Overview
Actaea simplex (Atropurpurea Group) 'Brunette' is a bushy herbaceous perennial in the genus Actaea, part of the Ranunculaceae family, with deciduous foliage. It typically grows around 1-1.5 metres tall and 0.5-1 metres wide, reaching full size in around 2-5 years. Actaea simplex (Atropurpurea Group) 'Brunette' grows best in partial shade, and tolerates clay and loam soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. It is a holder of the RHS Award of Garden Merit and attractive to pollinators. Suggested uses include cottage and informal garden, city and courtyard gardens and wildlife gardens.
About
This perennial forms clumps characterized by dark purple stems and deep brownish-purple leaves. In early autumn, it produces dense, compact racemes of small, fragrant, off-white flowers, which show a hint of purple while still in bud and can reach lengths of up to 20 cm.
About the genus
Actaea consists of herbaceous perennials that grow from rhizomes. They feature compound leaves and produce small, creamy-white flowers arranged in compact, upright racemes that can be simple or branched. These flowers may later develop into toxic berries that can be red, black, or white, or into clusters of star-shaped brown follicles.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Actaea
- Sunlight
- Partial shade
- Soil type
- Clay, Loam
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained, Poorly-drained
- Aspect
- North-facing, West-facing, East-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H7
Plant details
Actaea simplex (Atropurpurea Group) 'Brunette' size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Herbaceous Perennial
- Habit
- Bushy
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- 1-1.5 metres
- Spread
- 0.5-1 metres
- Time to full height
- 2-5 years
- Suggested uses
- Cottage and informal garden, City and courtyard gardens, Wildlife gardens
- Fragrance
- Flower
- Toxicity
- Harmful if eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Actaea simplex (Atropurpurea Group) 'Brunette'
- Cultivation
- Grow in cool, moist, moderately fertile soil, enriched with organic matter. Water thoroughly in dry weather.
- Pruning
- Cut back after flowering or fruiting
- Propagation
- Propagate by seed sown in pots in a cold frame in autumn or by division in early spring
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Actaea simplex (Atropurpurea Group) 'Brunette'?
Grow in cool, moist, moderately fertile soil, enriched with organic matter. Water thoroughly in dry weather.
Where is the best place to plant Actaea simplex (Atropurpurea Group) 'Brunette'?
Actaea simplex (Atropurpurea Group) 'Brunette' prefers partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Actaea simplex (Atropurpurea Group) 'Brunette' need?
Actaea simplex (Atropurpurea Group) 'Brunette' grows best in clay and loam soil. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained to poorly-drained.
How do I prune Actaea simplex (Atropurpurea Group) 'Brunette'?
Cut back after flowering or fruiting.
How big does Actaea simplex (Atropurpurea Group) 'Brunette' grow?
Actaea simplex (Atropurpurea Group) 'Brunette' reaches a height of 1-1.5 metres and a spread of 0.5-1 metres. It takes around 2-5 years to reach full size.
Is Actaea simplex (Atropurpurea Group) 'Brunette' hardy in the UK?
Actaea simplex (Atropurpurea Group) 'Brunette' has a UK hardiness rating of H7.
How do I propagate Actaea simplex (Atropurpurea Group) 'Brunette'?
Propagate by seed sown in pots in a cold frame in autumn or by division in early spring.
Is Actaea simplex (Atropurpurea Group) 'Brunette' good for pollinators?
Yes — Actaea simplex (Atropurpurea Group) 'Brunette' attracts and supports pollinators such as bees and other beneficial insects.
Is Actaea simplex (Atropurpurea Group) 'Brunette' toxic?
Harmful if eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling.