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. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. Suggested uses include cottage and informal garden, wildlife gardens, low maintenance, flower borders and beds and cut flowers.
About
Actaea rubra, commonly known as red baneberry, is a clump-forming herbaceous perennial suited to boggy conditions. It grows to a height and spread of 0.1 to 0.5 metres over 2 to 5 years, with deciduous foliage. This plant thrives in partial shade on north, west, or east-facing aspects, preferring sheltered locations. It adapts well to clay or loam soils that are moist but well-drained or poorly drained, with an acid to neutral pH. Actaea rubra is of particular interest during the spring and summer seasons.
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)
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
- UK hardiness
- H7
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
- Suggested uses
- Cottage and informal garden, Wildlife gardens, Low Maintenance, Flower borders and beds, Cut flowers
- Toxicity
- Actaea rubra, the red baneberry or chinaberry, is a poisonous herbaceous flowering plant in the family Ranunculaceae, native to North America.
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Actaea rubra
- Propagation
- Seed, Division
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
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.
Is Actaea rubra hardy in the UK?
Actaea rubra 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 rubra?
Seed, Division.
Is Actaea rubra toxic?
Actaea rubra, the red baneberry or chinaberry, is a poisonous herbaceous flowering plant in the family Ranunculaceae, native to North America.
More in the Actaea genus
- Actaea 'Brunette'
- Actaea 'White Pearl'
- Actaea cordifolia
- Actaea simplex 'Pink Spike'baneberry 'Pink Spike'
- Actaea cimicifugafoetid bugbane
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