Melinda Myers

Bugbane

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 & 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

• Brunette - dark purple foliage and stems, cream flowers
• Hillside Black Beauty - white fragrant flowers 4-6', purple foliage