Actaea racemosa / Actaea simplex
Botanical Name
Actaea racemosa / Actaea simplex
Hardiness
Zones 3 to 8
Height
4 to 6 feet (in flower)
Width
2 to 4 feet
Flowers
Mid to late summer:
Light
Full sun to part shade
Soil
Moist, organic
Planting and Care
Bugbane will show leaf scorch when soil is too dry. Prefers moist soils rich in organic matter. Protect from winds which could damage foliage and knock over flower spikes. Bugbane is slow to establish, proper watering will help this process. Site where bright flower spikes will stand out. Divide in spring or fall for propogation, but otherwise can be left undisturbed.
Problems
None serious
Varieties to Consider
'Brunette' - dark purple foliage and stems, cream flowers
'Hillside Black Beauty' - white fragrant flowers 4-6', purple foliage