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Astilbe ‘Chocolate Cherry’ (Chinese Astilbe)

Chinese Astilbe 'Chocolate Cherry', False Spirea 'Chocolate Cherry', False Goat's Beard 'Chocolate Cherry', Astilbe chinensis 'Chocolate Cherry', Astilbe Mighty Chocolate Cherry

Astilbe 'Chocolate Cherry', Chinese Astilbe 'Chocolate Cherry', False Spirea 'Chocolate Cherry', False Goat's Beard 'Chocolate Cherry', Astilbe chinensis 'Chocolate Cherry',  Astilbe Mighty Chocolate Cherry, Red Astilbes, Red flowers

Brightening up the shade garden, Astilbe ‘Chocolate Cherry’ (Chinese Astilbe) is a tall rhizomatous clump-forming perennial boasting profuse cherry-red flower plumes held upright atop chocolate-red stems. Blooming in mid to late summer, each plume consists of hundreds of densely packed tiny flowers opening in succession for a long-lasting floral display. The blossoms rise gracefully above an impressive mound of fern-like, dark green leaves adorned with chocolate and red overtones. The refined foliage remains attractive all season long under satisfactory growing conditions. Blooming when other plants are beginning to wane, this robust grower is relatively trouble-free, requires little maintenance, is heavy shade tolerant, and attracts butterflies but is deer and rabbit resistant. The perfect perennial for a shady border with dappled light.

  • Grows up to 36-48 in. tall (90-120 cm) and spreads 24-36 in. (60-90 cm).
  • Part shade to full shade lover, this Astilbe thrives in organically rich, evenly moist, well-drained soils. Don’t let the soil dry out! Mulch should be added to reduce water evaporation and maintain moisture. Drought tolerant once established.
  • May be planted in full sun in areas with cool summers with adequate moisture. In hot summer areas, shade is important.
  • Provides a spectacular flower show, whether planted in perennial borders, woodland gardens, near streams and ponds, or in containers. Plant in groups for better visual effects. Excellent ground cover or edging plant for shady areas.
  • Plumes make excellent fresh-cut flowers and are great for drying in natural bouquets.
  • No serious pest or disease issues. Keep an eye out for powdery mildew.
  • No deadheading is required unless you do not like the look of the faded flower stalks. If allowed to remain, the dried seedheads will provide additional interest later in the season.
  • Should be divided about every 4 years to assure the maximum number of blooms.
  • Propagate by division.

Requirements

Hardiness 3 - 8
Heat Zones 1 - 8
Climate Zones 1, 1A, 1B, 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, A2, A3
Plant Type Perennials
Plant Family Saxifragaceae
Genus Astilbe
Common names False Spirea, Astilbe
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun, Shade
Season of Interest Summer (Mid, Late)
Height 3' - 4'
(90cm - 120cm)
Spread 2' - 3'
(60cm - 90cm)
Spacing 24" - 36"
(60cm - 90cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Average
Soil Type Chalk, Clay, Loam
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained
Characteristics Dried Arrangements, Cut Flowers, Showy
Tolerance Full Shade, Drought, Deer, Rabbit
Attracts Butterflies, Bees
Garden Uses Beds And Borders, Edging, Ground Covers, Patio And Containers, Ponds And Streams
Garden Styles Informal and Cottage, City and Courtyard
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Alternative Plants to Consider

Astilbe ‘Erica’ (Arendsii Hybrid)
Astilbe chinensis ‘Milk and Honey’ (Chinese Astilbe)
Astilbe ‘Peach Blossom’ (Japonica Hybrid)
Astilbe Younique Pink (Japonica Hybrid)
Astilbe Ostrich Plume (Thunbergii Hybrid)
Astilbe thunbergii ‘Chocolate Shogun’

Recommended Companion Plants

Aquilegia vulgaris var. stellata ‘Blue Barlow’ (Columbine)
Hosta crispula (Curled Plantain Lily)
Astrantia major ‘Roma’ (Great Masterwort)
Artemisia ‘Powis Castle’

Find In One of Our Guides or Gardens

Pure White Flowers for a Touch of Elegance in Your Garden
30 Great Perennials for Shade
30 Best Spring Flowers to Spruce up Your Garden
Astilbe
Astilbe: A Gem in the Shade Garden
Great Bulbs and Perennials as Companion Plants for Azaleas and Rhododendrons
Plants with Pink Flowers to Add Romance to Your Garden
Extend the Blooming Season of Your Astilbes
Mid-Season Astilbe Varieties For Your Garden
Late Season Astilbe Varieties For Your Garden
Early Season Astilbe Varieties For Your Garden
While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.
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Requirements

Hardiness 3 - 8
Heat Zones 1 - 8
Climate Zones 1, 1A, 1B, 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, A2, A3
Plant Type Perennials
Plant Family Saxifragaceae
Genus Astilbe
Common names False Spirea, Astilbe
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun, Shade
Season of Interest Summer (Mid, Late)
Height 3' - 4'
(90cm - 120cm)
Spread 2' - 3'
(60cm - 90cm)
Spacing 24" - 36"
(60cm - 90cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Average
Soil Type Chalk, Clay, Loam
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained
Characteristics Dried Arrangements, Cut Flowers, Showy
Tolerance Full Shade, Drought, Deer, Rabbit
Attracts Butterflies, Bees
Garden Uses Beds And Borders, Edging, Ground Covers, Patio And Containers, Ponds And Streams
Garden Styles Informal and Cottage, City and Courtyard
How Many Plants
Do I Need?
Explore Great Plant Combination Ideas
Astilbe
Guides with
Astilbe
Not sure which Astilbe to pick?
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