Overview
Actaea simplex 'Pink Spike' is a columnar upright herbaceous perennial in the genus Actaea, part of the Ranunculaceae family, with deciduous foliage. It typically grows around 1-1.5 metres tall and 0.1-0.5 metres wide, reaching full size in around 2-5 years. Actaea simplex 'Pink Spike' grows best in partial shade, and tolerates clay and loam soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. Suggested uses include woodland gardens, shaded borders, underplanting of roses and shrubs and flower borders and beds. It is native to Eastern North America.
About
Actaea simplex 'Pink Spike' is a columnar upright herbaceous perennial in the Ranunculaceae that reaches 1–1.5 metres. It carries deciduous foliage on vertical stems and typically takes 2–5 years to reach full height. Flowering occurs from July to September, producing white blooms on upright spikes. Best given partial shade on sheltered, north-, east- or west-facing sites with moist clay or loam soils.
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)
In the garden
Actaea simplex 'Pink Spike' is a herbaceous perennial with a columnar upright habit, growing to about 1–1.5 metres with a narrow spread. Allow 2–5 years for plants to reach their mature height. Flowering takes place from July to September when white blooms appear on the upper stems, adding late-summer vertical interest. Plant in partial shade, avoiding exposed, hot sunshine; north-, east- or west-facing positions suit it best. Soils can be clay or loam and the cultivar tolerates acid, neutral and alkaline pH. It prefers moist conditions and will cope with poorly drained ground as well as soils that are moist but reasonably free-draining. Give a sheltered site to reduce wind exposure through the season. Fully hardy in UK conditions (H7). Use this narrow, upright perennial where height is needed without much lateral spread: woodland gardens, shaded borders, underplanting of roses and shrubs, and mixed flower beds. With its limited spread it can be planted relatively close to other perennials or shrubs to form layered planting. Expect upright stems topped by white flower spikes from July to September, providing late-summer presence in shaded parts of the garden.
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, East-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H7
Plant details
Actaea simplex 'Pink Spike' size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Herbaceous Perennial
- Habit
- Columnar upright
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- 1-1.5 metres
- Spread
- 0.1-0.5 metres
- Time to full height
- 2-5 years
- Suggested uses
- Woodland gardens, shaded borders, underplanting of roses and shrubs, flower borders and beds
- Native to
- Eastern North America
- Toxicity
- Toxic if ingested; contains cardiogenic toxins
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Actaea simplex 'Pink Spike'
- Cultivation
- Prefers moist, humus-rich soil in partial shade; avoid dry or exposed sites; mulch in winter to protect roots.
- Pruning
- Cut back to ground level in late winter or early spring before new growth emerges.
- Propagation
- Seed sown in pots in a cold frame in autumn, division in early spring
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Actaea simplex 'Pink Spike'?
Prefers moist, humus-rich soil in partial shade; avoid dry or exposed sites; mulch in winter to protect roots.
Where is the best place to plant Actaea simplex 'Pink Spike'?
Actaea simplex 'Pink Spike' prefers partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Actaea simplex 'Pink Spike' need?
Actaea simplex 'Pink Spike' 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 'Pink Spike'?
Cut back to ground level in late winter or early spring before new growth emerges.
How big does Actaea simplex 'Pink Spike' grow?
Actaea simplex 'Pink Spike' reaches a height of 1-1.5 metres and a spread of 0.1-0.5 metres. It takes around 2-5 years to reach full size.
Is Actaea simplex 'Pink Spike' hardy in the UK?
Actaea simplex 'Pink Spike' 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 simplex 'Pink Spike'?
Seed sown in pots in a cold frame in autumn, division in early spring.
Is Actaea simplex 'Pink Spike' toxic?
Toxic if ingested; contains cardiogenic toxins.
