
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
Related Content
Categories
Upcoming Live Events
& Webinars
May 17, 2025
Ask the Plant Doctor Q&A
Ebert's Greenhouse Village
Ixonia, WI
May 18, 2025
Ask the Plant Doctor Q&A
Ebert's Greenhouse Village
Ixonia, WI
June 1, 2025
Growing, Harvesting & Preserving Favorite Italian Herbs for Food and Drink Demos
Festa Italiana-Cucina Showcase
Milwaukee, WI
June 4, 2025
FREE WEBINAR:
Attracting Hummingbirds
Register here
June 8, 2025
Selecting the Right Hydrangea
for Your Landscape
Ebert's Greenhouse Village
Ixonia, WI
June 14, 2025
Houseplants 101
Ebert's Greenhouse Village
Ixonia, WI
June 20, 2025 (event 6/20-6/22)
Pollinator Celebration
Vino in the Valley
Maiden Rock, WI
Register here
WATCH ON-DEMAND WEBINARS
Learn More