Pink Spike Bugbane
Actaea racemosa 'Pink Spike'
Whimsical spikes of light pink flowers hover above highly contrasting dark purple foliage on this striking variety that is perfect for the back of borders; likes to be consistently moist and prefers partial shade
Local Pick UpFeatures and Growing Tips
Note: Each live plant is unique and may differ from the photo while maintaining its beauty. Plants come in a plastic pot; other items in images are not included.
Landscape Qualities
Pink Spike Bugbane is an herbaceous perennial with tall flower stalks held atop a low mound of foliage. Its relatively coarse texture can be used to stand it apart from other garden plants with finer foliage.
Ornamental Qualities
Pink Spike Bugbane features bold spikes of fragrant shell pink flowers rising above the foliage from mid to late summer that fade to white over time. The flowers are excellent for cutting. Its attractive serrated compound leaves emerge dark green in spring | turning deep purple in color with hints of black throughout the season. The brown fruits are carried on spikes from late summer to late winter. The deep purple stems are very colorful and add to the overall interest of the plant.
Planting and Growing
Pink Spike Bugbane will grow to be about 3 feet tall at maturity extending to 5 feet tall with the flowers | with a spread of 3 feet. It tends to be leggy | with a typical clearance of 1 foot from the ground | and should be underplanted with lower-growing perennials. It grows at a slow rate | and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for approximately 10 years. As an herbaceous perennial | this plant will usually die back to the crown each winter | and will regrow from the base each spring. Be careful not to disturb the crown in late winter when it may not be readily seen!
This plant does best in partial shade to shade. It prefers to grow in moist to wet soil | and will even tolerate some standing water. It is not particular as to soil type or pH. It is somewhat tolerant of urban pollution. This is a selection of a native North American species. It can be propagated by division; however | as a cultivated variety | be aware that it may be subject to certain restrictions or prohibitions on propagation.
Plant Facts
Prefers partial shade to shade
Keep moisture level moist to wet
3' (5' with flowers)Hx3'W
Cutflower Favorite
Flowers are shell pink
Flowers from mid to late summer
Known to be safe
Tolerates wet ground.