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Actaea simplex (Atropurpurea Group) 'James Compton'

Also Known As

  • Actaea simplex 'James Compton'
  • Cimicifuga ramosa 'James Compton'
  • Cimicifuga simplex 'James Compton'
  • James Compton Black Cohosh
  • James Compton Black Snakeroot
  • James Compton Branched Bugbane
  • James Compton Bugbane
  • James Compton Snakeroot

Plant type

perennial

size

  • H: 2'-5'
  • W: 1'-3'

planting zones

  • 3a-9b

More Options

Actaea simplex (Atropurpurea Group) 'James Compton' plant details

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'

Plant type: perennial
Plant family: ranunculaceae
Foliage: deciduous black
Mature size: 1 FT - 3 FT - wide, 2 FT - 5 FT - tall
Flowers: pink and white blooms in fall and summer
Uses: bottlebrush flowers, fragrant

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'

  • Sun Exposure

    • sun - mostly shade
  • Water Needs

    • even moisture - regular
  • Soil Needs

    • average
    • well-drained
    • rich

Features

  • Foliage Color

    • black
  • Flower Color

    • white
    • pink
  • Wildlife

    • bees
  • Flower Season

    • summer
    • fall
  • Foliage Season

    • deciduous
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