Chocolate Shogun Astilbe

Astilbe thunbergii 'Chocolate Shogun'

$39⁸⁶

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Plant Size

#1 Container

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Understanding Plant Options

Nature Hills offers plants in two main formats:

Container Plants: Grown in pots with soil, sized by container volume and plant age
Bare Root Plants: Dormant plants without soil, sized by height measurements

Container Plant Sizes

Container sizes indicate plant age and growing capacity rather than liquid volume equivalents. Our containers follow industry-standard nursery "trade gallon" specifications, which differ from standard liquid gallon measurements.

Young Plants (6 months to 18 months old)

Container Size	Actual Volume	Metric Equivalent
2" x 2" x 3"	0.18 - 0.21 dry quarts	0.20 - 0.23 dry liters
4" Container	0.31 - 0.87 dry quarts	0.35 - 0.96 dry liters
4.5" Container	0.65 dry quarts	0.72 dry liters
6" Container	1.4 dry quarts	1.59 dry liters
1 Quart	1 dry quart	1.1 dry liters
5.5" Container	1.89 dry quarts	2.08 dry liters

Established Plants (18 months to 2.5 years old)

Container Size	Actual Volume	Metric Equivalent
2 Quart	2 dry quarts	2.2 dry liters
#1 Container	2.26 - 3.73 dry quarts	2.49 - 4.11 dry liters
5" x 5" x 12"	3.5 - 4.3 dry quarts	3.85 - 4.74 dry liters

Mature Plants (2-4 years old)

Container Size	Actual Volume	Metric Equivalent
#2 Container	1.19 - 1.76 dry gallons	5.24 - 7.75 dry liters
#3 Container	2.15 - 2.76 dry gallons	8.14 - 12.16 dry liters

Large Plants (3-5 years old)

Container Size	Actual Volume	Metric Equivalent
#5 Container	2.92 - 4.62 dry gallons	12.86 - 20.35 dry liters
#6 Container	5.25 - 6.01 dry gallons	23.12 - 26.42 dry liters
#7 Container	5.98 - 6.53 dry gallons	26.34 - 28.76 dry liters

Bare Root Plants

Bare root plants are sold by height from the root system to the top of the plant. Plants may exceed minimum height requirements.

Common Sizes:

Trees: 1 foot, 2 feet, 3 feet, 4 feet, 5 feet, 6 feet
Shrubs & Perennials: 1 foot, 18 inches, 2 feet

Important Notes

Container Volume Specifications

Trade Gallon Standard: Our containers follow industry-standard "trade gallon" specifications established by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI Z60.1) for nursery stock
Volume Variations: Actual soil volume may vary due to plant root systems and growing medium settlement
Age Indicators: Container size primarily indicates plant age and maturity rather than liquid volume equivalents

Growing Conditions

Plant size can vary based on variety and growing conditions
Container size helps indicate plant maturity and establishment level
Larger containers generally mean more established root systems and faster landscape establishment

Seasonal Availability

Bare root plants are available seasonally when dormant
Container plants are available throughout the growing season
Specific varieties may have limited availability in certain sizes

Questions?

For questions about specific plant sizes or availability, please contact our plant experts who can help you choose the right size for your landscape needs.

Plant Profile & Growing Essentials

Cold hardy, Low Maintenance, Flowering, Deer-resistant, Wet Soils, Container Friendly, Disease resistant, and Non-invasive

Specifications

Botanical Name

Astilbe thunbergii 'Chocolate Shogun'
Height

2 ft
Width

2 ft
Growing Zones

4-8
Sunlight
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Growth Rate

Moderate
Flower Color
- Pink
- White
Leaf Color
- Purple
- Brown
Pollinator Friendly

Yes
Pollinator Required

No
Bloom Period

Early Summer
Does Not Ship To

AK, HI, ID, MT

Planting & Care Instructions

Where to Plant

Sunlight: This variety thrives in full to partial shade, ideally receiving 2 to 4 hours of morning sun. While it can handle more light than other Astilbes, too much direct afternoon sun will scorch those dark, chocolate-colored leaves and wash out the pink flower plumes.
Soil: Aim for rich, loamy soil that stays consistently moist but never soggy. If you have heavy clay, mix in a generous amount of compost to improve drainage, or if you have sandy soil, add peat moss to help hold onto moisture like a sponge.

Watering Requirements

During the first growing season, water your Chocolate Shogun twice a week to ensure the roots establish deeply in their new home. Once mature, this plant requires a "feet wet" approach where the soil never fully dries out; if the soil becomes parched, the foliage will crisp at the edges and the plant may go dormant early. Applying a 2 inch layer of mulch around the base will help maintain the consistent moisture levels this perennial craves.

