False Goat's Beard Astilbe 'Chocolate Cherry' (PBR) (Mighty Series)
ABOUT
Astilbe 'Chocolate Cherry' (Mighty Series) is a striking perennial known for its distinctive and attractive foliage and blossoms. The plant is characterized by its deep, chocolate-brown leaves that have a glossy appearance, creating a luscious backdrop for the flowers. It forms a bushy, mound-like habit that adds texture and interest to garden spaces. The flowers of the 'Chocolate Cherry' astilbe are equally captivating, blooming in dense, pyramidal-shaped plumes that rise above the foliage. These plumes are a rich, intense shade of reddish-pink, resembling the color of ripe cherries. They create a bold contrast against the dark leaves and can add a pop of color to any planting scheme. The plant has a feathery and soft look due to the numerous small flowers that make up the plumes. These tiny individual blooms cluster tightly together along the stems, giving the flowers a lush, full appearance. As the flowers mature, they may take on a lighter hue, providing an evolving display of color throughout the blooming period. Overall, Astilbe 'Chocolate Cherry' can be described as a visually interesting and texturally rich plant that adds both color and contrast to the landscape through its distinctive foliage and vibrant flowers. The foliage remains visually appealing even when the plant is not in bloom, ensuring sustained interest in the garden. Its striking looks make it a favorite among gardeners seeking to create a tapestry of varied hues and shapes in their garden spaces.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Saxifragaceae
Synonyms
False Spirea, False Goat's Beard
Common names
Astilbe 'Chocolate Cherry' (PBR) (Mighty Series)
ToxicityTo humans
Astilbe 'Chocolate Cherry' is generally considered non-toxic to humans. There is no widespread evidence or common symptoms associated with poisoning from this plant. Therefore, ingesting parts of Astilbe 'Chocolate Cherry' typically does not result in harmful consequences for humans.
To pets
Astilbe 'Chocolate Cherry' is also typically safe for pets, as it is not known to be toxic to animals such as dogs or cats. If a pet were to ingest parts of this plant, it is unlikely to suffer from poisoning or exhibit symptoms related to toxicity. However, as with any non-food item, ingestion can sometimes lead to mild gastrointestinal upset simply due to the ingestion of non-digestible material.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Bronze
Flower color
Red
Height
2 feet [60 cm]
Spread
2 feet [60 cm]
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
4
Native area
Asia
Benefits
General Benefits- Attractive Foliage: The 'Chocolate Cherry' Astilbe has dark burgundy-bronze leaves that add unique color and texture to garden spaces.
- Colorful Blooms: It produces vibrant deep red plumes that can add a pop of color to shady areas from mid to late summer.
- Shade Tolerance: Well-suited for shaded gardens where other blooming plants might struggle to thrive.
- Low Maintenance: Once established, it requires minimal care beyond regular watering, especially in dry periods.
- Drought Resistance: It can withstand periods of dryness, though it prefers consistently moist soil.
- Attracts Wildlife: The flowers can attract butterflies, providing a dynamic element to the garden ecosystem.
- Non-Invasive: Unlike some other plants, it remains contained within its planting space and doesn't aggressively spread.
- Long-Lasting Blooms: The flowers have a long blooming period that extends the seasonal interest of the garden.
- Winter Interest: Its foliage and seed heads can provide visual interest even during the colder months if left uncut.
- Easy to Divide: Astilbes can be easily divided to create more plants for other areas of the garden or to share with friends.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Astilbe 'Chocolate Cherry' can be used in floral art. The dried plumes add texture and a deep color to arrangements and wreaths.
- This plant's foliage provides a unique chocolate hue in pressed flower crafts, adding a contrasting appearance to a traditionally green medium.
- Foliage can be used as a natural dye for fabrics, yielding varying shades of brown depending on the mordant used.
- With its attractive coloration, Astilbe 'Chocolate Cherry' can be used in educational settings, such as school gardens, to teach students about plant varieties and color foliage.
- Its dense growth habit offers a living mulch for gardens, minimizing weed growth and helping retain soil moisture.
- The plant can serve as a subtle natural barrier or boundary marker in landscape design without the need for fencing.
- Its spike-like flowers are interesting subjects for macro photography enthusiasts looking to capture the beauty of the plant world.
