Bugbane Black Snakeroot

Bugbane ‘Chocoholic’ is the cultivar named in U.S. plant patent PP24,821 and is sold under the older genus name Cimicifuga. It combines deep bronze-purple foliage with fragrant, mauve-pink flower spikes that lighten as they age. ## Flowers, foliage, and size The patent describes the exact selection as a Black Snakeroot with dark reddish-purple leaves and strongly sweet, fragrant flowers. Retail plant profiles place the mature plant around 4–5 feet tall and 30–34 inches wide, with bloom from late summer into early fall. It works as a shaded border accent, a grouped planting, or a large container specimen. ## Site and care Grow it in part shade to full shade and in moisture-retentive soil that still drains well. Keep moisture steady through spring and summer; established clumps are slow to settle and should not be moved unnecessarily. A little direct light helps bring out purple tones, while protection from hot afternoon sun helps keep the foliage attractive. Sources: [U.S. plant patent PP24,821](https://patents.google.com/patent/USPP24821P2/en), [Gertens plant profile](https://www.gertens.com/chocoholic-snakeroot), [Milmont Greenhouses profile](https://www.milmont.com/Plant-Name/Cimicifuga-Chocoholic-PP24821-Black-Snakeroot-Chocoholic-Black-Snakeroot). ## Maintenance Cut old stems back in late fall after flowering. Keep the crown marked or undisturbed in late winter, when dormant growth may be difficult to see.