Pruning Tips

Chocolate Shogun Astilbe blooms on new wood, so the best time to prune is in the early spring before new growth emerges. Simply cut the spent flower stalks and old, tattered foliage down to the ground to make room for the fresh, dark burgundy leaves. Think of it like a spring cleaning that allows the plant to focus all its energy on producing those vibrant new stems and airy flowers.

Fertilizer Needs

Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer (like a 10-10-10 formula) once in early spring as the first leaves begin to unfurl. Avoid using high-nitrogen fertilizers late in the summer because this can force tender new growth that won't have time to harden off before the first frost. A single application in the spring provides enough fuel for the plant to maintain its intense foliage color and mid-summer blooms.

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Growing Zones 4-8

Find Your Growing Zone!

Paint your landscape by layering in the bold tones and shapes of perennials. Their beautiful flowers set the stage for fun times with family and friends all season long.

One of the showiest selections is the Chocolate Shogun Astilbe PP #26,430 (Astilbe thunbergii 'Chocolate Shogun'). Deep, bronzy purple foliage is finely dissected and adds both a soft texture and intense color all season.

Starting in summer, tall spires of plume-like blooms start developing above the dramatic foliage display. Each is composed of many hundreds of tiny flowers, which support the nectar needs of local butterflies and beneficial pollinators.

The buds start off a bright pink, but open white. The high contrast between the basal clump of dark purple-brown leaves and the pristine flowers jumpstart a dynamic early summertime show. Let the erect blooms open fully on the plant, then snip a few for long-lasting indoor cut flower arrangements. Allow them to dry for a long-lasting dried arrangement all winter, then start over afresh with next year's blooms!

This cold-hardy selection is a steadfast perennial. It will perform beautifully for you year after year with proper care. Hardy, deer-resistant, and easy to grow throughout USDA planting zones 4 to 8! No wonder this is such a popular plant!

Landscape Application:

Tuck one or more Chocolate Shogun Astilbe at the base of a special specimen tree or shrub. Their exquisite coloration will call even more attention to your Rising Sun Flowering Dogwood or specialty Weeping evergreen tree. Partner them with blue-toned Hosta or Silver Heart Brunnera in a shady setting.

The deeply pigmented foliage works well in perennial borders. Add a solid edging row to your planting, or repeat them in tiny "vignettes" along the length of the bed. Use several of these dark foliage perennials to create an easy masterpiece in your outdoor living.

Enliven a sideyard with their help. Go ahead and make a larger-than-life statement with a mass planting under the broad canopy of trees or large shrubs! Boost the visual performance of hedging shrubs and perennials by underplanting with Chocolate Shogun. Span the length of your hedge with their charming flowers and foliage.

Rather than a single row, try a curving drift for an unforgettable picture. Space them 1, 2, 3, or even 4 deep between 15 to 24 inches apart, measuring from the center of one to the center of the next.

Let your creativity come into play! Chocolate Shogun Astilbe is sure to inspire you!

Lacy Pink Flower Plumes Held High on Reddish Stems
Incredibly Dark Purple Foliage
Long Lasting Cut Flowers Or Dried Arrangements
Butterflies Adore the Nectar & Hummingbird-Friendly
Gorgeous Accents, Edging, Container Thrillers & Mass Planting

#ProPlantTips for Care:

Plant them in full sun in the northern areas. Baby it with a consistent schedule of water for good results. Otherwise, in areas with hot summers, provide partial shade. They do need at least four hours of sunlight a day to keep their best vigor and flower color.

Rich, well-drained soil that has plenty of humus and organic material is best. When planting, add handfuls of compost to the backfill soil. Give your plant a life-long symbiotic partner with Nature Hills Root Booster beneficial soil additive. The time-tested ingredients support the tiny feeder roots in their quest for moisture and micronutrients. Mulch over their roots, pulling them well away from touching the crown of the plant.

Avoid using nitrogen-rich lawn fertilizer formulas nearby. They will reduce blooms and support leaves. Rather, use a slow-release fertilizer for flowering plants according to the directions.

Best Grown In Partial Shade But Handles Full Sun
Cold Hardy & Widely Adaptable
Moisture Loving
Prune In Early Spring
Cold Tolerant Herbaceous Perennial
Deer & Rabbit Resistant

Decorate your landscape the way the pros do! You'll be so proud of this superb choice. Order Chocolate Shogun Astilbe today from NatureHills.com and enjoy your new quality landscaping delivered to your doorstep!

Under $50	$9.99
$50 - $99.99	$14.99
$100 - $149.99	$16.99
$150 - $198.99	$24.99
$199+	FREE

Chocolate Shogun Astilbe

Astilbe thunbergii 'Chocolate Shogun'

Plant Sentry™

Delivery and Shipping

Specifications