Actaea simplex (syn. Cimicifuga) 'PINK SPIKE'

Bugbane is an attractive perennial from colder parts of Mongolia, Japan, Korea, and Russia (Kamchatka, Sakhlain, Siberia). While its North American brother a. ramose is famous for its healing power, known to the Indians who used its roots for soothing pains connected with women’s problems, this one has no observed medicinal benefits. Yet it makes a statement in a border or among trees as an eye-catching architectural plant.

Pink Spike is a dark-leaved variety of bugbane with deep maroon to almost black, large leaves. They are 3-ternate-pinnate, with palmate, lobed, sharply toothed basal leaves. It is very attractive when new, bright green leaves emerge amongst intensely dark foliage. In late summer rise slender, dark stems bearing 30-40 cm long, erect racemes composed of small, pale pink, very fragrant flowers. They resemble cherry laurel flowers both in appearance as well as in scent. They bloom from late August until mid October. Flower buds look like small, purple red pearls.

In the wild bugbane commonly grows at the edge of a woodland or in locations with filtered sunlight. It does not perform well in deep shade. You water it frequently you can grow it in full su, too, where its foliage colour will be at its best. Use plenty of mulch on such a site. It loves humus-rich soil of any pH. Once established it can withstand temporary flooding but will be poor or even die in dry soil. It is a clump forming perennial that spreads slowly so make sure it has good conditions so you can enjoy a beauty of a rich clump soon. Hardy to min. -30 °C (USDA zone 5).

Last update: 09-06-2023