Chocolate Shogun Astilbe

Astilbe thunbergii 'Chocolate Shogun'

Plants that Work®

Deep Bronzy Purple Foliage with Pink-to-White Plume Flowers Create Stunning Season-Long Contrast
Cold Hardy: Thrives in Zones 4-8
Grows 2 ft Tall and Wide
Showy Pink, White Blooms in Early Summer
Pollinator-Friendly Perennial

$40⁹⁶

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Plant Size

#1 Container

Product variants

Planting & Care

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.

Delivery and Shipping

Shipping Rates

Ships in 7-10 business days • Tracking provided • Weather protected

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

✓ Zone-specific timing • ✓ Professional packaging • ✓ Health guarantee

Understanding Our Container Sizes

At Nature Hills, our plants are sold in industry-standard nursery containers. You will notice we use the word "container" rather than "gallon." Container numbers follow a nursery trade size standard, not liquid volume. The number tells you the plant's size category and general maturity level. A larger container means a more established plant with a stronger root system.

Container Sizes

Quart

Plant age: 6 months to 1 year
Best for: Ground covers, perennials, ornamental grasses
What to expect: Our smallest and most affordable size. Well-suited for planting in multiples across a large area. Allow 1 to 2 seasons for full establishment.

#1 Container

Plant age: 1 to 2 years
Best for: Shrubs, perennials, smaller trees
What to expect: About the size of a large coffee can. A well-developed root system in a manageable size. Good value choice when you have time to let the plant grow into the space over a season or two.

#2 Container

Plant age: 2 to 3 years
Best for: Shrubs and trees where you want faster establishment
What to expect: A noticeable step up from a #1 in both plant size and root development. Good choice when you want visible presence without going to a larger size.

#3 Container

Plant age: 3 to 4 years
Best for: Most plants, most situations — flowering trees, shade trees, evergreen shrubs
What to expect: Our most popular size. Strong, developed root system. Plants in a #3 container make an immediate visual impact from day one. If you want a head start rather than waiting seasons for a plant to fill in, this is typically the right choice.

#5 Container and Larger

Plant age: 4 to 5+ years
Best for: Specimen plants, privacy screens, maximum instant impact
What to expect: Large, mature plants ready to make an immediate statement in your landscape. We also carry #7 and larger sizes for select varieties.

Why "Container" and Not "Gallon"?

Nursery container sizes follow an industry trade standard established for the nursery and horticulture industry. The number is a size designation, not a measurement of liquid volume. Actual soil volume varies by plant type, root mass, and growing medium. Using "container" is the accurate industry term. When you see #1, #2, or #3, think of it as the plant's size tier, not a gallon measurement.

Root Pouch Containers

Some Nature Hills plants arrive in a Root Pouch, a breathable fabric container made from 100% recycled materials. Root Pouches encourage denser root development through air pruning, which discourages root circling and promotes a stronger, more fibrous root ball at the time of planting.

Plants growing in Root Pouch fabric containers, showing the breathable woven fabric construction

There are two types. Knowing which one you have changes how you plant:

Degradable (brown or tan fabric): Plant the entire pouch directly in the ground. The fabric breaks down naturally in the soil over time.
Non-degradable (black or gray fabric): Remove the pouch before planting. Cut the bottom open with scissors, then peel the sides away. The fibrous root ball will hold its shape.

Not sure which type you have? Check the tag on your plant or contact us and we will confirm.

Full Root Pouch planting guide

Choosing the Right Size

Size	Plant Age	Best For
Quart	6 mo to 1 yr	Ground covers, perennials, grasses. Budget-friendly for mass plantings.
#1 Container	1 to 2 yrs	Shrubs, perennials, small trees. Value choice for patient gardeners.
#2 Container	2 to 3 yrs	Shrubs and trees where you want faster establishment.
#3 Container	3 to 4 yrs	Most plants. Immediate visual impact. Our most popular size.
#5 and larger	4+ yrs	Specimen plants, privacy screens, maximum instant impact.

Still not sure which size is right for your project? Our plant specialists are happy to help. Contact us and we will point you in the right direction.

