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
• Plant Patent: USPP 24,821

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: Ligularia 'Pandora' adds yellow flowers from July to September, bright against the chocolate leaves. Polygonatum odoratum 'Variegatum' brings arching stems and white bells in May and June. Eurybia divaricata 'Eastern Star' blooms white from August to October alongside the pink spires. All three thrive in shade to part sun.

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.