Astilbe 'Dark Side of the Moon' Proven Winners®

Dark Side of the Moon Astilbe (Astilbe ‘Dark Side of the Moon’ Proven Winners®) boasts stunning purple flower spikes held above rich, deep chocolate-burgundy foliage—ideal for gardeners seeking dramatic visual impact. Emerging leaves appear yellow with dark margins, gradually maturing into fully dark, glossy foliage. Dark stems support raspberry-colored buds that open into vivid purple flowers attracting butterflies well into late summer. Named Proven Winners National Perennial of the Year for 2026, it is currently the only dark-leaved Astilbe on the market with true purple flowers.

This black Astilbe variety prefers light to moderate shade. While Astilbe ‘Dark Side of the Moon’ tolerates deep shade, flowering may be reduced, and foliage may scorch if planted in full sun. Performance is best in consistently moist soils, though this species exhibits moderate drought tolerance once established.

Dark Side of the Moon Astilbe forms a handsome upright mound, making it an excellent choice for borders, mass plantings, and containers. The flower spikes are well suited for both fresh and dried floral arrangements.

A member of Astilbe chinensis (Chinese Astilbe), this dark-leaf Astilbe is rabbit and deer resistant. An award-winning perennial offering season-long interest, Astilbe ‘Dark Side of the Moon’ brings rich color to the landscape, perfect for those seeking bold contrast and depth.