Brunette Bugbane

Brunette bugbane is the garden cultivar ‘Brunette’, accepted by the RHS as Actaea simplex (Atropurpurea Group) and also sold under the synonym Cimicifuga ramosa ‘Brunette’. It forms a clump of purple stems and brownish-purple foliage, followed by fragrant, pale flower spikes in late summer and early autumn. ## Flowers and form The RHS describes compact racemes of off-white flowers tinted purple in bud; nursery listings also characterize the blooms as pinkish white. Mature listings commonly give about 3–4 feet of height and 2–3 feet of spread, although conditions and sources vary. Use the upright flowering clump in a shaded border or woodland-style planting where its dark leaves and pale flowers can contrast with neighboring foliage. ## Growing conditions Brunette prefers partial shade and moisture-retentive soil. Provide regular moisture while allowing drainage, and shelter tall flower stems from strong, drying exposure. The plant is slow to establish; allow it to settle before dividing or moving the clump. Sources: [RHS plant profile](https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/165617/actaea-simplex-atropurpurea-group-brunette/details), [Prides Corner Farms profile](https://www.pridescorner.com/plant-name/Actaea-simplex-Brunette), [Briggs Nursery profile](https://www.briggsnursery.com/plant/actaea-simplex-brunette/). ## Maintenance Cut back the spent stems and old foliage after the flowering season. Water during dry periods, especially while the clump is becoming established.