Unpack bare roots or rhizomes on arrival and plant them within a week. Until then, keep them somewhere cool and ensure the roots remain slightly moist, never wet.
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Out of season
Deluxe
Actaea 'Brunette' is a stunner. From late spring it produces spectacular dark chocolate brown-purple foliage, and from August onwards its snowy-white flower spikes contrast beautifully with the leaves. These flower spikes last through to October, providing useful colour at a time when the garden can be sadly lacking in floral interest. And, as if that isn’t enough, the flowers are also delightfully scented!
Reaching a mature height of 150 cm / 60", Actaea simplex 'Brunette' can be grown mid-way or at the back of a garden border where its unusual coloured foliage will create a real talking point. Or it can be grown in a patio container. Sheltered sites are best to protect the flowers from strong winds. Few gardeners realise, too, that the flowers of Actaea can be cut and used within floral arrangements indoors.
Actaeas used to be known under the name cimicifuga, and they have the common name of baneberry – possibly because they are the bane of rabbits. These pesky animals will leave them alone, so if your garden regularly falls victim to these countryside pests, your Actaea should be safe!
NOTE: Most Actaeas are harmful if eaten, and can trigger skin irritations.
Quantity
Plant profile
Plant calendar
Remove the packaging straight away, check the compost and water thoroughly if dry. Check the plant’s hardiness before placing it outdoors. Plant into a border or permanent container within a month, choosing the position recommended for the variety. Keep the top of the root ball level with the surrounding soil, firm gently and water well.
Soak the roots in water for three to six hours immediately before planting. Keep any crown, buds or emerging shoots above the water where possible.
Pot most bare roots into 15–20cm pots filled with peat-free multipurpose compost. Large or depth-sensitive roots, including peonies, are often best planted directly into borders.
Arrange the roots naturally without bending them. Cover the roots completely, positioning the crown and buds at the depth recommended for that particular perennial.
Keep pots in a sheltered outdoor position and water whenever the compost begins to dry. Grow on until roots hold the compost together when lifted from the pot.
Plant into a suitable border or permanent container once well rooted. Add a label and water regularly throughout the first growing season while the perennial establishes.
- Botanical name
- Actaea simplex (Atropurpurea group) 'Brunette'
- Flower colour
- White, purple
- Established height
- 1.2-1.5m
- Established spread
- 50-70cm
- Growing skill
- Easy to grow
- Habit
-
Upright
Clump-forming - Hardiness
- Fully hardy
- Leaf colour
- Purple, bronze
- Mouse resistant
- Yes
- Plant size
- 1
- Plant spacing
- 6 plants per m2
- Pollinator friendly
- Yes
- Position
- Sheltered
- Rabbit resistant
- Yes
- RHS Award (AGM)
- Yes
- Scented
- Yes
- Soil acidity
- Any
- Soil moisture
-
Damp
Boggy
Free draining - Soil type
-
Clay
Loam
Multipurpose compost - Squirrel resistant
- Yes
- Suitable for
-
Borders
Wildlife gardens
Woodland gardens
Water gardens
Cottage gardens
Cut flower gardens - Sunlight
-
Partial shade
Dappled shade - Toxicity
- No report
- Years to establish
- 2-3 years
Good for cutting
Pollinator-friendly
Fragrant
Great for shade
RHS Recommended
Perennial
Fully hardy
Packed peat-free
Attracts wildlife
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Actaea 'Brunette' reviews
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