Overview

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

About

Cimicifuga simplex 'Braunlaub' is a herbaceous perennial in the Ranunculaceae that reaches about 1.5 metres and holds vertical presence through the summer months. It suits partial to full shade and prefers moist but well-drained soils of sandy, loamy or clay textures. Fully hardy to H7, it is native to parts of Russia, China, Korea and Japan. Allow adequate vertical space when siting to accommodate its height.

Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Actaea simplex

In the garden

Cimicifuga simplex 'Braunlaub' is a herbaceous perennial in the buttercup family originating from Russia, China, Korea and Japan. At roughly 1.5 metres tall it provides upright structure in shady parts of the garden where taller plants are useful for layering. Its natural range indicates an ability to survive cool to cold winters, which is reflected in its H7 hardiness rating (equivalent to very cold UK conditions) and USDA zones 4–8. Select a location in partial or full shade and plant into soils that remain moist but are well drained; sandy, loamy or clay soils all suit it provided moisture is consistent. In practice that means positioning away from sunlit, dry banks and ensuring the root run keeps an even supply of moisture through the growing season. Give each plant room for its 1.5 m height when spacing, and consider placing it behind lower perennials so it can form a vertical backdrop. In UK gardens it works where shade and moisture coincide: shaded borders, the rear of mixed beds, or near the base of light-canopied trees. Because of its height, pair it with lower, shade-tolerant plants so its stems rise through the border rather than sit isolated in front.

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 'Braunlaub' size, habit and characteristics

Plant type

herbaceous perennial

Height

1.5 m

Native to

Russia, China, Korea, Japan

Frequently asked questions

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