Hardy's Cottage Garden Plants

Actaea simplex (Atropurpurea Group) 'Brunette'

£16.00 GBP

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16 in stock

Size 3 Litre

Plants are dispatched in growing condition and may not be in full flower. If too tall to pack safely, we may cut them back — this helps them establish more quickly. Read our Mail Order FAQs.

‘Brunette’ produces sweetly scented cream flower spikes on slender purple stems in autumn, above lush, near-black divided foliage. Many customers buy it for the foliage alone, only to be delighted by the gorgeous flowers that appear later in the season.

A wonderful addition to a woodland or herbaceous border. No staking required. Plant in humus-rich, moisture-retentive soil in dappled shade. It will tolerate a slightly sunnier position than green-leaved forms — morning or late afternoon sun is fine — but avoid hot, dry spots.

Height × Spread: 120cm × 80cm

☀️ Sunlight Partial shade

📅 Season of Interest Autumn

🌸 Flower Colour White

🌿 Foliage Colour Purple

🪏 Preferred Soil Type Loamy, Clay

💧 Soil Moisture Content Moderate, High

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Plant Notes

Care Guide:
Grow in cool, dappled shade in moist, reasonably fertile soil enriched with organic matter. Mulch to maintain soil moisture and condition. Cut back to around 5cm once the foliage dies back in autumn. Actaea is long-lived and can be left undisturbed — it does not need regular division. It dislikes hot, dry conditions.
Good to Know:
Wildlife-friendly — nectar-rich flowers attract bumblebees and other pollinators in autumn.

Long-lived and easy to grow once established.

⚠️ Humans: Harmful if eaten.

Actaea simplex (Atropurpurea Group) 'Brunette'