Overview
Actaea simplex 'Atropurpurea' is a clump forming herbaceous perennial in the genus Actaea, part of the Ranunculaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Actaea simplex 'Atropurpurea' grows best in partial shade and shade, and tolerates most soils and acidic and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include shade garden, woodland garden and borders. It is native to Russia (Kamchatka, Sakhalin, Siberia), China, Manchuria, Mongolia, Korea and Japan.
About
Actaea simplex, the baneberry or bugbane, is a flowering plant in the buttercup family Ranunculaceae. A clump-forming rhizomatous herbaceous perennial, its native range includes the Kamchatka, Sakhalin and Siberian regions of Russia, western China, Manchuria, Mongolia, Korea and Japan.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Actaea simplex
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, shade
- Soil type
- moist, well-drained, rich
- Soil pH
- acidic, neutral
- Soil moisture
- moist
- Aspect
- North-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H5
Plant details
Actaea simplex 'Atropurpurea' size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- herbaceous perennial
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Suggested uses
- shade garden, woodland garden, borders
- Native to
- Russia (Kamchatka, Sakhalin, Siberia), China, Manchuria, Mongolia, Korea, Japan
- Toxicity
- Toxic if ingested
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Actaea simplex 'Atropurpurea'
- Cultivation
- Prefers moist, humus-rich soil in partial to full shade. Avoid dry conditions.
- Pruning
- Cut back to ground level in late winter or early spring before new growth emerges.
- Propagation
- Division in spring or autumn; seed propagation possible but slow.
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Actaea simplex 'Atropurpurea'?
Prefers moist, humus-rich soil in partial to full shade. Avoid dry conditions.
Where is the best place to plant Actaea simplex 'Atropurpurea'?
Actaea simplex 'Atropurpurea' prefers partial shade and shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Actaea simplex 'Atropurpurea' need?
Actaea simplex 'Atropurpurea' is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including moist, well-drained and rich. It prefers acidic and neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays moist.
How do I prune Actaea simplex 'Atropurpurea'?
Cut back to ground level in late winter or early spring before new growth emerges.
Is Actaea simplex 'Atropurpurea' hardy in the UK?
Actaea simplex 'Atropurpurea' has an RHS hardiness rating of H5, meaning it is hardy in most of the UK, tolerating -15 to -10°C.
How do I propagate Actaea simplex 'Atropurpurea'?
Division in spring or autumn; seed propagation possible but slow.
Is Actaea simplex 'Atropurpurea' toxic?
Toxic if ingested.
More in the Actaea genus
- Actaea 'Brunette'
- Actaea 'White Pearl'
- Actaea cordifolia
- Actaea simplex 'Pink Spike'baneberry 'Pink Spike'
- Actaea cimicifugafoetid bugbane