Astilbe 'Mighty Chocolate Cherry'

Astilbe 'Mighty Chocolate Cherry': Bold Blooms, Rich Foliage

Towering and dramatic, Astilbe 'Mighty Chocolate Cherry' makes a powerful statement with its large, cherry-red plumes and deep bronze-green foliage. This statuesque selection from the 'Mighty' series offers impressive height and presence, blooming in mid to late summer when many shade perennials have finished their show. Its sturdy stems hold the richly coloured plumes high above the foliage, creating vertical impact and vibrant contrast in shaded or partially shaded garden beds.

Plant Characteristics:

• Height: 90–100 cm
• Spread: 60–75 cm, forming a tall, upright clump
• Flower Colour: Intense cherry red
• Flowering Period: Mid to late summer
• Foliage: Deep green with bronze overtones; bold and sharply divided
• Sunlight Requirements: Part shade to full shade
• Soil Requirements: Moist, rich, well-drained soil

Uses and Benefits: Astilbe 'Mighty Chocolate Cherry' is ideal for the back of shaded borders, as a bold focal point in woodland gardens, or for punctuating a part-shade foundation planting. Its striking colour and size provide drama and late-season interest, while its deer resistance and dependable habit make it easy to grow and enjoy. Excellent as a fresh or dried cut flower.

Companion Plants: Pair with the silvered foliage of Brunnera 'Jack Frost', the rich purple tones of Heuchera 'Timeless Treasure', and the sturdy green fronds of Dryopteris filix-mas for a layered and deeply textured planting that plays with light, shade, and seasonal contrast.

Care Instructions: Plant in part to full shade with humus-rich, consistently moist soil. Water deeply during dry periods and mulch annually to retain moisture. Remove spent blooms for tidiness or leave for fall texture. Divide clumps every 3–4 years in early spring to maintain vigour and shape.

History: Part of the 'Mighty' series, 'Mighty Chocolate Cherry' was bred for exceptional height, colour saturation, and strong stems—traits that make it a standout for larger spaces or bolder design schemes in shade-loving gardens.

Final Thoughts: Rich in colour and commanding in form, Astilbe 'Mighty Chocolate Cherry' delivers a powerful blend of structure and drama—an unforgettable presence in the late-season shade garden.