Unpack bare roots or rhizomes on arrival and plant them within a week. Until then, keep them somewhere cool and ensure the roots remain slightly moist, never wet.
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.
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Remove the packaging straight away, check the compost and water thoroughly if dry. Check the plant’s hardiness before placing it outdoors. Plant into a border or permanent container within a month, choosing the position recommended for the variety. Keep the top of the root ball level with the surrounding soil, firm gently and water well.
Soak the roots in water for three to six hours immediately before planting. Keep any crown, buds or emerging shoots above the water where possible.
Pot most bare roots into 15–20cm pots filled with peat-free multipurpose compost. Large or depth-sensitive roots, including peonies, are often best planted directly into borders.
Arrange the roots naturally without bending them. Cover the roots completely, positioning the crown and buds at the depth recommended for that particular perennial.
Keep pots in a sheltered outdoor position and water whenever the compost begins to dry. Grow on until roots hold the compost together when lifted from the pot.
Plant into a suitable border or permanent container once well rooted. Add a label and water regularly throughout the first growing season while the perennial establishes.
- Botanical name
- Astilbe 'Chocolate Shogun'
- Flower colour
- White, pink
- Established height
- 70cm-1m
- Established spread
- 30-50cm
- Growing skill
- Easy to grow
- Habit
-
Upright
Clump-forming - Hardiness
- Fully hardy
- Leaf colour
- Bronze, black
- Mouse resistant
- No
- Plant size
- 2/3 eyes
- Plant spacing
- 5 plants per m2
- Pollinator friendly
- Yes
- Position
- Sheltered
- Rabbit resistant
- Yes
- Scented
- No
- Soil acidity
- Any
- Soil moisture
-
Damp
Free draining - Soil type
-
Loam
Clay
Loam-based compost - Suitable for
-
Large containers
Borders
Cottage gardens
Low maintenance gardens - Sunlight
-
Full shade
Partial shade
Dappled shade - Toxicity
- No report
- Years to establish
- 2-3 years
Astilbe 'Chocolate Shogun' reviews
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