Astilbe 'Cappuccino'

Astilbe 'Cappuccino': Espresso Leaves, Milky White Froth

Dark bronze, almost black foliage topped with frothy white plumes, like espresso with a perfect foam cap. 'Cappuccino' is the shade garden's morning wake-up call. EXTRA FOAM, NO SUGAR.

Plant Characteristics:

• Botanical Name: Astilbe 'Cappuccino' (often listed under Astilbe × arendsii)
• Common Name: False Spirea, Astilbe
• Height: 60–75 cm (24–30 in) in bloom
• Spread: 60 cm (24 in)
• Flowers: Large white plumes held above the foliage
• Bloom Time: Early to midsummer (June to July)
• Foliage: Lacy, dark bronze to nearly black leaves that pick up some green as summer goes on
• Features: Dark foliage, looks best in mass plantings

Where to Plant: Plant it in groups of three or more so the dark foliage reads as a solid block of colour and a foil for anything bright. Use it along a shady path, in the front half of a woodland border, or in a large container, as long as you keep the soil moist.

Companion Plants: Set the dark leaves and white plumes of 'Cappuccino' in a moist, shady bed with gold and glossy green. Carex pensylvanica carpets the front at 15 to 30 cm with fine, arching blades. Hosta 'Praying Hands' adds tightly folded, upright leaves at 36 to 46 cm. Polystichum polyblepharum brings glossy evergreen tassel fern fronds at 45 to 60 cm. Aralia 'Sun King' lights up the back with gold leaves at 90 to 180 cm.

Plant Care: Plant in part shade in rich, moisture-retentive soil. Work in compost at planting and mulch to keep the roots cool. Water through dry spells. Too much sun or dry soil will scorch the dark leaves. Full sun only works in cool spots with constantly moist soil. Leave the faded plumes standing for winter interest and cut back in early spring. Divide every three to four years in spring if the clump gets crowded.

History: 'Cappuccino' was bred in Roelofarendsveen, the Netherlands, by Hans van de Meer, from a 2002 cross between an Astilbe japonica selection and an Astilbe × arendsii selection. It was picked out in 2004.

Final Thoughts: Plant it in groups for the full café effect. Deer never order it. BARISTA QUALITY WITHOUT THE LINEUP.