Photo of Actaea simplex Atropurpurea Group by Digging Dog Nursery

Photo by Digging Dog Nursery

Used with permission, all rights reserved

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Actaea simplex Atropurpurea Group

Also Known As

  • Actaea simplex 'Atropurpurea'
  • Cimicifuga racemosa var. atropurpurea
  • Cimicifuga ramosa atropurpurea
  • Cimicifuga simplex 'Atropurpurea'
  • Snakeroot

Plant type

perennial

size

  • H: 3'-6'
  • W: 2'-3'

planting zones

  • 4a-9b

More Options

Actaea simplex Atropurpurea Group plant details

Actaea simplex Atropurpurea Group is a broadleaf deciduous perennial with black, burgundy, chocolate and purple foliage. In summer white flowers emerge. Attracts bees making it an excellent addition to pollinator gardens. Grows well with sun - mostly shade and even moisture - regular water. Does well in average, rich and well-drained soil.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Actaea simplex Atropurpurea Group

Plant type: perennial
Plant family: ranunculaceae
Foliage: deciduous black, burgundy, chocolate and purple
Mature size: 2 FT - 3 FT - wide, 3 FT - 6 FT - tall
Flowers: white blooms in summer
Uses: bottlebrush flowers

GROWING CONDITIONS for Actaea simplex Atropurpurea Group

USDA Zones: 4a - 9b
Sun exposure: sun - mostly shade
Watering frequency: even moisture - regular
Soil needs: average, rich and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

The greenish-purple dissected foliage of this perennial provides great textural interest to the garden while we await the arrival of arching spires of fragrant white bottlebrush flowers in late summer. The sweet fragrance will fill the whole yard! Though tolerant of a full range of light conditions, Actaea (formerly Cimicifuga) are a great way to add fragrance to the shadier garden. Combine with variegated or golden foliage.
A fine plant and trendy, pricey too; in its various incarnations its been featured on a number of covers in computer enhanced color. Even without the plastic surgery, its bronzy foliage and racemes of white flowers are most impressive. ZONE 4
Grown from seedlings carefully selected for dark, coppery purple foliage, the regal profile of 'Atropurpurea' shows its good breeding. A garden dweller with a staid bearing, its stately reddish purple stems soar above your head, displaying dense spires covered with round mahogany-hued buds and sweet starbursts of white. Echo this Actaea's somber tones by bringing it together with Angelica gigas, and let the lime green foliage of Physocarpus 'Dart's Gold' brighten the mood.

Gardening facts about Actaea simplex Atropurpurea Group plant

How to Grow Actaea simplex Atropurpurea Group

  • Sun Exposure

    • sun - mostly shade
  • Water Needs

    • even moisture - regular
  • Soil Needs

    • average
    • well-drained
    • rich

Features

  • Foliage Color

    • burgundy
    • purple
    • chocolate
    • black
  • Flower Color

    • white
  • Wildlife

    • bees
  • Flower Season

    • summer
  • Foliage Season

    • deciduous
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