Astilbe thunbergii 'Chocolate Shogun'
Chocolate Shogun Astilbe
Adding drama, Astilbe thunbergii 'Chocolate Shogun' is a clump-forming perennial boasting glossy chocolate-bronze leaves that bring long-lasting color in the shade garden. The foliage makes a striking backdrop to the pink-blushed flower panicles in mid to late summer. Blooming when other plants are beginning to wane, this exquisite Astilbe 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 20-30 in. tall (50-75 cm) and 18-24 in. wide (45-60 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.
- 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.
- 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.
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Requirements
Hardiness | 4
– 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 | Astilbe |
Exposure | Full Sun, Partial Sun, Shade |
Season of Interest |
Summer (Mid,Late) |
Height | 1' – 3' (30cm – 90cm) |
Spread | 1' – 2' (30cm – 60cm) |
Spacing | 18" – 24" (45cm – 60cm) |
Water Needs | Average, High |
Maintenance | Low |
Soil Type | Chalk, Clay, Loam |
Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained, Moisture Retentive |
Characteristics | Dried Arrangements, Cut Flowers, Showy |
Tolerance | Deer, Rabbit, Wet Soil |
Attracts | Butterflies |
Garden Uses | Beds and Borders, Bog Gardens, Patio and Containers, Ponds and Streams, Small Gardens |
Garden Styles | Informal and Cottage |
Photo courtesy of Ball Horticultural Inc
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.
Requirements
Hardiness | 4
– 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 | Astilbe |
Exposure | Full Sun, Partial Sun, Shade |
Season of Interest |
Summer (Mid,Late) |
Height | 1' – 3' (30cm – 90cm) |
Spread | 1' – 2' (30cm – 60cm) |
Spacing | 18" – 24" (45cm – 60cm) |
Water Needs | Average, High |
Maintenance | Low |
Soil Type | Chalk, Clay, Loam |
Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained, Moisture Retentive |
Characteristics | Dried Arrangements, Cut Flowers, Showy |
Tolerance | Deer, Rabbit, Wet Soil |
Attracts | Butterflies |
Garden Uses | Beds and Borders, Bog Gardens, Patio and Containers, Ponds and Streams, Small Gardens |
Garden Styles | Informal and Cottage |