Bugbane / Snakeroot 'White Pearl'

Formerly known as Actaea, Cimicifuga simplex 'White Pearl' is a stunning perennial for providing late-season height and elegance in shady spots. It produces tall, arching spikes of fragrant, bottle-brush-like white flowers that appear to glow in the dappled light of autumn. These blooms sit atop upright stems that grow to around 1.2 to 1.5 metres tall. The foliage is equally attractive, consisting of deeply lobed, bright green fern-like leaves that form a substantial clump at the base. This plant is perfect for a woodland garden or a cool, moist border where its late-blooming habit can be fully appreciated. It thrives in humus-rich, moist but well-drained soil and requires a position in partial or full shade to prevent the leaves from scorching. It is fully hardy throughout the UK. While it is slow to establish, it is a long-lived and reliable plant that provides a rare vertical element for shade. Its late nectar is silver-gilt for late-season insects.

Sun: Partial shade to full shade.

Soil: Moist, humus-rich soil.

Hardiness: H7 — below −20°C.

Flowering: Sep, Oct.