Actaea simplex (Atropurpurea Group) ‘Black Negligee’ (Baneberry)

Rich with an exotic perfume of grape and jasmine, Actaea simplex ‘Black Negligee’ (Baneberry) is a herbaceous perennial prized for its finely-divided, near-black leaves and eye-catching flower spikes. Standing out in late summer to early fall, attractive, dark stemmed fluffy spires, packed with deliciously fragrant creamy-white flowers adorned with a purple tinge, gracefully bob and sway in the breeze. They rise elegantly above the dark, purplish-black, lacy foliage which provides excellent texture and color to the garden throughout the growing season. Bold and dramatic, ‘Black Negligee’ will be the talking point on a garden walk.

• Typically grows up to 4-5 ft. tall (120-150 cm) and 18-24 in. wide (45-60 cm).
• Thrives in average, medium moisture, well-drained soils in part shade to full shade. Moist, moderately fertile soil, enriched with organic matter is preferred. Don’t let the soil dry out or the foliage will suffer. Provide a sheltered location from strong winds. The flower spires tend to bend toward bright light when grown in substantial shade.
• Trouble-free and easy to care for, Baneberry is a welcomed addition to beds, borders, woodlands, cottage gardens, and naturalized areas.
• Attracts birds and butterflies and deer ignore it!
• Cut back after flowering or fruiting. Propagate by seed sown in pots in a cold frame in fall or by division in early spring.
• Actaea simplex is native to Kamchatka, Sakhalin and Siberian regions of Russia, western China, Manchuria, Mongolia, Korea, and Japan.