How big does Autumn bugbane grow?

About 1.5 m × 80 cm after ten years (height × width). Its ultimate size is 0.9–1.8 m × 0.6–1.2 m.

What soil does Autumn bugbane grow in?

It tolerates these soils: average garden soil, clay.

Is Autumn bugbane hardy?

Hardy down to -34 °C (USDA zone 4, RHS H7). It gets through winter in every part of the country.

When does Autumn bugbane flower?

Flowering: August–October, white, pink.

How much water does Autumn bugbane need?

Water need: high. Drought tolerance: low.

How much does Autumn bugbane cost?

It sells for roughly €11 to €13 in local shops, depending on size.

Autumn bugbane

Actaea simplex

Autumn bugbane (Actaea simplex) is a perennial that reaches 1.5 m × 80 cm after ten years. Light: part shade, shade. Hardy down to -34 °C. Drought tolerance: low. Toxic to children. Sold in local shops from about €11.

Illustration of Autumn bugbane — An illustration of the typical shape of the mature plant, not a photo.

What it's good for, and what it isn't

A tall perennial for shade that carries long, white, strongly scented bottlebrush spikes from late summer into mid autumn, when most shade plants have finished. Give it moist, humus-rich soil in part shade: the dark-leaved forms scorch in hot sun and dry ground. It is slow to settle in and needs a few years, but then lives long and prefers to be left undisturbed.

Watch out for

In the hot, dry summers of Central Europe the leaf margins brown when the soil dries out, so it looks poor without watering and mulch. Rust and leaf spot occur occasionally, and the tall flower stems lean towards the light in deep shade and may need support.

Key facts

Light: Part shade, Shade
Water need: High
Care: Medium
Size after 10 years: 1.5 m × 80 cm
Hardiness: down to -34 °C
Foliage: Deciduous
Flowering: J F M A M J J A S O N D August–October, white, pink

Group	Perennial
Light	Part shade, Shade
Size after 10 years	1.5 m × 80 cm
Ultimate size	0.9–1.8 m × 0.6–1.2 m
Hardiness	down to -34 °C (USDA 4, RHS H7)
Soil	Average garden soil, Clay
Foliage	Deciduous
Flowering	August–October, white, pink
Water need	High
Drought tolerance	Low
Maintenance	Medium
Root aggressiveness	Low
Suckering	no data
Spreading	Low
Distance from buildings	no data
Distance from paving	no data
Litter	not typical
Planting distance	60 cm
For dogs	Toxic (uncertain)
For cats	Toxic (uncertain)
For children	Toxic
Typical price	from about €11

Toxicity data is for information only. If your pet or child has eaten a plant, contact a vet or a doctor.

Sizes and prices available

The same plant is sold as a small pot and as a specimen several metres tall, and the price follows. Prices are rounded and for guidance only.

Size	Typical price
size not stated	approx. €11 – €13

Frequently asked questions

Data updated: October 13, 2026 · How our data is made

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Plants for shade Perennials for part shade Perennials for clay soil Perennials for pollinators Fragrant plants Fragrant perennials

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