Black Pearls is an astilbe named for its dark, bead-like buds, which open into deep purple plumes in summer over a mound of finely cut foliage, about 2 feet tall in bloom. The color is richer and moodier than the familiar pink and white astilbes, and pollinators visit it steadily.

Like all astilbes it wants steady moisture and protection from hot afternoon sun; morning light with damp, compost-rich soil gives the fullest plumes. It fits stream banks, low spots, and irrigated shade beds, tolerates wet ground, and deer and rabbits leave it be.