Overview
Actaea spicata is a plant with a clump forming habit in the genus Actaea, part of the Ranunculaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Actaea spicata grows best in partial shade, and tolerates loam soils and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. Suggested uses include cottage and informal garden, wildlife gardens, underplanting of roses and shrubs, banks and slopes, flower borders and beds and wall side borders.
About
Actaea spicata, the baneberry or herb Christopher, is a species of flowering plant in the genus Actaea, native from Europe to western Siberia and northern Iran. It is often found on limestone edges and in deciduous woodland; key factors are shade, low competition, and a cool, protected root run.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Actaea spicata
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
- Soil type
- Loam
- Soil pH
- Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- North-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H7
Plant details
Actaea spicata size, habit and characteristics
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Suggested uses
- Cottage and informal garden, Wildlife gardens, Underplanting of roses and shrubs, Banks and slopes, Flower borders and beds, Wall side borders
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Actaea spicata
- 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 spicata?
Actaea spicata prefers partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Actaea spicata need?
Actaea spicata grows best in loam soil. It prefers neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
Is Actaea spicata hardy in the UK?
Actaea spicata 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 spicata?
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 cordifolia
- Actaea simplex 'Pink Spike'baneberry 'Pink Spike'
- Actaea cimicifugafoetid bugbane