Actaea simplex 'Prichard's Giant'
baneberry 'Prichard's Giant'
A clump-forming herbaceous perennial up to 2.1m high with large mounds of serrated green leaves and long, slender, branching stems topped by bottlebrush-like racemes 30cm or more long of scented white flowers in early autumn
Synonyms
Cimicifuga simplex var. simplex 'Prichard's Giant'Cimicifuga ramosa
see moreCimicifuga simplex var. ramosa
Actaea simplex ramosa
Size
Ultimate height
1.5–2.5 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
1–1.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green | |||
| Autumn | White | Green | ||
| Winter |
Position
- Partial shade
Aspect
South–facing or East–facing or North–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H7Botanical details
- Family
- Ranunculaceae
- Native to the UK
- 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
Accepted
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in cool, moist, humus-rich, preferably neutral or slightly acidic soil in partial shade, for example in a woodland garden or shaded herbaceous or mixed bed
Propagation
Propagate by division in early spring
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Architectural
- Cottage and informal garden
- Wildlife gardens
- Low Maintenance
- Cut flowers
- Flower borders and beds
Pruning
No pruning required
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.