Astilbe 'Black Pearls'

A late-flowering variety, Astilbe 'Black Pearls' is a hardy perennial offering mid to late summer interest. A new color for astilbe, the plant produces feathery bright purple plumes with just a hint of blue. Borne on sturdy stems—that won't flop—the flowers make excellent cuts for fresh and dried arrangements. End-of-season seed heads add ornamental interest in late-season gardens.

Typical of Astilbe chinensis, commonly called Chinese astilbe, false spirea, or goat's beard, 'Black Pearls' is a dense, leafy, clump-forming plant. It has an upright habit of exceptionally dark green foliage and slowly spreads by rhizomes. The plant works well in containers, mixed beds, and borders, especially in shade gardens.

Easy to grow and low maintenance, Astilbe 'Black Pearls' prefers dappled sun to full shade and organically rich, humusy, moist, well-drained, soil. The plant should not be allowed to dry out; however, this Chinese astilbe variety is noted for having better sun and drought tolerance than most x arendsii hybrids. Deer and rabbit resistant.