Astilbe - Dark Side of the Moon Fall Color What differentiates the Nitro from

What differentiates the Nitro from the popular 'Wildfire' is that it grows more vigorously and emerges with a more complete red leaf in the spring

and I can't understand why it doesn't get more use and remains a relatively fringe species in the world of landscape plants

A single application of compost as a top-dressing in early spring provides adequate nutrition for the growing season

but what distinguishes this cultivar is the burgundy to copper overtones that tinge the foliage edges

Astilbe - Dark Side of the Moon Fall Color What differentiates the Nitro fromAn dramatic addition to the landscape, Dark Side of the Moon is a unique dark leafed Astilbe with purple flowers. The richly colored burgundy leaves provide an attractive mound of fern like foliages, that darken as they age. Dark stems rise up and raspberry purple panicles flowers rise up to create a spectacular display. Dark Side of the Moon blooms later than most astilbe and is useful for extending the bloom season into late summer. The foliage adds