Cimicifuga 'Pink Spike'

Cimicifuga 'Pink Spike': A Blush of Fragrance in the Woodland Light

Cimicifuga 'Pink Spike' is a refined, romantic selection of bugbane, cherished for its soft rose-pink flower spikes that rise like scented wands above dramatic dark foliage. Blooming in late summer to early autumn, this cultivar brings a delicate flush of colour to the shade garden when many woodland perennials begin to fade. The finely divided, bronze-tinged leaves provide a rich contrast to the slender, bottlebrush blooms, while the musky-sweet fragrance of the flowers draws bees, butterflies, and garden wanderers alike. Graceful, tall, and quietly commanding, 'Pink Spike' lends height and harmony to any moist, part-shade space.

Plant Characteristics:

• Height: 120–150 cm in bloom
• Spread: 60–75 cm, forming an upright, clump-forming habit
• Flower Colour: Soft rose-pink; fragrant, bottlebrush-style spires
• Flowering Period: Late summer to early fall
• Foliage: Deep green to bronze-purple; lacy, finely textured leaves
• Sunlight Requirements: Part shade to full shade; tolerates morning sun with consistent moisture
• Soil Requirements: Moist, humus-rich, well-drained soil; thrives in evenly damp conditions

Uses and Benefits: Cimicifuga 'Pink Spike' is ideal for bringing late-season verticality and gentle colour to shaded borders, woodland paths, and moisture-retentive garden beds. Its rose-tinted blooms lend a soft glow above darker foliage, and its scent enhances the sensory experience of the garden. Deer-resistant and attractive to pollinators, it serves as both a floral focal point and an ecological support plant. Use it in layered plantings where bold foliage and refined bloom intersect for an atmosphere of quiet drama.

Companion Plants: Pair 'Pink Spike' with Tiarella 'Sugar and Spice', whose glossy, patterned leaves and springtime spires offer early-season interest and a textural contrast to the cimicifuga’s upright form. Add Brunnera 'Queen of Hearts', whose large, silvery foliage with deep green veining adds luminosity beneath the dusky leaves and creates year-round structure. Introduce Polystichum 'Tassel Fern', whose arching, finely textured fronds echo the woodland aesthetic and bring softness and movement to the planting. Together, this trio weaves a tapestry of rich texture, shifting colour, and extended seasonal appeal.

Care Instructions: Plant in part to full shade with consistently moist, organic-rich soil. Water deeply during dry spells, especially in sunnier exposures. Cut back stems after flowering for a clean winter profile or leave standing for structure and seed interest. Divide clumps every 4–5 years in early spring to rejuvenate and encourage strong growth.

History: A modern cultivar of Cimicifuga racemosa (also classified as Actaea racemosa), 'Pink Spike' was selected for its unique soft pink bloom colour—a rare and refined variation within the genus. Native to eastern North American woodlands, cimicifugas have long been cultivated for their medicinal and ornamental properties. 'Pink Spike' adds to this legacy with an extra touch of elegance and romance.

Final Thoughts: Cimicifuga 'Pink Spike' is a late-summer sigh—light, fragrant, and graceful as it rises through the shadows. When planted with the spring sparkle of Tiarella 'Sugar and Spice', the luminous leaves of Brunnera 'Queen of Hearts', and the arching softness of Polystichum 'Tassel Fern', it becomes part of a layered woodland composition that glows from spring to fall. A gently dramatic choice for gardeners seeking refined bloom, pollinator appeal, and architectural beauty in the part-shade garden.