Cimicifuga R. ‘Brunette’ 2Gal

Latin Name: Actaea simplex (Atropurpurea Group) ‘Brunette’ (formerly Cimicifuga ramosa ‘Brunette’)

Common Name: Brunette Bugbane / Brunette Baneberry

Zones: 3-8 (some sources list 4-8)

Height & Spread: 3-4 feet tall (to 5 feet in bloom), spreading 2-3 feet wide

Descriptive Features: A dramatic, architectural shade perennial and Royal Horticultural Society Award of Garden Merit recipient, prized for its deep purple-bronze foliage that is nearly black. Astilbe-like, deeply cut, ternately compound leaves form an upright, rhizomatous clump. Tall, wiry stems rise in late summer to early fall (August into October) bearing spires of strongly fragrant, pinkish-white flowers, a striking contrast to the dark foliage that comes just as many other shade plants are fading. The blooms attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators and make good cut flowers, and attractive berries follow that are loved by birds (all parts of the plant are toxic if ingested, so keep them away from children). Performs best in rich, consistently moist, humus-rich soil in a sheltered spot, and may need staking in exposed locations. Foliage color is darkest with some morning sun, though deep shade tolerates well. Deer-resistant and low-maintenance, and best left undisturbed once established, with spring division possible when needed. An excellent choice as a back-of-border specimen, shade garden accent, or dark foil for silver or chartreuse-leaved companions in part shade to full shade.