Actaea rubra (Red Baneberry)
Perfect for shade gardens, Actaea rubra (Red Baneberry) is herbaceous perennial forming bushy clumps of finely divided, bright green foliage, enhanced by clusters of small fluffy white flowers in late spring and early summer. Borne on conspicuous red stems which rise above the foliage, they give way to pea-sized glossy scarlet berries in summer.
Perfect for shade gardens, Actaea rubra (Red Baneberry) is herbaceous perennial forming bushy clumps of finely divided, bright green foliage, enhanced by clusters of small fluffy white flowers in late spring and early summer. Borne on conspicuous red stems which rise above the foliage, they give way to pea-sized glossy scarlet berries in summer. Because of its attractive foliage, flowers, and bright red berries, Red Baneberry is an excellent selection for cool shade gardens.
- Typically grows up to 20 in. tall (50 cm) and 12 in. wide (30 cm).
- Thrives in cool, moist, reasonably fertile soils in part shade. Will tolerate most soils if enriched with organic matter.
- Baneberry is a welcomed addition to beds and borders, woodlands, cottage gardens, and naturalized areas.
- Generally pest and disease free.
- Cut back after flowering or fruiting.
- Propagate by seed sown in pots in a cold frame in autumn or by division in early spring.
- The berries are extremely poisonous if eaten.
- Native to North America
Requirements
| Hardiness | 4 – 8 |
|---|---|
| Heat Zones | 1 – 8 |
| Climate Zones | 1, 1A, 1B, 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 17 |
| Plant Type | Perennials |
| Plant Family | Actaea – Baneberries |
| Exposure | Partial Sun |
| Season of Interest | Spring (Late)Summer (Early,Mid,Late)Fall |
| Height | 1' – 2' (30cm – 60cm) |
| Spread | 10" – 1' (25cm – 30cm) |
| Spacing | 12″ (30cm) |
| Water Needs | Average |
| Maintenance | Low |
| Soil Type | Clay, Loam |
| Soil pH | Acid, Neutral |
| Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained, Poorly Drained |
| Characteristics | Showy, Fruit & Berries |
| Native Plants | United States, Alaska, California, Midwest, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, Wisconsin, Northeast, Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Pacific Northwest, Idaho, Oregon, Washington, Rocky Mountains, Colorado, Montana, Utah, Wyoming, Southwest, Nevada, Arizona, New Mexico |
| Garden Uses | Beds and Borders |
| Garden Styles | Informal and Cottage, Prairie and Meadow |