Actaea simplex Pink Spike (Baneberry)
Striking all summer long, Actaea simplex ‘Pink Spike’ (Baneberry) is a beautiful perennial with chocolate-purple, finely divided foliage, enhanced by gracefully arching wands of fragrant pink flowers in late summer and fall. Raspberry-pink in bud, opening to pale pink, the heavily scented flowers are packed in fluffy spikes along black waving stems.
Striking all summer long, Actaea simplex 'Pink Spike' (Baneberry) is a beautiful perennial with chocolate-purple, finely divided foliage, enhanced by gracefully arching wands of fragrant pink flowers in late summer and fall. Raspberry-pink in bud, opening to pale pink, the heavily scented flowers are packed in fluffy spikes along black waving stems. 'Pink Spike' provides interest for months and makes a wonderful backdrop for your favorite plants.
- Typically grows up to 3-5 ft. tall (90-150 cm) and 1-2 ft. wide (30-60 cm). Plants will take about 3 years to develop into a mature clump.
- Thrives in average, medium moisture, well-drained soils in part shade to full shade. Moist, moderately fertile soil, enriched with organic matter is preferred. Don't let the soil dry out or the foliage will suffer. Provide a sheltered location from strong winds. The flower spires tend to bend toward bright light when grown in substantial shade.
- Trouble-free and easy care, Baneberry is a welcomed addition to beds, borders, woodlands, cottage gardens, naturalized areas.
- Attracts birds and butterflies and deer ignore it!
- Cut back after flowering or fruiting. Propagate by seed sown in pots in a cold frame in fall or by division in early spring
Requirements
| Hardiness | 4 – 8 |
|---|---|
| Heat Zones | 1 – 9 |
| 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, Shade |
| Season of Interest | Summer (Late)Fall |
| Height | 3' – 5' (90cm – 150cm) |
| Spread | 1' – 2' (30cm – 60cm) |
| Spacing | 24″ (60cm) |
| Water Needs | Average |
| Maintenance | Low |
| Soil Type | Clay, Loam |
| Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
| Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained |
| Characteristics | Cut Flowers, Fragrant, Showy |
| Tolerance | Deer, Rabbit |
| Attracts | Butterflies, Hummingbirds |
| Garden Uses | Beds and Borders |
| Garden Styles | Informal and Cottage |








