Position

Sun exposure:
Dappled shade, partial shade
Aspect:
East facing, north facing, west facing
Position in border:
Middle
Shade type:
Damp

Soil

Acidic / Chalky / Alkaline / Well Drained / Light / Sandy

Actaea (syn. Cimicifuga) is a slightly unusual plant, bearing tall, elegant, upright spires of white flowers late in the season, long after summer-flowering plants have bloomed. Actaea 'Brunette' is a particularly lovely variety, with purple-tinted foliage and stately white, bottlebrush flowers appearing in September and October.

Grow Actaea 'Brunette' in moist soil in partial shade, ideally in a sheltered spot to protect the delicate flowers. Support stems with a twiggy network of pea sticks.

Plant calendar

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Plantyesyes
Flowersyesyes
Divideyesyesyes

Actaea ‘Brunette’ and wildlife

Actaea ‘Brunette’ is known for attracting bees, birds, butterflies/moths and other pollinators. It has nectar/pollen rich flowers and has seeds for birds.

Is known to attract Bees
Bees
Is not known to attract Beneficial insects
Beneficial insects
Is known to attract Birds
Birds
Is known to attract Butterflies/​Moths
Butterflies/​Moths
Is known to attract Other pollinators
Other pollinators

Is Actaea ‘Brunette’ poisonous?

Actaea ‘Brunette’ can be toxic.

Toxic to:
Is known to attract People
People
No reported toxicity to:
Is not known to attract Birds
Birds
Is not known to attract Cats
Cats
Is not known to attract Dogs
Dogs
Is not known to attract Horses
Horses
Is not known to attract Livestock
Livestock
Plants that go well with Actaea 'Brunette'
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