A dramatic, stately perennial producing slender, sweet scented bottle brush pinkish white flowers, above clumps of purple leaves. Flowers from August to October. Height 1.2m. Spread 60cm. Prefers a moist, part shaded site. Hardy.
Actaea simplex ‘Brunette’ is a striking perennial known for its deep purple foliage and slender spikes of sweet-scented, pinkish-white flowers. Blooming from late summer to early autumn, this plant adds drama and elegance to shaded garden areas. Ideal for borders and woodland gardens, it thrives in moist, part-shaded conditions, providing both colour and fragrance when many other plants are fading.
PLANTING and AFTERCARE GUIDE
Best Planting Time
Spring: Plant Actaea simplex ‘Brunette’ in spring to give the roots ample time to establish before the growing season.
Autumn: Alternatively, plant in autumn, allowing the roots to settle in before winter, ensuring vigorous growth come spring.
Site Selection
Sunlight: Actaea simplex ‘Brunette’ prefers part shade, where it can receive a few hours of direct sun, ideally in the morning. Too much sun can scorch its beautiful purple foliage, while too little light may affect flowering.
Soil: This plant thrives in moist, well-drained soil rich in organic matter. Amending the soil with compost will improve drainage and provide the nutrients necessary for optimal growth.
Planting Instructions
Preparing the Hole: Dig a hole twice the width and depth of the root ball to allow plenty of space for root expansion.
Soil Preparation: Mix organic compost or well-rotted manure into the soil to enhance moisture retention and improve structure.
Planting: Position the plant in the hole, ensuring the crown is level with the soil surface. Gently backfill the hole with soil and firm it down.
Watering: Water thoroughly after planting to help settle the soil around the roots and promote root development.
Watering
Actaea simplex ‘Brunette’ requires consistently moist soil. Water regularly during dry spells, but avoid waterlogging, as this can lead to root rot. Mulching around the base will help retain moisture and keep the soil cool during warm months.
Feeding
Spring: Apply a balanced fertiliser in early spring to encourage healthy foliage growth and flower production.
Mid-Season: A second feeding in mid-summer can help support the plant as it prepares to flower in late summer and early autumn.
Pruning
Deadheading: Removing spent flower spikes can tidy the plant’s appearance, although it’s not strictly necessary.
Autumn Pruning: Once the plant has finished flowering and the foliage has died back, cut the stems to ground level to prepare for winter dormancy.
Mulching
Spring: Apply a thick layer of organic mulch around the base of the plant in spring to help retain moisture, improve soil quality, and suppress weeds.
Winter Protection: Adding extra mulch in late autumn will help protect the roots from colder temperatures.
Supporting the Plant
Actaea simplex ‘Brunette’ grows tall, and in windy or exposed areas, its flower spikes may need support. Consider staking the plant to prevent damage from strong winds.
Winter Care
After the foliage dies back in autumn, cut the plant back to ground level and apply a layer of mulch around the root zone to provide insulation against winter cold.
Actaea simplex ‘Brunette’ is a show-stopping addition to any garden with its dark foliage and fragrant late-season blooms. It thrives in part-shaded, moist environments, making it ideal for woodland borders. With proper care and attention to soil moisture and feeding, this perennial will continue to add height, colour, and fragrance to your garden year after year.
Fast delivery, securely packaged, healthy looking plants
Rated 5 out of 5
Anonymous (verified owner)–
Rated 5 out of 5
Juliet Grainger (verified owner)–
Plant was delivered more quickly than I expected and looks very healthy
Rated 5 out of 5
Stuart (verified owner)–
Plants arrived very quickly and were in excellent condition.
Rated 5 out of 5
James Watson (verified owner)–
Prompt response and quick to deliver plants x 3. arrived well packaged and looking healthy. Now planted and continue to look healthy.
Rated 5 out of 5
Anonymous (verified owner)–
Rated 5 out of 5
Neil Summerfield (verified owner)–
Rated 5 out of 5
Peter Cope (verified owner)–
Rated 5 out of 5
Elizabeth (verified owner)–
Fast delivery, in great condition
Rated 5 out of 5
Anonymous (verified owner)–
Lovely, strong plant.
Rated 4 out of 5
Sally Turner (verified owner)–
I suppose I was expecting them to look exactly like the ones I got from Hampton Court but not complaining
Rated 5 out of 5
Anonymous (verified owner)–
Rated 5 out of 5
Anne (verified owner)–
healthy plant delivered swiftly
Rated 5 out of 5
Neil (verified owner)–
Rated 5 out of 5
Janice M. (verified owner)–
Rated 5 out of 5
Sally Bennell (verified owner)–
Rated 5 out of 5
Rachel M. (verified owner)–
Rated 5 out of 5
Jane Webb (verified owner)–
I was very impressed with the quality and size of the plants. The service was excellent and I received the order very quickly. Will definitely use you again.
Rated 5 out of 5
S. J. Oakes (verified owner)–
Very happy with the product – fast delivery.
Rated 5 out of 5
Anonymous (verified owner)–
Rated 5 out of 5
Vincent Wainwright (verified owner)–
Easy to order and delivered in good time. Arrived safely and well packaged.
Rated 5 out of 5
Debbie McGee (verified owner)–
These are worth having in the garden for the foliage alone. My plants arrived in perfect condition, securely packed and are a good size for immediate impact in the garden.
Rated 4 out of 5
Leslie Vince (verified owner)–
Rated 5 out of 5
Paula G. (verified owner)–
Great plants, great value, well packaged delivered swiftly thanks
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Pauline (verified owner) –
Fast delivery, securely packaged, healthy looking plants
Anonymous (verified owner) –
Juliet Grainger (verified owner) –
Plant was delivered more quickly than I expected and looks very healthy
Stuart (verified owner) –
Plants arrived very quickly and were in excellent condition.
James Watson (verified owner) –
Prompt response and quick to deliver plants x 3. arrived well packaged and looking healthy. Now planted and continue to look healthy.
Anonymous (verified owner) –
Neil Summerfield (verified owner) –
Peter Cope (verified owner) –
Elizabeth (verified owner) –
Fast delivery, in great condition
Anonymous (verified owner) –
Lovely, strong plant.
Sally Turner (verified owner) –
I suppose I was expecting them to look exactly like the ones I got from Hampton Court but not complaining
Anonymous (verified owner) –
Anne (verified owner) –
healthy plant delivered swiftly
Neil (verified owner) –
Janice M. (verified owner) –
Sally Bennell (verified owner) –
Rachel M. (verified owner) –
Jane Webb (verified owner) –
I was very impressed with the quality and size of the plants. The service was excellent and I received the order very quickly. Will definitely use you again.
S. J. Oakes (verified owner) –
Very happy with the product – fast delivery.
Anonymous (verified owner) –
Vincent Wainwright (verified owner) –
Easy to order and delivered in good time. Arrived safely and well packaged.
Debbie McGee (verified owner) –
These are worth having in the garden for the foliage alone. My plants arrived in perfect condition, securely packed and are a good size for immediate impact in the garden.
Leslie Vince (verified owner) –
Paula G. (verified owner) –
Great plants, great value, well packaged delivered swiftly thanks
Tracey (verified owner) –