Baneberry Brunette

Once known as Cimicifuga (bugbane), Actaea simplex Brunette is a really lovely late summer plant, the white spires of flower rising to heights as the border begins to fade. It’s a herbaceous perennial of average vigour with an upright habit and looks beautiful with other late summer plants like shade-loving autumn aconites and Japanese anemones. The stems and leaves, which are divided into five leaflets, are deep purple-bronze, sometimes tinged green when young. Purple buds open to spires of creamy-white bottle-brush flowers in September and October; the flowers are attractive to late pollinators. It is easy to grow if you have reliably moist soil, even poorly drained soil. Cut back in late autumn, and mulch in early spring to conserve moisture. Baneberry Brunette holds the RHS Award of Garden Merit.

Site: Sheltered
Soil: Cool, moist, humus-rich, water-retentive soil; tolerates poorly drained soil
Position: Partial or dappled shade
Season of interest: September, October
Hardiness: Very hardy
Height: 4’ (1.2m) Spread: 2’ (60cm) in 2-5 years