Cimicifuga Simplex 'Carbonella'

Bugbane

(Carbonella Japanese Black Cohosh)
A standout shade perennial prized for its exceptionally dark, near-black foliage and graceful, upright spires of fragrant white flowers that appear in late summer to early fall. ‘Carbonella’ delivers bold contrast and elegant vertical movement, especially effective against lighter foliage in woodland settings.

Size:



Width: 18–30 in



Height: 4–5 ft (in bloom)



Zones: 4a–8b

Light: Partial shade to full shade
(Morning sun with afternoon shade brings out the deepest foliage color.)

Soil: Moist, rich, well-drained soils; prefers humus-rich conditions and consistent moisture

Features:



Flowers: Slender, bottlebrush-like white flower spikes; lightly fragrant



Foliage: Very dark purple to almost black, finely divided leaves



Form: Upright, clump-forming perennial with an airy, architectural habit



Excellent late-season bloom for shaded gardens



Attracts:
Pollinators, especially bees

Uses:
Woodland gardens, shade borders, mixed perennial beds, background plantings, dramatic contrast with hosta, ferns, and heuchera

Notes:



Slow to establish but long-lived and dependable once settled



Avoid drought; mulch to keep roots cool and evenly moist



Commonly listed botanically as Actaea simplex ‘Carbonella’ (syn. Cimicifuga)



Branding: —

Plant type

Perennial

Height

4-5'

Width

18-30"

Hardiness zones

4–8

Sunlight

Part shade to full shade

Bloom time

Early Fall, Late Summer

Flower color

White

Leaf color

Black

Soil

Moist well-drained

Landscape use

Border, Mass Planting

Shape

Clump, Upright

Fragrant

Yes

Drought tolerant

No