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.
About
Actaea simplex 'Pink Spike' is a herbaceous perennial cultivar of the baneberry genus, known for its columnar upright habit. It reaches a height of 1 to 1.5 metres with a narrow spread of 0.1 to 0.5 metres, taking 2 to 5 years to reach full size. This deciduous plant thrives in partial shade and prefers a sheltered position with moist but well-drained or poorly-drained soil, tolerating a range of soil types and pH levels. It is particularly notable in autumn, adding seasonal interest to gardens facing north, east, or west.
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
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Actaea simplex 'Pink Spike'
- 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
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 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.
More in the Actaea genus
- Actaea 'Brunette'
- Actaea 'White Pearl'
- Actaea japonica 'Silver Dance'Japanese bugbane 'Silver Dance'
- Actaea pachypodawhite baneberry
- Actaea pachypoda 'Silver Leaf'
- Actaea cimicifugafoetid bugbane
- Actaea cordifolia
- Actaea dahurica tall