Actaea (cimicifuga) ramosa 'ATROPURPUREA'

Black cohosh is an attractive perennial from North America. Its healing power was known to the Indians who used its roots for soothing pains connected with women’s problems. It is not common in our nature where its place takes cimicifuga europaea that does not bear such eye-catching inflorescence.

Atropurpurea is a ploštičníku hroznatého variety with deep burgundy brown or almost black leaves. They are 3- to 4-ternate-pinnate, with palmate, lobed, sharply toothed basal leaves. In late summer rise up slender and dark stems bearing up to 50 cm long erect racemes composed of small, pure white, very fragrant flowers. They resemble cherry laurel flowers both in appearance as well as scent. They flower from August until September. Flower buds look like small, purple red pearls.

Cohosh prefers partially shaded locations or places under the trees with limited sunlight. It loves moist sites with humus rich soil. If you provide regular watering you can grow it in a sunny border, too, but make sure the soil is well mulched to retain moisture. Once established it can withstand temporary flooding but will be poor or even die in dry soil. It is a clump forming perennial that spreads quite slowly so make sure it has good conditions so you can enjoy a beauty of a rich clump soon. Hardy to about -34°C (USDA zone 4).

Last update: 04-01-2013