Overview

Cimicifuga is a fairly massive plant ranging from 4-7 ft high and 3-4 ft wide. When you first see this plant not only will you be taken away by its size but also its color because Cimicifuga “Black Beauty” is the darkest Cimicifuga to date. This plant will emerge in the earlier part of the spring with more of a green tone but don’t be worried because it will quickly deepen to a purplish almost black color. However it won’t be until almost late summer when it will bloom. When it blooms it will have tall spikes that are white in color and look somewhat like a bottlebrush on an almost black stem with masses of purplish-black leaves. When planting this perennial it prefers to be in the shade and is great as a back drop mixed with different types of variegated or yellow foliage plants.

cimicifuga cimicifuga

Facts

Conditions  Appearance
Sun Exposure
  Full Sun
  Partial Shade 		Flower Color
  White shades
Soil Type
  Normal
  Sandy
  Clay 		Blooming Time
  Early Fall
  Mid Fall
  Late Fall
Soil pH
  Neutral
  Alkaline
  Acid 		Flower Head Size
  Very Large
Soil Moisture
  Moist 		Height
4-7 ft

Zone
 4-8

 Spread
  3-4ft

Plant Uses & Characteristics

Cimicifuga can be used for a number of different things because it is a great accent/addition to almost every perennial bed. It can be used as a Border plant, growen in containers, and used as a cut flower. Not only does Black Beauty put off a nice smelling fragrent, but it will also attract butterflys. For those of you who are hesitant about planting this perennial because you might have a large abundance of wildlife in the area that like to make your garden thier dinner table. Know that Black Beauty is also deer and rabbit resistant.
  

History

Hillside Black beauty Cimicifuga was first discovered by Marry Ann McGourty of Hillside Gardens in Connecticut where she found it growing in a cultivated state in her garden. It was than later released by Plant Heaven.

cimicifuga cimicifuga

Reference

http://www.perennials.com/seeplant.html?item=1.153.060
www.baileynurseries.com
http://www.perennialresource.com/encyclopedia/view/?plant=166

Contact Information

Jared.C.Winters@ndsu.edu

web page designed by Jared Winters