Cimicifuga Simplex Chocoholic

Bugbane

(Chocoholic® Japanese Black Cohosh)
A dramatic shade perennial celebrated for its rich chocolate-purple foliage and graceful, arching spikes of fragrant white flowers that appear in late summer to early fall. ‘Chocoholic’ offers strong contrast and movement in woodland settings, pairing beautifully with lighter foliage plants.

Size:



Width: 18–30 in



Height: 3–5 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 with consistent moisture

Features:



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



Foliage: Chocolate-purple to deep burgundy, finely divided leaves



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



Excellent late-season interest for shaded gardens



Attracts:
Pollinators, especially bees

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

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 ‘Chocoholic’ (syn. Cimicifuga)

Plant type

Perennial

Height

3-5'

Width

18-30"

Hardiness zones

5–9

Sunlight

Part shade to full shade

Bloom time

Late Summer

Fall color

White

Attracts

Bees

Soil

Moist well-drained

Landscape use

Accent Plant, Mass Planting

Shape

Clump

Fragrant

Yes

Drought tolerant

No