Adding drama, Astilbe thunbergii 'Chocolate Shotgun' is a clump-forming perennial boasting glossy chocolate-bronze leaves that bring long-lasting colour in the shade garden. The foliage makes a striking backdrop to the pink-blushed flower panicles in mid to late summer. Blooming when other plants are beginning to wane, this exquisite Astilbe is relatively trouble-free, requires little maintenance, is heavy shade tolerant, and attracts butterflies.