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.

About

Cimicifuga simplex 'Elstead Variety' is a herbaceous perennial in the Ranunculaceae that reaches about 1.5 m and is commonly called Bugbane. It suits partial to full shade and prefers moist but well-drained soils of sandy, loamy or clay textures. Native to regions of Russia, China, Korea and Japan, it withstands cold UK winters as a fully hardy plant (H7). It is also adapted to the equivalent of USDA zones 4–8.

Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Actaea simplex

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

More in the Cimicifuga genus

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