Also known as Baneberry · 547 gardener saves
Actaea: the varieties gardeners actually grow
Actaea, the genus most gardeners know as baneberry. We track 15 varieties; these are the ones gardeners actually save and plant, ranked by real saves rather than catalog marketing. Each links to full care, bloom, and live price data.
The 12 most-saved Actaea varieties
Of 15 in the catalog — ordered by how many gardeners actually grow them.
#1 most savedBlack Cohosh
Actaea racemosa 'Cimicifuga Bugbane'
#2 most savedBlack Cohosh
Cimicifuga racemosa 'Pink Spike'
#3 most savedChocoholic Black Cohosh
Cimicifuga racemosa 'Chocoholic'
Black Cohosh
Cimicifuga racemosa 'Black Snakeroot'
Purple-leaved Black Cohosh
Cimicifuga racemosa 'Atropurpurea'
Bugbane 'Brunette'
Actaea racemosa 'Brunnette Black'
Hillside Black Beauty
Actaea simplex 'Hillside Black Beauty'
Bugbane Brunnette
Cimicifuga racemosa 'Brunnette'
Black Negligee Bugbane
Cimicifuga racemosa 'Black Negligee'
Bugbane Black Beauty
Cimicifuga racemosa 'Black Beauty'
Japanese Bugbane
Actaea japonica
Silver Blush Bugbane
Actaea japonica 'Silver Blush'
Browse all 15 Actaea varieties →
How to grow Actaea
What the Actaea varieties in our catalog actually agree on — drawn from the care records of the 15 most-grown of them, not from a generic template.
The Actaea year
- MulchMarch and April93% of varieties
Apply 2-3 inches of organic mulch to retain essential moisture.
- Spring CleanupFebruary87% of varieties
Cut old stems and foliage back to the ground in late winter.
- DivideMarch and September73% of varieties
Divide large clumps every 5+ years in early spring or fall.
- StakeMay–July60% of varieties
Stake tall flower spikes if planted in exposed or windy locations
- PlantMarch, April, September and October53% of varieties
Plant in spring or early fall in rich, moist, shaded soil.
- FertilizeMarch53% of varieties
Apply balanced slow-release fertilizer or compost in early spring.
- Check for PestsApril–June33% of varieties
Monitor new growth for slugs and snails, common in moist shade.
Do
- Water regularly to keep soil moist 🌱
- Water consistently to keep soil moist 🌱
- Mulch to conserve moisture
- Mulch to conserve moisture and regulate soil temperature
- Water consistently during dry periods 💧
Avoid
- Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot ❌
- Avoid disturbing roots during the growing season
- Avoid full sun exposure ☀️
- Do not let soil dry out completely
What goes wrong with Actaea
| Problem | What you'll see | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Aphids | Sticky residue and distorted leaves | Spray with insecticidal soap |
| Slugs | Irregular holes in leaves, slime trails | Handpick or set slug traps, use iron phosphate bait |
| Spider Mites | Fine webbing and stippled leaves | Use insecticidal soap or horticultural oil |
| Tarnished Plant Bug | Distorted leaves and flower buds, brown spots on foliage. | Control nearby weeds. Insecticidal soap can be effective if applied early. Most often, damage is cosmetic. |
| Powdery mildew | White powder on leaves | Improve air circulation and apply fungicide |
| Powdery Mildew | White powdery coating on leaves | Improve air circulation and apply sulfur fungicide |
| Root Rot | Wilting, brown roots | Ensure well-draining soil, reduce watering |
Making more Actaea
Division
- Dig up clump in early spring or fall
- Divide into smaller sections with roots intact
- