About
A clump-forming perennial with purple stems and brownish-purple foliage, and dense, compact racemes to 20cm long of small, perfumed off-white flowers in early autumn, tinted purple in bud.
About the genus
Actaea are rhizomatous herbaceous perennials with compound leaves and small creamy-white flowers in short, erect, simple or branched terminal racemes, followed either by poisonous red, black or white berries, or by star-shaped clustered brown follicles
Growing conditions
SunlightPartial shade
Soil typeClay, Loam
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Poorly-drained
AspectNorth-facing, West-facing, East-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH7
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitBushy
FoliageDeciduous
Height1-1.5 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden, City and courtyard gardens, Wildlife gardens
FragranceFlower
ToxicityHarmful if eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling
Care notes
CultivationGrow in cool, moist, moderately fertile soil, enriched with organic matter. Water thoroughly in dry weather.
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