{"product_id":"black-pearls-astilbe","title":"Black Pearls Astilbe","description":"\u003ch1\u003eWhite Plumes from Near-Black Buds Over Dark Foliage\u003c\/h1\u003e\u003cp\u003eBlack Pearls Astilbe (\u003cem\u003eAstilbe\u003c\/em\u003e 'Black Pearls') is a striking study in contrast: deep, dark green to bronze foliage carries tight, near-black flower buds that open to crisp white plumes in summer, like pearls strung on a dark thread. The interplay of dark buds and bright blooms makes it one of the most distinctive compact astilbes for a shaded, moist bed. Deer-resistant and pollinator-friendly, it's a refined choice for Minnetonka, Lakeville, and Blaine gardens.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ctable class=\"mce-item-table\"\u003e\n\u003cthead\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eAttribute\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eDetail\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\u003c\/thead\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBotanical Name\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\n\u003cem\u003eAstilbe\u003c\/em\u003e 'Black Pearls'\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMature Size\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e16–24 in tall and wide (compact)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHardiness Zone\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eZone 4–8 (hardy across most of Minnesota)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLight\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePart shade to shade; full sun only with constant moisture\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBloom Time\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSummer\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFlower Color\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eWhite plumes from near-black buds\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSoil\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eRich, consistently moist; does not tolerate drought\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\u003ch2\u003eLandscape Uses\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eUse Black Pearls at the front of shaded borders, in containers, and in woodland and rain gardens where its dark buds and white plumes stand out. It pairs dramatically with chartreuse hostas, ferns, and colored astilbes.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eBest Time to Plant\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003ePlant in spring or early fall, when cool weather and steady moisture help roots establish. Avoid midsummer heat.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eHow to Plant\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eDig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and just as deep. Set the crown level with the soil, backfill with compost-enriched soil, water thoroughly, and mulch 2–3 inches deep to conserve moisture.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eWatering\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFirst Year:\u003c\/strong\u003e Keep the soil consistently moist, watering 2–3 times per week. Astilbe must not dry out.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAfter Year One:\u003c\/strong\u003e Continue regular watering, especially in heat.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDrip Irrigation:\u003c\/strong\u003e A soaker hose or drip line provides the steady moisture astilbe needs.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat makes Black Pearls distinctive?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIts near-black buds opening to white plumes over dark foliage give a bold, high-contrast look.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWill it grow in shade?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eYes, part to full shade is ideal; full sun works only with reliably moist soil.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs it hardy in Minnesota?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eYes, hardy to Zone 4 and reliable statewide.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs it deer resistant?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eYes, deer and rabbits generally avoid astilbe.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eYou May Also Like\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003ePair Black Pearls with pink and red astilbes, hostas, and ferns for a high-contrast shade border.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Three Timbers Minnesota","offers":[{"title":"#1 Gallon","offer_id":54315420320049,"sku":null,"price":12.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0986\/0694\/0465\/files\/black-pearls-astilbe.jpg?v=1779864875","url":"https:\/\/threetimbersmn.com\/products\/black-pearls-astilbe","provider":"Three Timbers Minnesota","version":"1.0","type":"link"}