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, commonly known as foetid bugbane, is a clump-forming herbaceous perennial from the Ranunculaceae family. Like other Actaea species, it grows from rhizomes and features compound leaves. It produces small, creamy-white flowers arranged in compact, upright racemes during spring and summer. This deciduous plant thrives in partial shade with a sheltered aspect, preferring moist but well-drained fertile soil of various types and pH levels. It is hardy in the UK (H7) and is suitable for cottage and informal gardens, wildlife gardens, and flower borders.
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 japonica 'Silver Dance'Japanese bugbane 'Silver Dance'
- Actaea pachypodawhite baneberry
- Actaea pachypoda 'Silver Leaf'
- Actaea simplex 'Pink Spike'baneberry 'Pink Spike'
- Actaea cordifolia
- Actaea dahurica tall