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Actaea simplex 'Black Negligee' is a stunning perennial with amazing foliage and striking white flower spikes
Actaea simplex 'Black Negligee''

Actaea simplex ‘Black Negligee’

£7.50

(39 customer reviews)

A striking, lacy black perennial with delightful and elegant creamy white flower spikes, with a wonderful scent of vanilla and grapes.  Flowers from September to October.  Height 1.2m.  Spread 60cm.  Prefers moist, part shaded site.  Hardy.

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Description

Actaea simplex ‘Black Negligee’ is a dramatic perennial, known for its dark, lacy foliage and tall, fragrant spikes of creamy white flowers. The sweet vanilla and grape-like scent of its autumn blooms adds sensory appeal, making it an ideal choice for borders or shaded gardens. With its elegant, upright form, this perennial is perfect for adding height and texture to any garden.

PLANTING and AFTERCARE GUIDE
Best Planting Time
  • Spring: Plant Actaea simplex ‘Black Negligee’ in early spring to give the roots time to establish before the active growing season.
  • Autumn: Planting in autumn allows the roots to settle before winter, ensuring vigorous growth when spring arrives.
Site Selection
  • Sunlight: Actaea simplex ‘Black Negligee’ thrives in partial shade, preferring a spot that receives morning sun and afternoon shade. It performs best in a cool, shaded environment where the foliage can maintain its rich colour.
  • Soil: This plant requires moist, well-drained soil enriched with organic matter. It grows well in humus-rich soil, ensuring good drainage while retaining enough moisture for the roots.
Planting Instructions
  1. Preparing the Hole: Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and deep enough to accommodate the root system comfortably.
  2. Soil Preparation: Mix compost or well-rotted organic matter into the soil to improve nutrient content and drainage.
  3. Planting: Place the plant in the hole with the crown level with the soil surface. Backfill with soil, gently firming it around the plant.
  4. Watering: Water thoroughly after planting to help settle the soil around the roots and encourage strong root development.
Watering
  • Actaea simplex ‘Black Negligee’ thrives in consistently moist soil. Water regularly during dry periods, but avoid waterlogging. Mulching can help retain moisture and keep the soil cool, reducing the need for frequent watering.
Feeding
  • Spring: Apply a balanced fertiliser in early spring to promote strong growth and prepare the plant for the blooming season.
  • Mid-Season: An additional feeding in midsummer will support the formation of healthy flower spikes and ensure a vibrant bloom in autumn.
Pruning
  • Deadheading: While not necessary, removing spent flower spikes can help maintain a tidy appearance and prevent self-seeding.
  • Autumn Pruning: After the flowering season, cut back the plant’s foliage to ground level once it has died back, preparing the plant for winter dormancy.
Mulching
  • Spring: Apply a layer of mulch around the base of Actaea simplex ‘Black Negligee’ in spring to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
  • Winter Protection: In colder months, mulch heavily around the roots to protect them from frost and help the plant survive through winter.
Supporting the Plant
  • While the stems of Actaea simplex ‘Black Negligee’ are sturdy, staking may be needed if planted in exposed or windy areas to prevent the tall flower spikes from bending or breaking.
Winter Care
  • After cutting back the foliage, protect the plant’s roots by applying a thicker layer of mulch in late autumn. This will provide insulation against harsh weather conditions.

 

Actaea simplex ‘Black Negligee’ is a low-maintenance, ornamental plant that brings dramatic colour and fragrance to shaded gardens. Its combination of dark foliage and fragrant flower spikes make it a standout feature, while its love for cool, moist conditions makes it ideal for woodland borders. With proper care, it will thrive year after year, adding height and elegance to your garden in the late season.

 

RHS Details

See more Actaea from Proctors

 

 

Additional information

Pot Size

Plant Botanical Type

Perennial (herbaceous)
Flower Colour

Cream, White
Leaf Colour

Black
Varigated Leaf

No
Scent

No
Height

1.2m
Spread

0.6m
Blooms/foliage interest in

Autumn
Evergreen

No
Hardiness

mild winter to -5c
Container

Borders and Containers
Sun/shade

Full Sun, Partial Shade
Soil Type

Loam (normal)
Soil PH

Neutral
Drainage

Moist, Well Drained Soil
Hazerdous

No, Only if eaten
Insect Attraction

Bees, Butterflies

39 reviews for Actaea simplex ‘Black Negligee’

  1. Sandra M. (verified owner) –

    As always lovely healthy plants

  2. Julie Helen (verified owner) –

    Love the height in a shady border. Excellent quality

  3. Yvonne Heppell (verified owner) –

  4. Ricky T. (verified owner) –

    Happy with product, speedy delivery. Box left on its side.

  5. Maddy (verified owner) –

    Received a lovely healthy plant. Will be buying from you again.

  6. Brian (verified owner) –

  7. LAUREL SAYER (verified owner) –

    Bought two of these and they arrived as nice sized plants, as described, well packaged, and arrived in good condition. I have other, similar, varieties, and these seem excellent value.

  8. Leonie H. (verified owner) –

    Fast delivery. Very healthy plant

  9. Hugh L. (verified owner) –

    Good sized specimen, delivered quickly and in good condition

  10. Ruth (verified owner) –

    Very healthy plant with strong roots

  11. Anonymous (verified owner) –

    Arrived as promised and in great condition

  12. Edit S. (verified owner) –

    This was my second order and i am very satisfied! I recived very healthy and beautiful plants. And it was carefully packed. 🙂

  13. Carole A. (verified owner) –

    Very quick service, perfectly packaged goods, plants in good health. Will definitely use this company again.

  14. Neil Summerfield (verified owner) –

  15. Mark A. (verified owner) –

    arrived in tip top condition -very healthy plants

  16. Catherine (verified owner) –

    Lovely healthy plant. Can’t wait for it to flower.

  17. Leah wilkinson (verified owner) –

  18. Anonymous (verified owner) –

  19. Richard P. (verified owner) –

    A nice plant, we already have two of these from Proctors, they’ve taken a year to settle then flowered well this year

  20. Elizabeth (verified owner) –

    in really good condition when it arrived and a good size

  21. Andy S. (verified owner) –

    Healthy-looking plant arrived in good condition.

  22. Joanne Neil (verified owner) –

  23. David G. (verified owner) –

    Excellent as is the norm with this company.

  24. Catherine Hall (verified owner) –

    Beautiful and healthy established plant. Can’t wait for it to flower 🙂 Securely packaged for delivery and great price too

  25. Muriel L. (verified owner) –

  26. Lynn Brookes (verified owner) –

  27. Janet E. (verified owner) –

    Good size plant and has a few months to grow and flower. Not grow. Actress before so interested to see how it does.

  28. Anonymous (verified owner) –

  29. Angela DOUGLAS (verified owner) –

    Speedy delivery plants well packaged and in excellent condition. Would definitely recommend Proctors.

  30. Karen H. (verified owner) –

  31. Anonymous (verified owner) –

  32. Brian P. (verified owner) –

  33. Chris Allison (verified owner) –

  34. Eileen (verified owner) –

    Healthy plant well packed exceeded expectations

  35. Sue Howlett (verified owner) –

  36. Maureen Ramsay (verified owner) –

    See above.

  37. Anonymous (verified owner) –

  38. Elaine S. (verified owner) –

    Lovely plant

  39. Allison Hall (verified owner) –

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