Actaea simplex (Atropurpurea Group) 'Brunette'

RHS Plant Profile
baneberry 'Brunette'

Synonyms

Cimicifuga 'Brunette'
Cimicifuga simplex var. simplex 'Brunette'
Cimicifuga ramosa 'Brunette'

Award of Garden MeritPlants for pollinators
Herbaceous Perennial

A clump-forming perennial with purple stems and brownish-purple foliage, and dense, compact racemes to 20cm long of small, fragrant off-white flowers in early autumn, tinted purple in bud

Position

Partial shade

Soil Types

Clay, Loam

Max Height

1-1.5 metres

Max Spread

0.5-1 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
2–5 years
Max Spread
0.5-1 metres
Max Height
1-1.5 metres

Growing Conditions

Clay Loam
Moisture
Moist but well–drained or Poorly–drained
pH
Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Partial shade
Aspect
North–facing or West–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H7

Colour & Scent

Fragrance Flower
Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Ranunculaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Bushy
Potentially harmful
Harmful if eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling
Genus
Actaea are rhizomatous herbaceous perennials with compound leaves and small creamy-white flowers in short, erect, simple or branched terminal racemes, followed either by poisonous red, black or white berries, or by star-shaped clustered brown follicles
Name Status
Accepted

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow in cool, moist, moderately fertile soil, enriched with organic matter. Water thoroughly in dry weather.

Propagation

Propagate by seed sown in pots in a cold frame in autumn or by division in early spring

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Cottage and informal garden
  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Flower borders and beds

Pruning

Cut back after flowering or fruiting

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free