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Key characteristics

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

Perennials

Astilbe thunbergii 'Chocolate Shogun'

Chocolate Shogun Astilbe

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.

Light

Partial shade to full shade

Water

Medium to high

Bloom time

Midsummer

Find this plant

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.