Plant specifications
Plant Characteristics	Cold hardy, Low Maintenance, Flowering, Deer-resistant, Wet Soils, Container Friendly, Disease resistant, Non-invasive
Sunlight	Full sun, Partial shade
Height	2 ft
Width	2 ft
Watering Needs	High
Growth Rate	Moderate
Plant Life Cycle	Perennial
Blooms In	Summer
Flower Color	Pink, White
Suitable Space	Outdoors
Botanical Name	Astilbe thunbergii 'Chocolate Shogun'
Species	thunbergii
Cultivar	Chocolate Shogun
Class	Saxifragales
Does Not Ship To	AK, HI, ID, MT, PR

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!

Explore More from Nature Hills

The Chocolate Shogun Astilbe pairs beautifully with other perennials and low maintenance plants that thrive in partial shade conditions. This reliable performer works well in zone 4 plants, trees & shrubs collections and makes an excellent addition to deer resistant plants for woodland gardens. For more inspiration, explore our guides on Create The Perfect Mixed Perennial Garden! and 10 Perennials To Use In Cut Flower Arrangements to discover companion plants and design ideas.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much water does Chocolate Shogun Astilbe require, and can it tolerate dry soil?

Chocolate Shogun Astilbe needs consistent moisture and does not tolerate dry soil well. Like most astilbes, it thrives in moist, well-draining conditions and may struggle or go dormant during drought periods. Water regularly during dry spells to maintain soil moisture for best performance.

What type of soil is best for Chocolate Shogun Astilbe?

Chocolate Shogun Astilbe thrives in moist, well-draining soil rich in organic matter. This hardy perennial performs best in partial shade with consistent moisture, especially during hot summers in zones 4-8. Shop at Nature Hills for healthy plants that establish quickly in properly prepared soil.

Is Chocolate Shogun Astilbe deer resistant or rabbit resistant?

Chocolate Shogun Astilbe is deer resistant and performs reliably in USDA zones 4-8. While not specifically mentioned as rabbit resistant, its sturdy nature and bitter foliage typically deter most browsing animals. Plant it confidently in areas where deer are problematic.

When does Chocolate Shogun Astilbe bloom?

Chocolate Shogun Astilbe blooms in early summer with tall spires of white plume-like flowers that start as bright pink buds. This hardy perennial performs reliably in zones 4-8. Let blooms fully open on the plant, then cut some for fresh arrangements or allow them to dry naturally for winter displays.

Can Chocolate Shogun Astilbe be planted in clay or acidic soil?

Chocolate Shogun Astilbe tolerates clay soil well and actually prefers slightly acidic conditions. This hardy perennial thrives in zones 4-8 with consistent moisture. Improve drainage in heavy clay by adding compost before planting. Shop at Nature Hills for this deer-resistant beauty.

Is Chocolate Shogun Astilbe suitable for full shade or heavy shade gardens?

Chocolate Shogun Astilbe thrives in partial to full shade conditions and works beautifully in heavy shade gardens. The product description specifically mentions partnering it with Hosta and Brunnera "in a shady setting." Plant it in zones 4-8 where it will develop its signature dark foliage and white summer blooms even in deep shade.

How is Chocolate Shogun Astilbe shipped, and what should I do upon receiving it?

Chocolate Shogun Astilbe ships as a dormant bare-root perennial during the proper planting season for zones 4-8. Upon arrival, soak the roots for 2-4 hours, then plant immediately in partial shade with well-draining soil. Water thoroughly after planting to establish this hardy perennial.

Is Chocolate Shogun Astilbe low maintenance, and what ongoing care does it need?

Chocolate Shogun Astilbe is low maintenance and hardy in zones 4-8. This deer-resistant perennial needs minimal care once established. Provide consistent moisture and partial shade for best performance of the dark foliage and white summer blooms.

Will Chocolate Shogun Astilbe survive winter in zones 4-8, and does it need winter protection?

Chocolate Shogun Astilbe is fully winter hardy in USDA zones 4-8 without protection. This cold-hardy perennial will reliably return each spring and perform beautifully year after year. Simply cut back spent foliage after the first hard frost.

Chocolate Shogun Astilbe

Astilbe thunbergii 'Chocolate Shogun'