Overview

Cimicifuga simplex 'Elstead Variety' is a herbaceous perennial in the genus Cimicifuga, part of the Ranunculaceae family. It typically grows around 1.5 m tall. Cimicifuga simplex 'Elstead Variety' 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.

In the garden

Cimicifuga simplex 'Elstead Variety' belongs to the Ranunculaceae and comes from temperate parts of East Asia and Russia. As a herbaceous perennial it produces upright growth to roughly 1.5 m, making it one of the taller shade-tolerant perennials used where summer height is required. Plant it in partial to full shade and choose a spot where the soil remains moist but drains freely; it will grow in sandy, loamy or clay soils provided they retain some moisture without waterlogging. The H7 rating indicates it is fully hardy in UK gardens, and the USDA 4–8 range shows it tolerates a wide span of winter conditions found across the country. Use this Bugbane where tall, shaded planting is needed — for example at the rear of a shady herbaceous border or in a woodland-style bed. Allow room for its height so flowering stems can rise above lower neighbours, and place it where shaded soil moisture can be maintained through summer.

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 'Elstead Variety' size, habit and characteristics

Plant type

herbaceous perennial

Height

1.5 m

Native to

Russia, China, Korea, Japan

Frequently asked questions

From the Fenn Plants journal

• Notes on DaffodilsWhen to plant daffodil bulbs in the UK, how deep, how to naturalise them in grass, why daffodils stop flowering (“blindness”), and why you should never mix cut daffodils with other flowers.
• Keeping Your NerveHow to garden through a heatwave — the best time to water, why deep soaks beat daily sprinkles, caring for pots and vulnerable plants, and why you can let the lawn go brown.
• Made to LastHow to clean, store and protect garden pots and planters — the frost-proof vs frost-resistant difference, winter care for terracotta and ceramic, and how to reuse a broken pot.

More in the Cimicifuga genus

• 
  Cimicifuga dahuricaBugbane
• 
  Cimicifuga racemosaBlack cohosh
• 
  Cimicifuga simplexBugbane
• 
  Cimicifuga simplex 'Braunlaub'Bugbane
• 
  Cimicifuga simplex 'White Pearl' or 'Armleuchter'Bugbane
• Cimicifuga cordifoliaBugbane
• Cimicifuga foetidaBugbane
• Cimicifuga simplex var. ramosaBugbane