Native across many regions of Asia, Europe and North America, Actaea is a robust plant which will tolerate many different growing conditions. Cultivated hybrids are perfectly suited to low-maintenance gardens, providing high impact interest and requiring very little in terms of care once established. It is fully hardy, but will also thrive in warm areas. It needs a water-retentive, rich soil, and tolerates clay. It prefers partial or dappled shade, making this a good choice for woodland gardens or in a shaded border. The tall flower stems of Actaea and attractive foliage works well as a backdrop for other plants, providing contrast, colour and texture in a mixed border.

How to plant

• Plant Actaea bare roots in spring between February and May, ideally within a week of delivery.
  
• Soak the roots in water for 3-6 hours prior to planting. Pot into temporary 2 litre (or 15-20cm diameter) pots, using a good quality multi-purpose compost.
  
• Plant with the roots submerged and with the top of the root system just level with the soil surface. Any shoots or leaves which have emerged already should be left exposed above the soil surface.
  
• Grow them on in a sheltered area outside. They can be transplanted into suitable growing positions after 2-4 months or once growth is established and the plants easily come out of the temporary pots with the soil held intact by the roots.
  
• When planting into the garden, choose a position in shade or partial shade with a rich and reliably moist loamy or clay soil.
  
• Keep space clear around the young plant, removing excess growth from neighbouring plants in the border to reduce competition.
  
• This perennial is fully hardy to at least -20C and does not require winter protection.
  
• Water-in after planting and keep hydrated when in growth, particularly during the first year. Water whenever the soil starts to feel dry even when established.

Aftercare

• Leaves emerge during spring, followed by flowers in summer. This perennial may not flower in the first year while it’s settling in, but leaves should be expected by summer.
  Actaea dies back fully in autumn at which point the stems and leaves can be cut right back to around 5cm above soil level.
  Over time, Actaea forms a clump which gradually grows ever year. As the clump grows, the display will become larger and more impressive. Large clumps can be divided in autumn or early spring if needed.
  Actaea should be planted at a spacing of 30cm between plants, and will take 2-3 years to fully establish.