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.
Out of season
Deluxe
Actaea
'Queen of Sheba'
baneberry
Dark and alluring Actaea 'Queen of Sheba' is such a dreamboat. This queen is dramatic in looks but certainly not by nature. Being reliable, strong, resilient and welcoming to wildlife, she’s nailed all the most important features and topped it off with arresting beauty. Preferring a shady position, the astounding perennial Actaea 'Queen of Sheba' lights up the shadows through summer and autumn with its sweetly-scented racemes of white bottlebrush flowers which flare in a fountain-like fashion above a contrasting mass of dark purple-bronze foliage.
Actaea 'Queen of Sheba' looks and performs best in a dappled or partially shaded space, in cool slightly damp but free draining soil. With near-black foliage, it’s not only striking on its own but acts as the perfect backdrop for bright blooms, such as begonias. This plant also combines spectacularly with other shade-tolerant perennials such as Astilbe, Astrantia, Epimedium and Hosta.
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 'Queen of Sheba'ᴾᴮᴿ
(A. cangshan × A. simplex) - 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
-20%
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Fritillaria meleagris 'Mix'
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Expert care from
choice to delivery
Our horticulturalists prepare every bulb and plant with the utmost care. From selection to packing, each one receives expert attention before beginning its journey to your garden.
Better by nature
From cultivation to packaging and delivery, we are always looking for ways to lessen our environmental impact.
Growing together
Our care team of horticultural experts is on hand to support you choose and garden with confidence.
World of wonders
A collection of world-renowned flower bulbs and perennials of exceptional beauty and character.
Chosen to thrive
Every bulb and plant is sourced, selected and prepared with an expert eye for their quality and garden performance.
