Terra Nova
Actaea 'Black Negligee'(36 cell half tray)
'Black Negligee' has much more vigor than the other dark varieties. Lacy black foliage just cloaks the lovely dark stems. Beautiful purple-tinted, white flowers project 2' upward and carry an exotic perfume of grape and jasmine. While it can take shade, give it full sun with lots of water in most states for the darkest foliage.
The foliage is lovely for cutting and the flowers may prove to be worthwhile as cuts as well.
USDA Hardiness Zone(s): 5-9
Size (HT/W/FL HT): 48″ / 24″ / 60″
Exposure: Full Sun, Part Shade
Bloom Time(s): July, August, September
Growing Guides
Click here to access our comprehensive growing guides containing everything you need to know about this crop.
| Common Name | Actaea, Baneberry, Black Bugbane |
| Genus | Actaea |
| Species | A. simplex |
| Family | Ranunculaceae |
| Life Cycle | Perennial |
| Format | Perennial Plugs |
| Plug Care | Harden off and plant out or bump up to larger pots soon after receiving plugs. When planting out be sure you to not bury the crowns. Plant the plugs so that the top of the growing medium is level with the soil. |
| Netting / Staking | Not necessary. |
| Temperature Range | Hardiness Zones 5-9. Winter dormancy is essential for perennialization. |
| Spacing | 24" |
| Soil Preference | Well draining, humus rich, moist soil is preferred. Water consistently - prefers to always be damp. Never allow to dry out completely. |
| Day Length | Long-day plant. Plant in full sun to part shade. |
| Pinching | Do not pinch. |
| When to Plant | Plant in spring after last frost or anytime through to late summer to give the plants enough time to establish before winter weather hits. |
| Harvesting | Harvest inflorescence when around 1/4 of the bottom flowers are open and the rest are still in bud. Buds will continue to open in the vase. |
| Post Harvest Care | Cut stems should immediately be plunged into cool water. Expect a vase life of approximately a week - the use of a floral preservative will help maximize vase life. You can allow the flowers to go to seed and cut the seed pods for a unique textural element to floral creations. |
| Diseases / Insects | Actaea are quite resistant to insect and disease pressure. Watch for aphids and rust. |
| Bailey's Notes |
This is a slow growing plant when it is young. Full sun promotes the darkest foliage. The old name was Cimicifuga simplex. The white flowers in slender, bottlebrush racemes are extremely fragrant and smell like grape bubblegum. Customers report that 'Black Negligee' has much more vigor than other dark varieties. While it can take shade, give it full sun and lots of water in most zones for the darkest foliage. |
| Resources | Growing Actea |
Order Minimums and Tray Sizes
All TERRA NOVA® plugs are grown in a 36 cell half tray. The minimum order is 6 total half trays (an combination of varieties).
Orders for multiple ship weeks must be placed separately.
Patents & Plant Tags
Unauthorized propagation of varieties that are patented is strictly prohibited.
If you are purchasing these plugs with the intent to resell them, you must also purchase tags. Upon adding items to your cart, you will be prompted to add tags for each plant in the order, at the cost of $0.13 per tag. This is applied to your entire order.