Astilbe ‘Chocolate Shogun’

Description

We doubt you will have seen many astilbes like this one! Introduced to gardeners a few years ago, but still hard to find, Astilbe ‘Chocolate Shogun’ has dark, lacy leaves (probably the darkest of any astilbe), in a distinctive chocolate/bronze colour, that keeps until winter. This makes it a valuable foliage plant but, as a very welcome bonus, in summer the leaves form a perfect backdrop to pale pink feathery flower plumes. These flower spikes move gracefully in even the slightest of breezes. This pink-and-brown combination is both well-suited, and luxuriant!

Although this Astilbe grows well in a position in part shade—typical for the genus—Astilbe ‘Chocolate Shogun’ is more sun- and drought-tolerant than most. It makes a fine border plant, and looks particularly good when growing next to plants with contrasting colours, such as golden-leaved Milium or Hakonechloa. It also looks good planted with Hostas and hardy ferns.