Black Negligee Bugbane
Black Negligee Bugbane
Near-Black Foliage and Fragrant White Fall Spires
Black Negligee Bugbane (Actaea simplex 'Black Negligee') is one of the darkest-leaved perennials you can grow — deeply cut, near-black foliage rising 4 to 5 feet, topped in late summer and fall by sweetly fragrant, white bottlebrush spires. The dramatic dark leaves anchor the shade garden all season, and the late flowers feed pollinators when little else blooms. Deer-resistant and reliably hardy, it's a showstopper for moist, shaded borders in Edina, Woodbury, and Maple Grove.
Black Negligee Bugbane Plant Details
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Botanical Name | Actaea simplex 'Black Negligee' (syn. Cimicifuga) |
| Mature Size | 4–5 ft. tall, 2–3 ft. wide |
| Hardiness Zone | 3–8 (Twin Cities is zone 4b–5a — fully hardy) |
| Light | Part shade to full shade |
| Bloom Time | Late summer into fall |
| Flower Color | Fragrant white bottlebrush spires |
| Soil | Moist, rich, humusy; amend clay with compost — never let it dry out |
| Winter Hardiness | Reliable to -30°F once established |
| Deer Resistance | Rarely browsed by deer or rabbits |
| Foliage | Deeply cut, near-black |
Landscape Uses in Minnesota
Dramatic shade backdrop: Its near-black foliage and tall fall spires make a bold statement at the back of a shaded border. Space 2–3 feet apart.
Late-season pollinator and rain gardens: The fragrant fall flowers feed late bees and butterflies, and it loves the moist soil of rain gardens. Pair with hostas, ferns, and gold-foliage plants for striking contrast.
Best Time to Plant in Minnesota
Plant in spring (late April–May) or early fall (late August–mid September) into rich, moist, shaded soil. Keep consistently moist.
How to Plant Black Negligee Bugbane
Dig a hole twice the root ball width at the same depth, mixing in plenty of compost. Set the crown level, backfill, water well, and mulch 2–3 inches deep. Space 2–3 feet apart in a spot that stays moist.
Watering Black Negligee Bugbane
First year: Keep the soil consistently moist — water every 1–3 days in dry weather. It will scorch and wilt if it dries out.
After year one: Continue steady moisture, especially in any sun. It performs best in cool, rich, moist shade.
Q: How dark is the foliage?
Among the darkest of any perennial — a deep, near-black purple that holds all season and contrasts beautifully with greens and golds.
Q: Will it survive a Minnesota winter?
Easily — hardy to zone 3, returning each spring.
Q: Is it deer-resistant?
Yes — deer and rabbits rarely browse bugbane.
Q: Does it need shade and moisture?
Yes — give it rich, consistently moist soil out of hot afternoon sun for the best color and growth.
You May Also Like
Chocoholic Bugbane (Actaea simplex): A chocolate-leaved sister with pink-white spires.
Gold Heart Bleeding Heart (Lamprocapnos): Gold foliage that pops against the dark leaves.
Hosta: A bold-leaved shade companion for contrast.