Actaea simplex (Atropurpurea Group) 'James Compton' is a broadleaf deciduous perennial with black foliage. In fall and summer pink and 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) 'James Compton'
GROWING CONDITIONS for Actaea simplex (Atropurpurea Group) 'James Compton'
USDA Zones: 3a - 9b
Sun exposure: sun - mostly shade
Watering frequency: even moisture - regular
Soil needs: average, rich and well-drained
Nursery contributed plant descriptions
There aren't many fragrant flowers for the shade it seems. Thank goodness for the bugbanes then! 'James Compton' is a compact, burgundy-leaved bugbane with numerous small, creamy white (sometimes pink tinged), fragrant flowers in late summer to early fall. These are borne on long, terminal racemes resembling fluffy spires that rise well above the foliage on upright, branched, wiry stems.
Yet another dark one, supposedly more compact growing than the others but I see little difference. To tell the truth culture and placement in the garden seems to have more to do with it than genetics, all the dark ones are spectacular with a fragrance that is simply incredible. Big drifts are quite a sight in late summer. ZONE 4
Young green leaves deepen to a dark purple-black. Late summer brings wands of fragrant pink-tinged white flowers that smell like vanilla. 'James Compton' thrives in moist soil and is deer-resistant. Best in part shade but some sun will deepen color of leaves.
Easily grown in average, medium moisture-retaining soils in part to full shade. Prefers humusy, organically rich, moisture-retentive soils. Foliage tends to scorch if soils are allowed to dry out. Best sited in locations sheltered from strong winds. This is a slow-to-establish plant.
By: Deer Country Gardens
Gardening facts about Actaea simplex (Atropurpurea Group) 'James Compton' plant
How to Grow Actaea simplex (Atropurpurea Group) 'James Compton'
aka Actaea racemosa 'Hillside Black Beauty', Actaea simplex 'Hillside Black Beauty', Cimicifuga simplex 'Hillside Black Beauty', Black Bugbane, Hillside Black Beauty Bugbane