Skip links
🔍
Actaea simplex 'Chocoholic'
Actaea simplex 'Chocoholic'

Actaea simplex ‘Chocoholic’

£8.95

(67 customer reviews)

An upright perennial with fragrant bottle brush flowers which are a rich mauve/pink colour when they open and lighten to white as they age.  With dark, bronze purple foliage it adds wonderful texture, colour and height in the garden from late Summer through to Autumn.  Height 1.5m.   Spread 60cm.  Prefers a moist, part shaded site.  Hardy.

Clear
SKU: N/A Availability: Out of stock

Description

Actaea simplex ‘Chocoholic’ is a unique and striking perennial, known for its deeply colored, almost chocolate-hued foliage and elegant spires of pale pink, fragrant flowers in late summer. With this planting guide, you can ensure that Actaea simplex ‘Chocoholic’ thrives in your garden and becomes a standout feature in your landscape.

PLANTING and AFTERCARE GUIDE
Best Planting Time
  • Spring: The best time to plant Actaea simplex ‘Chocoholic’ is in early spring when the soil begins to warm. This timing helps establish strong roots ahead of the blooming season, encouraging robust growth.
  • Autumn: Alternatively, Actaea simplex ‘Chocoholic’ can be planted in early autumn, allowing it to settle before dormancy. This approach can also lead to better flowering performance the following year.
Site Selection
  • Sunlight: Actaea simplex ‘Chocoholic’ prefers partial shade, though it can tolerate full shade. This makes it an excellent choice for spots with indirect sunlight or filtered shade, which also helps maintain the rich color of its leaves.
  • Soil: Actaea simplex ‘Chocoholic’ thrives in moist, well-drained, humus-rich soil. This plant benefits from consistently moist conditions, so choosing a site with good drainage and adequate organic matter is essential. Avoid areas prone to waterlogging, which can harm the roots.
Planting Instructions
  1. Prepare the Hole: When planting Actaea simplex ‘Chocoholic’, dig a hole twice as wide and the same depth as the root ball. This ensures ample room for root expansion.
  2. Soil Preparation: Enhance the planting area with compost or well-rotted organic matter to boost soil fertility and drainage, creating an ideal growing environment for Actaea.
  3. Planting: Position the plant in the prepared hole, ensuring the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil. Gently backfill the hole, firming the soil to eliminate air pockets.
  4. Watering After Planting: Water thoroughly after planting to help settle the soil and establish the roots of Actaea simplex ‘Chocoholic’. Maintain good drainage to prevent root rot.
Watering Requirements
  • Growing Season: Actaea simplex ‘Chocoholic’ requires consistent moisture during the growing season. Water regularly, especially in dry periods, to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Mulching can help retain moisture around the plant.
  • Dormant Season: During winter dormancy, reduce watering. Only water if the soil becomes excessively dry, as Actaea needs minimal moisture during this time.
Feeding
  • Spring: Apply a balanced, slow-release fertiliser in early spring to support your Actaea as it begins to grow. This nutrient boost encourages healthy foliage and better flowering.
  • Mid-Summer: A light feeding in mid-summer can further support flower production, helping Actaea simplex ‘Chocoholic’ maintain its beauty through the late summer bloom period.
Pruning
  • Deadheading: Remove spent flower stalks once blooming is complete. This tidies up Actaea simplex ‘Chocoholic’ and can direct energy into root and foliage growth.
  • Autumn Pruning: After the foliage dies back in autumn, cut your Actaea down to ground level. This cleanup helps prepare it for winter and promotes healthy growth in the spring.
Mulching
  • Spring: Add a layer of organic mulch around the plant in spring to retain soil moisture, reduce weeds, and regulate soil temperature. Mulch with materials like bark chips or compost for best results.
  • Winter: Applying mulch in winter helps insulate the roots of your Actaea, protecting it from harsh conditions. This additional layer can also prevent frost heaving, supporting root health.
Supporting the Plant
  • Staking: Actaea simplex ‘Chocoholic’ has tall, slender flower spikes that can be affected by wind. In windy locations, consider staking to support the flowering stems and prevent damage.
Final Tips

Actaea simplex ‘Chocoholic’ is a low-maintenance perennial that offers remarkable foliage and attractive late-summer flowers. By planting it in partial shade, moist soil, and following this care routine, your Actaea will become a stunning highlight in your garden. Add this unique plant to your garden, and enjoy its beautiful chocolate-coloured leaves and delicate blooms from late summer through autumn.

By following this guide, you’ll ensure that Actaea simplex ‘Chocoholic’ thrives in your landscape, creating a lasting visual impact with minimal effort.

RHS Details

See more Actaea from Proctors

 

 

 

Related Products