Overview
Actaea rubra is a clump forming bogs in the genus Actaea, part of the Ranunculaceae family, with deciduous foliage. It typically grows around 0.1-0.5 metres tall and 0.1-0.5 metres wide, reaching full size in around 2-5 years. Actaea rubra grows best in partial shade, and tolerates clay and loam soils and acid and neutral pH.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Actaea
- Sunlight
- Partial shade
- Soil type
- Clay, Loam
- Soil pH
- Acid, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained, Poorly-drained
- Aspect
- North-facing, West-facing, East-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
Plant details
Actaea rubra size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Bogs, Herbaceous Perennial
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- 0.1-0.5 metres
- Spread
- 0.1-0.5 metres
- Time to full height
- 2-5 years
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Actaea rubra?
Actaea rubra prefers partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Actaea rubra need?
Actaea rubra grows best in clay and loam soil. It prefers acid and neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained to poorly-drained.
How big does Actaea rubra grow?
Actaea rubra reaches a height of 0.1-0.5 metres and a spread of 0.1-0.5 metres. It takes around 2-5 years to reach full size.
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 cimicifugafoetid bugbane
- Actaea cordifolia
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