Cimicifuga 'Chocoholic'

Cimicifuga 'Chocoholic': Bugbane Drama in a Smaller Package

Hi, my name is 'Chocoholic' and I have a problem. Deeply divided, dark chocolate-purple leaves, then fragrant mauve-pink spikes that make the bees relapse every single fall. NO SUPPORT GROUP WILL SAVE YOU.

Plant Characteristics:

• Botanical Name: Actaea simplex 'Chocoholic' (syn. Cimicifuga ramosa 'Chocoholic')
• Common Name: Bugbane
• Height: 90–120 cm (3–4 ft) in flower
• Spread: 60 cm (2 ft)
• Flowers: Fragrant bottlebrush spikes that open mauve-pink and fade to almost white, from dark red-purple buds
• Bloom Time: Late summer to fall (August to October)
• Foliage: Deeply divided, dark chocolate-purple leaves, darkest in spring and with more light
• Features: Compact for a bugbane, rabbit resistant, fragrant

Where to Plant: Its compact size makes it easy to place in the middle of a shade border or in a woodland bed. Put it near a seat or path where you'll catch the scent in fall.

Companion Plants: Plant 'Chocoholic' in a moist, shady bed with blue spring flowers and crisp white-edged leaves. Brunnera macrophylla opens sky-blue sprays at 30 to 45 cm in April and May. Heuchera Dolce® 'Wildberry' adds berry-purple foliage at 25 to 36 cm. Hosta 'Patriot' brings dark green leaves edged in white at 56 cm. Carex appalachica edges the front with fine, thread-like native blades at 15 to 30 cm.

Plant Care: Plant in rich, moist, well-drained soil in part shade. A little morning sun deepens the leaf colour, but keep it out of hot afternoon sun and water during dry spells. Mulch to hold moisture. Like all bugbanes, it is slow to establish and does best when left in one place. Cut back in late fall or early spring. Division is seldom needed. All parts are toxic if eaten, so keep pets from chewing it.

History: 'Chocoholic' was found by Marco van Noort in Warmond, the Netherlands, as a seedling from seed of 'Brunette' collected in 1999, and he selected it in 2001 for its compact habit and dark leaves. The species, Actaea simplex, grows wild in the woodlands of eastern Asia.

Final Thoughts: Compact for a bugbane, deer and rabbit resistant and seriously addictive. Buy one, then pretend you won't be back for more. YOU'LL BE BACK.