Northwest Blooms · Perennials
Astilbe thunbergii 'Chocolate Shogun'
Chocolate Shogun Astilbe

- Family
- Saxifragaceae
- Height
- 2-3 feet tall
- Width
- 1-2 feet wide
- Flower color
- Soft pink
- Foliage color
- Deep chocolate-brown to purple
- Bloom time
- Midsummer
- Light
- Partial shade to full shade
- Water
- Medium to high
- Maintenance
- Low; remove spent flower stalks and tidy up in late fall or early spring
- Growing zone
- USDA Zones 4-8
- Wildlife
- Attracts bees and other pollinators
About this plant
Astilbe thunbergii 'Chocolate Shogun' is a unique variety with rich, chocolate-colored foliage that adds depth and contrast to shaded gardens. In mid to late summer, this plant produces elegant plumes of soft pinkish-white flowers that rise above the dark leaves, creating a visually captivating display. The airy flower clusters provide a graceful texture that contrasts beautifully with the broad, glossy foliage, giving a refined look to borders and woodland plantings.
Originally developed for its exceptional foliage, 'Chocolate Shogun' brings a bold color statement to gardens that enjoy less sunlight. Its foliage retains a deep, chocolate hue throughout the growing season, making it a versatile option for mixed plantings where colorful leaves can offset more vibrant blooms or other foliage. This cultivar is especially effective in shaded landscapes, containers, or alongside other shade-loving plants, offering a luxurious, low-maintenance option for gardeners seeking year-round interest.
Works well in
Borders · Shade Gardens · Woodland Gardens · Pollinator Gardens · Rain Gardens
Companion plants
Ferns · Lungworts · Wild ginger · Hellebores · Japanese forest grass · Heucheras
Design tip
Summer flowers carry the middle of the season, so place it where the bed needs color once spring bulbs fade. Keep it out of hot afternoon sun and layer it with woodland companions for a full, settled look.
Where to see it
This plant can be seen in the perennial border at the Bellevue Botanical Garden.
