Chocolate Shogun False Goat's Beard False Spirea

‘[Chocolate Shogun](https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/333194/astilbe-chocolate-shogun-thunbergii-hybrid/details)’ is an astilbe cultivar grown for its divided, chocolate-bronze foliage and pale pink flower plumes on dark stems. The [RHS profile](https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/333194/astilbe-chocolate-shogun-thunbergii-hybrid/details) describes a clump-forming plant reaching about 60 cm, with narrow plumes appearing from mid- to late summer. ## Garden use and size Its dark spring leaves bring contrast to a shaded border, while the pink flowers rise above the foliage in summer. The [plant patent](https://patents.justia.com/patent/PP26430) records the cultivar as *Astilbe thunbergii* ‘Chocolate Shogun’ and describes broadly upright, clump-forming growth. Measurements vary across sources: the patent reports 100 cm in bloom and 60 cm spread, while RHS describes a 60 cm plant. The current catalog dimensions are plausible within that variation. ## Siting Plant in partial shade in moist, fertile soil that drains well. Astilbes need steady moisture, particularly as foliage and flower stems develop; dry soil can scorch leaves. ## Maintenance Leave old foliage over winter for protection, then cut it back in spring. Divide the clump when it becomes crowded, replanting divisions promptly.