Cimicifuga simplex (Bugbane) — Herbaceous perennial

Overview

Cimicifuga simplex is a herbaceous perennial in the genus Cimicifuga, part of the Ranunculaceae family. It typically grows around 1.5 m tall. Cimicifuga simplex grows best in partial shade and full shade, and tolerates most soils. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. It is native to Kamchatka, Sakhalin, Siberia, Western China, Manchuria, Mongolia, Korea and Japan.

About

Cimicifuga simplex is a herbaceous perennial that typically reaches about 1.5 m and performs best in partial to full shade. It favours soils that remain moist but are well drained and accepts sandy, loamy or clay textures. Fully hardy in the UK (H7) and able to grow in USDA zones 4–8, it originates from regions across East Asia including Kamchatka, Sakhalin, Siberia, western China, Manchuria, Mongolia, Korea and Japan. Sit it where its height can be accommodated and where the soil will not dry out.

Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Actaea simplex

In the garden

Cimicifuga simplex is a herbaceous perennial reaching roughly 1.5 m, native to a broad swathe of East Asia from Kamchatka and Sakhalin through Siberia to western China, Manchuria, Mongolia, Korea and Japan. Its range indicates a tolerance for cool, temperate conditions and seasonal variation. Select a position in partial shade or full shade and plant in soil that stays moist but drains freely; this species accepts sandy, loamy and clay soils when they retain some moisture. In UK terms it is fully hardy (H7) and will withstand winter conditions across Britain; gardeners in North America can expect suitability within USDA zones 4–8. Allow time at planting for roots to establish and keep the root run evenly moist while young. It suits shaded borders, beneath trees and alongside damp features where a taller herbaceous element is required; allow clearance for its 1.5 m height when siting. Grouping several specimens helps create presence in a shady bed and a mulch layer will help conserve soil moisture around the root zone.

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Cimicifuga

Sunlight: Partial shade, Full shade
Soil type: Sandy, Loamy, Clay
Soil moisture: Moist but well-drained
UK hardiness: H7

Plant details

Cimicifuga simplex size, habit and characteristics

Plant type: Herbaceous perennial
Height: 1.5 m
Native to: Kamchatka, Sakhalin, Siberia, Western China, Manchuria, Mongolia, Korea, Japan

Frequently asked questions

Where is the best place to plant Cimicifuga simplex?

Cimicifuga simplex prefers partial shade and full shade.

What soil does Cimicifuga simplex need?

Cimicifuga simplex is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including sandy, loamy and clay. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.

How big does Cimicifuga simplex grow?

Cimicifuga simplex reaches a height of 1.5 m.

Is Cimicifuga simplex hardy in the UK?

Cimicifuga simplex has an RHS hardiness rating of H7, meaning it is fully hardy throughout the UK, tolerating temperatures below -20°C.

More in the Cimicifuga genus

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