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
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
'Atropurpurea' has greenish-purple dissected foliage offering 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. Attracts pollinators and seed for birds.
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.
aka Actaea racemosa 'Hillside Black Beauty', Actaea simplex 'Hillside Black Beauty', Cimicifuga simplex 'Hillside Black Beauty', Black Bugbane, Hillside Black Beauty Bugbane