How to Grow and Care for Astilbe Chocolate Shogun
Achieve the signature deep-colored foliage of Astilbe Chocolate Shogun. This guide provides the essential knowledge for this unique perennial to thrive in your garden.
Astilbe ‘Chocolate Shogun’ is a distinctive perennial valued for its performance in shady areas, where its deep tones provide a welcome contrast. The plant’s appeal lies in its striking foliage, which offers visual interest throughout the growing season and introduces a bold element to landscape designs.
Unique Characteristics of Chocolate Shogun
The most defining feature of ‘Chocolate Shogun’ is its remarkable foliage. The leaves emerge as a deep chocolate-maroon color with a glossy, almost lacquered finish that persists from spring until frost. The foliage itself is finely dissected, giving it a delicate, fern-like appearance that adds texture to its bold coloration. The plant forms a dense, upright clump, a sturdy habit that reinforces the “Shogun” name.
Rising above the dark leaves in mid to late summer are feathery, plume-like flowers. These blossoms are a soft, creamy-pink or blush color, creating a beautiful contrast with the deep tones of the foliage below. This flowering period is often when other shade perennials may be starting to fade. A mature ‘Chocolate Shogun’ reaches a height of 20 to 30 inches and a spread of 18 to 24 inches, making it a substantial presence.
Planting and Site Selection
‘Chocolate Shogun’ is best suited for USDA Hardiness Zones 4 through 8. This astilbe thrives in conditions ranging from partial to full shade. While its dark foliage is more tolerant of sun than many other astilbe varieties, it is susceptible to leaf scorch if exposed to hot, direct afternoon sun, especially in warmer climates.
It performs best in soil that is consistently moist, rich in organic matter, and well-draining. Before planting, it is beneficial to amend the native soil with compost or other organic material to improve its structure and nutrient content. This practice helps the soil retain the moisture that astilbes require.
When planting, dig a hole that is twice the width of the root ball and just as deep. Place the plant in the hole, ensuring the crown—the point where the stems meet the roots—is level with the surrounding soil surface. Space multiple plants 18 to 24 inches apart to allow for their mature spread and ensure good air circulation. After backfilling the hole, water the area thoroughly to settle the soil and eliminate any air pockets.
Ongoing Care and Maintenance
After planting, consistent moisture is the most important aspect of care. The soil should not be allowed to dry out completely, particularly during active growth in the summer. Applying a layer of organic mulch, such as shredded bark or compost, can help conserve soil moisture and keep the root zone cool. This reduces the frequency of watering needed.
In the spring, as new growth appears, an application of a balanced, slow-release fertilizer provides nutrients for a vigorous season. This single feeding is sufficient for the entire year. Once the flowers have faded, the spent stalks can be cut back for a tidier appearance or left in place to provide structural interest through the fall and winter.
Over the long term, ‘Chocolate Shogun’ benefits from being divided every three to four years. This process, best done in early spring, involves lifting the entire clump and separating it into smaller sections with a healthy portion of roots and shoots. Replanting these divisions helps rejuvenate the plant, promoting more robust growth and a strong floral display.
Companion Planting Ideas
The deep foliage of ‘Chocolate Shogun’ offers a fantastic opportunity for dynamic plant combinations. Pairing it with plants that have contrasting foliage colors creates a striking visual effect. Consider planting it alongside hostas with bright, chartreuse leaves, such as ‘Sum and Substance’, to make the dark leaves pop. Silvery-leafed plants, like Japanese Painted Ferns (Athyrium niponicum ‘Pictum’), also provide a beautiful, cool-toned contrast.
Beyond color, playing with different textures can add another layer of interest to a planting design. The broad, heart-shaped leaves of Brunnera macrophylla create a pleasing juxtaposition against the fine, fern-like texture of the ‘Chocolate Shogun’ foliage. The graceful, arching blades of a shade-tolerant grass like Hakone grass (Hakonechloa macra) can soften the overall look and add movement to the garden bed.