Common Name: bugbane
Type: Herbaceous perennial
Family: Ranunculaceae
Zone: 4 to 8
Height: 2.00 to 4.00 feet
Spread: 1.00 to 2.00 feet
Bloom Time: August to September
Bloom Description: Pale pink
Sun: Part shade to full shade
Water: Medium
Maintenance: Low
Suggested Use: Naturalize
Flower: Showy, Fragrant
Leaf: Colorful
Attracts: Butterflies
Culture
Plants generally perform best in rich, fertile, humusy, evenly moist but well-drained soils in part shade to full shade. Plants should be sited in locations sheltered from strong winds. Foliage tends to scorch and otherwise depreciate if soils are allowed to dry out or if plants are sited in full sun areas. This is a slow-to-establish plant which, if left undisturbed in optimum growing conditions, can slowly naturalize.
Noteworthy Characteristics
Actaea is a genus of about 8 species of spreading woodland herbaceous perennials from temperate regions of North America. They are good plants for woodland gardens as well as shady flower borders with their showy terminal flowers and berries albeit the berries are highly toxic if eaten.
Genus name is the Latin name adopted by Linnaeus from Pliny.
‘Pink Spire’ is a bugbane that grows to 2-4' tall and is noted for its bronze-purple foliage and late summer spikes of fragrant, pale pink flowers. The elongated, bottlebrush-like flower spikes are typically in bloom from late summer into fall atop dark upright stems rising above a clump of astilbe-like, ternately compound, deep bronze-purple leaves with serrated margins. Foliage mound typically rises to about 2' tall, with the flowering stems rising to 4-5' tall. The common name of bugbane is in reference to the insect repellant properties of the plants of this genus. This plant was formerly included in the genus Cimicifuga. 'Pink Spire' may be synonymous with Actaea simplex 'Pink Spike' which is more commonly available in commerce.
Problems
No serious insect or disease problems. Rust and leaf spot are occasional problems. Foliage generally does not need staking, but taller flower spikes may need some support (ring stakes can be helpful). Flower spikes tend to bend toward bright light, particularly when plants are grown in substantial shade. Leaf margins may brown up (scorch) and growth may slow down if soils are not kept consistently moist.
Uses
Adds architectural height and late summer bloom to a shaded part of the border or shade garden. Also effective in woodland gardens, cottage gardens and naturalized areas. Best in groups, although single plants have good specimen value once established. Bronze-purple foliage provides excellent texture and color to the landscape throughout the growing season.