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Herbaceous Perennial

Actaea simplex
  • RHS Plants for pollinators

A clump-forming, herbaceous perennial, producing slender, branched, racemes of fragrant, white, bottlebrush-like flowers, followed by black berries, on stems to 1.5m (5ft) high; above dissected, dark green foliage

Synonyms
Cimicifuga simplex
Actaea simplex var. simplex
see moreCimicifuga simplex var. simplex
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Size
Ultimate height
1–1.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
2–5 years
Ultimate spread
0.5–1 metres
Growing conditions
Clay
Loam
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green
Summer White Green
Autumn White Green Black
Winter
Position
  • Partial shade
Aspect

East–facing or North–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H7
Botanical details
Family
Ranunculaceae
Native to GB / Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Clump forming
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

Correct

Plant range
E & N Asia

How to grow

Cultivation

Best grown in cool, moist, reasonably fertile soil in partial shade but will tolerate most soils if enriched with organic matter. May need staking

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
  • Wildlife gardens
  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Flower borders and beds
Pruning

Cut back after flowering or fruiting

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free

Get involved

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