About

Actaea rubra, the red baneberry, is a tufted herbaceous perennial to around 50 cm tall, with attractive lime-green, divided leaves and short, erect spikes of petite, fluffy white flowers from late spring into early summer. Its main season of interest comes in summer, when shining scarlet berries ripen in decorative clusters � striking but poisonous. An elegant plant for a woodland garden or shaded border.

About the genus

Actaea, the baneberries, are rhizomatous herbaceous perennials with elegant, compound leaves and short, erect spikes or racemes of small, fluffy creamy-white flowers in spring. They are most notable in late summer for their clusters of highly ornamental but poisonous berries in red, black or white, often on brightly coloured stalks. Excellent woodland garden plants.

Growing conditions

SunlightPartial shade
Soil typeClay, Loam
Soil pHAcid, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Poorly-drained
AspectNorth-facing, West-facing, East-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH7

Plant details

Plant typeBogs, Herbaceous Perennial
HabitClump forming
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesWildflower meadow, Cottage and informal garden
Native toNorth America
ToxicityHarmful if eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling

Care notes

CultivationBest grown in cool, moist, reasonably fertile soil in partial shade but will tolerate most soils if enriched with organic matter
PruningCut back after flowering or fruiting
PropagationPropagate by seed sown in pots in a cold frame in autumn or by division in early spring
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free