Overview
Cimicifuga racemosa is a perennial herb in the genus Cimicifuga, part of the Ranunculaceae family. Cimicifuga racemosa grows best in partial shade and shade, and tolerates most soils and acidic to neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include woodland garden, shade garden and naturalizing. It is native to Eastern North America.
In the garden
Cimicifuga racemosa is a perennial herb from eastern North America belonging to the Ranunculaceae. It establishes as an understorey plant in the kind of shaded, sheltered openings you find in woodlands and is used where a moisture-retentive, cool soil environment can be maintained. Give it partial shade or full shade and a loamy, moist but well-drained soil; it prefers acidic to neutral conditions. The species is rated H5 (hardy) for the UK, so it tolerates ordinary winter conditions across most gardens, but it dislikes prolonged drought. Work organic matter into the planting area to improve moisture retention and structure, and mulch to keep roots cool through summer. It performs well in woodland or shade gardens and can be naturalised at the edge of a shrub border or beneath deciduous trees where light increases in spring. Position away from intensive sun and from areas where children or animals might ingest plant material, since the whole plant is toxic if eaten.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Cimicifuga
- Sunlight
- Partial shade, Shade
- Soil type
- Loamy, Moist, Well-drained
- Soil pH
- Acidic to neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist
- UK hardiness
- H5
Plant details
Cimicifuga racemosa size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Perennial herb
- Suggested uses
- Woodland garden, Shade garden, Naturalizing
- Native to
- Eastern North America
- Toxicity
- Toxic if ingested
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Cimicifuga racemosa
- Cultivation
- Prefers humus-rich, moist soil in partial to full shade. Avoid dry or waterlogged conditions.
- Pruning
- Cut back to ground level in late winter or early spring before new growth emerges.
- Propagation
- Division in spring or autumn; seed requires cold stratification.
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Cimicifuga racemosa?
Prefers humus-rich, moist soil in partial to full shade. Avoid dry or waterlogged conditions.
Where is the best place to plant Cimicifuga racemosa?
Cimicifuga racemosa prefers partial shade and shade.
What soil does Cimicifuga racemosa need?
Cimicifuga racemosa is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including loamy, moist and well-drained. It prefers acidic to neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays moist.
How do I prune Cimicifuga racemosa?
Cut back to ground level in late winter or early spring before new growth emerges.
Is Cimicifuga racemosa hardy in the UK?
Cimicifuga racemosa 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 Cimicifuga racemosa?
Division in spring or autumn; seed requires cold stratification.
Is Cimicifuga racemosa toxic?
Toxic if ingested.
From the Fenn Plants journal
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More in the Cimicifuga genus
- Cimicifuga dahuricaBugbane
- Cimicifuga simplexBugbane
- Cimicifuga simplex 'Braunlaub'Bugbane
- Cimicifuga simplex 'Elstead Variety'Bugbane
- Cimicifuga simplex 'White Pearl' or 'Armleuchter'Bugbane
- Cimicifuga cordifoliaBugbane
- Cimicifuga foetidaBugbane
- Cimicifuga simplex var. ramosaBugbane