hole slightly wider and the same depth as the pot.

• Position the crown level with the soil surface.

• Backfill with compost-enriched soil, firm gently, and water thoroughly after planting.

• Space plants 40–50 cm apart to allow room for clump development.

• Ideal for planting near ponds or in damp borders.

Astilbe performs best in cool, sheltered areas with reliable soil moisture.

Watering, Feeding & Flowering

• Water regularly during the first growing season to establish strong roots.

• Keep soil consistently moist, especially during warm weather.

• Do not allow plants to dry out, as this may cause leaf scorch.

• Apply a balanced, slow-release fertiliser in spring to support strong growth.

• Alternatively, mulch annually with well-rotted compost to maintain soil fertility.

• Flowering typically occurs in early to mid-summer.

• Deadheading is optional, as faded plumes can provide decorative texture.

Consistent moisture is essential for healthy foliage and good flowering.

Pruning, Maintenance & General Care

• Remove faded flower stems if a tidy appearance is preferred.

• Leave seed heads in place for added autumn interest if desired.

• Cut back foliage to ground level in late autumn or early spring once it has died back.

• Divide mature clumps every 3–4 years in spring to maintain vigour.

• Apply mulch annually to conserve moisture and enrich the soil.

• Generally low maintenance and pest resistant when grown in suitable conditions.

• Protect from prolonged drought, particularly in sunnier positions.

With moist soil, partial shade, and regular feeding, Astilbe ‘Dark Side of the Moon’ will provide bold foliage contrast and elegant summer plumes year after year.

We currently only deliver within the island of Ireland, other countries can be quoted for by contacting [email protected] or via telephone on 06964084
 

Standard Delivery is FREE on orders over €250*

All standard deliveries will be completed within 5-7 working days via Fastway Couriers, any delay to this delivery time, the customer will be notified by One of our staff.

The in-Store delivery charge will vary compared with online, in-store delivery charge is done on a case by case basis. 

* Only mainland Ireland addresses qualify for free delivery.
 

Live Plants Delivery

Our live plants are packed with care and diligence by our staff, our horticulturists review each plant before despatch to ensure quality is maintained.
Live Plant delivery charges are not calculated on weight but on the space required per package to ensure safe delivery, so delivery charges may vary as some plants require more space than others when packed.
All live plants are despatched within 3-5 working days where possible, our couriers aim to deliver within 48 hours of despatch from our Garden Centre to allow the plant to arrive in healthy condition.
 

Click & Collect

Can’t wait for delivery? Why not try our FREE Click & Collect service? Simply make your purchase online and collect it from our store located in Croagh Co. Limerick. Our staff will contact you by phone when your order is ready for collection (Please allow 24 hours minimum). When collecting your item, call the store on 069-64084. We will then load into your car as required. This service is available in-store 9am – 6pm Monday – Saturday (No collections on Sundays)

Click here for more information about our shipping conditions.

You can pay your online order either by credit card or via Paypal.
If you have any further questions about the online order payment please contact us via ­069 640 84 or mail.