Cimicifuga ramosa Brunette

Brunette Bugbane

(Brunette Black Cohosh)
A striking shade perennial prized for its rich chocolate-purple foliage and tall, elegant spikes of fragrant white flowers that bloom in late summer to early fall. ‘Brunette’ is more compact and darker-leaved than many other purple forms, making it a favorite for adding contrast and vertical interest in woodland and shade gardens.

Size:



Width: 18–30 in



Height: 4–6 ft (in bloom)



Zones: 4a–8b

Light: Partial shade to full shade
(Morning sun with afternoon shade gives best foliage color and plant strength.)

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

Features:



Flowers: Slender, bottlebrush-like white flower spikes with light fragrance



Foliage: Deep chocolate-purple to near-black, finely divided leaves



Form: Upright, clump-forming perennial with strong architectural presence



Excellent late-season bloom for shaded landscapes



Attracts:
Pollinators, especially bees

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

Notes:



Slow to establish but long-lived and very dependable once settled



Requires consistent moisture; avoid dry soils



Often listed botanically as Actaea ramosa ‘Brunette’ (syn. Cimicifuga)

Plant type

Perennial

Height

4-6'

Width

18-30"

Hardiness zones

4–8

Sunlight

Part shade to full shade

Growth rate

Fast

Bloom time

Fall, Late Summer

Flower color

White

Attracts

Bees

Soil

Loamy well-drained

Landscape use

Accent Plant, Border, Mass Planting

Shape

Clump, Upright

Fragrant

Yes

Drought tolerant

No