Overview
Actaea simplex 'James Compton' is a clump forming herbaceous perennial in the genus Actaea, part of the Ranunculaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Actaea simplex 'James Compton' grows best in partial shade and full shade, and tolerates moist and well-drained soil soils and acidic to 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, full shade
- Soil type
- moist, well-drained soil
- Soil pH
- acidic to neutral
- Soil moisture
- moist
- Aspect
- north, east, west
- Exposure
- sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H5
Plant details
Actaea simplex 'James Compton' 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 'James Compton'
- Cultivation
- Prefers humus-rich, moist but well-drained soil in partial to full shade. Mulch to retain moisture.
- Pruning
- Cut back old stems in late winter or early spring before new growth appears.
- 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 'James Compton'?
Prefers humus-rich, moist but well-drained soil in partial to full shade. Mulch to retain moisture.
Where is the best place to plant Actaea simplex 'James Compton'?
Actaea simplex 'James Compton' prefers partial shade and full shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Actaea simplex 'James Compton' need?
Actaea simplex 'James Compton' grows best in moist and well-drained soil soil. It prefers acidic to neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays moist.
How do I prune Actaea simplex 'James Compton'?
Cut back old stems in late winter or early spring before new growth appears.
Is Actaea simplex 'James Compton' hardy in the UK?
Actaea simplex 'James Compton' 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 'James Compton'?
Division in spring or autumn, seed propagation possible but slow.
Is Actaea simplex 'James Compton' toxic?
Toxic if ingested.
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More in the Actaea genus
- Actaea 'Brunette'
- Actaea 'White Pearl'
- Actaea albaBaneberry
- Actaea cordifolia
- Actaea simplex 'Pink Spike'baneberry 'Pink Spike'
- Actaea cimicifugafoetid bugbane