Overview
Actaea cimicifuga is a clump forming herbaceous perennial in the genus Actaea, part of the Ranunculaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Actaea cimicifuga grows best in partial shade, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. Suggested uses include cottage and informal garden, wildlife gardens and flower borders and beds.
About
Actaea cimicifuga is a clump-forming, deciduous herbaceous perennial in the Ranunculaceae family. It suits sheltered, partial-shade positions and prefers moist but well-drained soils of sandy, loamy or clay textures. Plants are fully hardy (H7) in the UK and flower from July to September.
About the genus
Actaea, commonly called baneberry, bugbane and cohosh, is a genus of flowering plants of the family Ranunculaceae, native to subtropical, temperate and subarctic regions of Europe, Asia and North America.
Wikipedia contributors, "Actaea (plant)", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Actaea (plant)
In the garden
Actaea cimicifuga sits in the genus Actaea within the Ranunculaceae and presents as a clump-forming, deciduous perennial. It is grown for its summer display, with flowering occurring from July to September, and for its architectural clumps through the growing season. Plant in partial shade on a site that is sheltered from strong exposure; east-, north- or west-facing aspects are all suitable. The species tolerates sandy, loamy and clay soils and is indifferent to acid, neutral or alkaline pH, but the soil should remain moist yet free-draining. In UK terms H7 translates to fully hardy, so plants tolerate winter conditions in outdoor borders. Use foetid bugbane in cottage and informal borders, wildlife-minded beds and mixed flower borders where a summer flowering layer is needed. Allow the clump to remain intact through the season so stems can carry flowers between July and September, when it provides a useful late-summer resource for pollinators and adds vertical structure to mixed plantings.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Actaea
- Sunlight
- Partial shade
- Soil type
- Sandy, Loamy, Clay
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- East-facing, North-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H7
Plant details
Actaea cimicifuga size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Herbaceous Perennial
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Suggested uses
- Cottage and informal garden, Wildlife gardens, Flower borders and beds
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Actaea cimicifuga
- Propagation
- Seed sown in pots in a cold frame in autumn, Division in early spring
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Actaea cimicifuga?
Actaea cimicifuga prefers partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Actaea cimicifuga need?
Actaea cimicifuga is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including sandy, loamy and clay. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
Is Actaea cimicifuga hardy in the UK?
Actaea cimicifuga has an RHS hardiness rating of H7, meaning it is fully hardy throughout the UK, tolerating temperatures below -20°C.
How do I propagate Actaea cimicifuga?
Seed sown in pots in a cold frame in autumn, Division in early spring.
More in the Actaea genus
- Actaea 'Brunette'
- Actaea 'White Pearl'
- Actaea cordifolia
- Actaea simplex 'Pink Spike'baneberry 'Pink Spike'
