Actaea, Autumn Snakeroot, Black Cohosh, Bugbane, Branched Bugbane, Black Snakeroot, 'Brunette'

Planted in a spot next to the deck that gets full shade until about noon, and then gets pretty good afternoon sun (well... this IS Wester...Read Moren WA). Moist soil, most of the year. Planted in a carpet of wooly thyme. After total winter repose, the plant regrows vigorously and has gotten bigger every year (5 years in ground). Striking white blooms are fragrant, but do attract hornets (not good next to the outdoor dining area). Foliage contrasts beautifully from any angle with the thyme, iris fronds, sword fern, lawn, large granite boulder and cedar decking that surround it. Very happy with this choice!

I've had this plant in my shade garden for about 3-4 years now. I planted it between 3 different types of hostas to showcase it's black ...Read Morecolor. Each year I get really pretty foliage but it never blooms. If anyone knows why, please let me know!

Planted it last year in full shade hoping that it would be the focal point in a 'new' garden: 4 Patriot Hostas(2 on either side with one ...Read Moreabove the other) and a Big Daddy Hosta below the 'Brunette' Bugbane also centered between the 'bottom' 2 Patriot Hostas all within space guidelines. It did well the first year flowering - I was very happy with it - and the new spring foliage looks good. I'll try to get a photo up soon. I anticipate it will mature beautifully...fingers crossed ;)

Planted in full shade, but didn't do so well. Foliage dried out at the edges, and the next year gastropods ate the new shoots, killing it...Read More good. Probably needs more humidity than 10-20% (Utah) and better gastropod control.