Northwest Blooms · Perennials
Actaea simplex 'Black Negligee'
Black Negligee Bugbane

- Family
- Ranunculaceae
- Height
- 3 to 5 feet
- Width
- 1 to 2 feet
- Flower color
- Creamy white with pink tinge
- Foliage color
- Deeply cut purplish-black leaves
- Bloom time
- Late summer to early fall
- Light
- Partial shade to full shade
- Water
- Prefers moist, well-drained soil
- Maintenance
- Low; protect from hot afternoon sun
- Growing zone
- USDA Zones 3 to 9
- Wildlife
- Attracts bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds
About this plant
Actaea simplex 'Black Negligee' is a dramatic cultivar known for its deeply divided, purple-black foliage that provides bold contrast in shaded garden spaces. This selection offers a lace-like appearance that adds depth and movement to the landscape. Its dark leaves maintain their color throughout the growing season, making it a reliable choice for creating contrast against lighter-colored plants.
In late summer to early fall, 'Black Negligee' produces tall, elegant spires of fragrant, pale pink to white flowers that arch gracefully above the foliage. The bottlebrush-like blooms are highly scented, attracting pollinators and adding a delicate touch to the plant's otherwise moody aesthetic. The combination of deeply colored leaves and airy, late-season flowers makes it an excellent choice for woodland gardens and shaded borders where it contributes both texture and seasonal interest.
Works well in
Borders · Shade Gardens · Woodland Gardens · Pollinator Gardens · Hummingbird Gardens
Companion plants
Astilbes · Heucheras · Siberian bugloss · Sweet woodruff · Foamflowers · Epimediums
Design tip
Late flowers extend the season, so set it behind or beside plants that finish in midsummer. Keep it out of hot afternoon sun and layer it with woodland companions for a full, settled look.
Where to see it
This plant can be seen at the Rogerson Clematis Garden.
