Actaea simplex (Atropurpurea Group) ‘Hillside Black Beauty’ (Baneberry)

Striking all summer long, award-winning Actaea simplex ‘Hillside Black Beauty’ (Baneberry) is a beautiful perennial with dark reddish-purple, finely divided foliage, enhanced by gracefully arching wands of scented, pale pink flowers in late summer and fall. Their strong fragrance is reminiscent of summer phlox and ripe purple grapes. The flowers are packed in fluffy spikes along purple waving stems. ‘Hillside Black Beauty’ provides interest for months and its foliage does not fade as the season progresses. Plant it with a group of white primula candelabras, and it will take your breath away. A statuesque plant and a fantastic shade perennial.

• Winner of the prestigious Award of Garden Merit of the Royal Horticultural Society
• Typically grows up to 4-5 ft. tall (120-150 cm) and 6 ft. wide (180 cm). Plants will take about 3 years to develop into a mature clump.
• 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