Species bugbane
Tall brown stems topped with spires of fragrant white-maroon flowers and black-green leaves.

bugbane

Actaea simplex (Atropurpurea Group) 'Black Negligee'

Also Known As - cimicifuga
Bugbane is an amazing plant species for two main reasons. Firstly, its unique look, with a clump of dark, bold foliage highlighted with feathery white flower clusters in late summer, makes it a stunning feature in the garden. Secondly, its resilience–resistant to drought and common garden pests, it's also tolerant of partial shade and sandy, clay or loam soil. With beautiful colors, graceful foliage and a low maintenance approach, bugbane is a great addition to any garden or landscape.

Cycle:

Herbaceous Perennial

Watering:

Average

Propagation:

Division

Hardiness Zone:

3 - 8

Flowers:

White Flowers In Summer

Sun:

deep shade,filtered shade,part sun/part shade

Soil:

Humus rich, Well-drained

Fruits:

black Fruits In Summer Ready In

Leaf:

Yes

Growth Rate:

Moderate

Maintenance:

Low

Drought Tolerant:

Yes

Care Level:

Medium

watering

Bugbane should be watered when the soil is just beginning to dry out. This is usually once every 7-10 days when temperatures are moderate. Over-watering is a common problem, so aim to keep the soil slightly moist rather than constantly wet. During summer months, water Bugbane more frequently as the soil will dry out faster due to the higher temperatures. Always check the soil prior to watering and adjust as necessary.

sunlight

Bugbane (Actaea simplex (Atropurpurea Group) 'Black Negligee') prefers partial to full shade and thrives best in environments where it does not receive direct sunlight for more than 4-5 hours per day. An ideal location would be one that is partially shaded (such as beneath a deciduous tree) with dappled sunlight throughout the day. It should never be placed in full sunlight as it would scorch the foliage and may result in leaf-burn. The plant should never be overexposed to direct heat or sunlight as this may result in stunting of the growth of the plant.

pruning

Bugbane should be pruned in late winter or early spring, just before the new growth appears. Cutting back the branches of this plant can encourage it to remain dense and bushy. The shrub can be cut back by roughly 1/3 the total height to achieve this effect. Dead or broken branches can be removed during this time as well. It is important not to prune too late in the season, however, as Bugbane buds early in the year.

Season

Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Starts Flowering

Bugbane typically starts flowering in late summer to early fall, usually between August and September.

Harvest Fruit

The best time to start harvesting the fruits from Actaea simplex (Atropurpurea Group) 'Black Negligee' is in late summer and early fall, typically August and September.

Starts Flowering

Bugbane typically starts flowering in late summer to early fall, usually between August and September.

Harvest Fruit

The best time to start harvesting the fruits from Actaea simplex (Atropurpurea Group) 'Black Negligee' is in late summer and early fall, typically August and September.

Hardiness Map