- The plant provides a striking contrast when included in bonsai gardens, despite not being a traditional bonsai plant.
- Because of its visual appeal, it can be grown and harvested for use in eco-friendly confetti at celebrations or events.
- Its sturdy stems and striking foliage make it suitable for use in natural art installations in public spaces or parks.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Astilbe is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Astilbe is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Patience – Astilbes, including the 'Chocolate Cherry' variety, take time to establish and flourish, symbolizing the need for patience in growth and development.
- Endurance – These plants are resilient and can tolerate shady conditions, symbolizing the ability to endure and thrive even in less than ideal circumstances.
- Illumination – With its showy plumes of flowers, Astilbe is often associated with brightness and illumination, symbolizing the bringing of light to dark situations.
- Hope – The 'Chocolate Cherry' Astilbe, with its vibrant colors, can symbolize hope and optimism for the future.
WaterFalse Spirea should be kept consistently moist, so it's necessary to water it regularly, typically about 1 to 1.5 inches of water per week. During hot or dry spells, increase watering to twice a week, providing sufficient moisture without causing standing water. Water at the base of the plant to avoid wetting the foliage, which can lead to fungal issues. Be mindful that potted False Spirea may require more frequent watering than those in the ground, due to quicker drying of potting soil. Always check the soil moisture level before watering to ensure the plant does not become overwatered.
LightFalse Spirea thrives best in partial shade to full shade, making it an ideal plant for spots that receive moderate to low light and are shielded from intense afternoon sun. Locate it in a garden area where it will be protected during the hottest parts of the day, such as under a canopy of trees or on the north or east side of buildings where light is dappled or softer.
TemperatureFalse Spirea performs well in a range of temperatures typically found in USDA hardiness zones 4 through 8. The plant can tolerate minimum temperatures down to about -30°F and is comfortable in summer temperatures up to 85°F. The ideal growing temperature for False Spirea is between 60°F and 75°F.
PruningPrune False Spirea after flowering by cutting back the spent flower stalks to encourage additional blooms and maintain a tidy appearance. Annually in late winter or early spring, thin out older stems to promote vigorous new growth. Pruning is typically done on an as-needed basis, primarily for aesthetic reasons and to improve airflow among the densely packed stems.
CleaningAs needed
SoilFalse Spirea (Astilbe 'Chocolate Cherry') thrives in well-draining, organic-rich soil with a pH range between 6.0 and 8.0. A mix of garden soil, compost, and peat or perlite is ideal to maintain moisture while preventing water logging.
RepottingFalse Spirea generally does not require frequent repotting and can be done every 2-3 years or when it outgrows its current pot.
Humidity & MistingFalse Spirea benefits from moderately high humidity levels but is adaptable to average household humidity.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Keep in partial shade and moist soil.
Outdoor
Plant in partial shade, moist soil, protect from hot sun.
Hardiness zone
4-9 USDA
Life cycleAstilbe 'Chocolate Cherry', commonly known as False Spirea, begins its life cycle as a perennial root system that can remain dormant in the soil over winter. In early spring, the roots sprout new growth, sending up shoots that soon develop into lush, fern-like foliage. By mid to late spring, the plant forms striking plume-like flowers atop tall stems, displaying shades of deep red to chocolate brown. After the flowering period, which typically occurs in early summer, the plant sets seed that can disperse to produce new plants, while the original plant's foliage remains attractive well into autumn. As temperatures cool, the foliage of the Astilbe 'Chocolate Cherry' dies back to the ground, and the plant enters a period of dormancy, storing energy in its roots to initiate the next cycle of growth in the following spring.
PropogationPropogation time
Early spring
Propogation: The most popular method of propagating Astilbe 'Chocolate Cherry' is through division. This perennial plant is best divided in the spring or early fall when the weather is cool. To propagate by division, carefully dig up the clump of the plant, ensuring a good amount of roots are attached. Use a sharp shovel or knife to slice through the crown of the plant, making sure that each division has at least 2 or 3 growth buds. The divisions can then be replanted in a prepared location, maintaining the same depth at which they were previously growing. It's important to water the new divisions thoroughly to help establish them. This straightforward method multiplies the Astilbe and maintains the integrity of the cultivar, as opposed to seed propagation which may not produce true-to-type plants.
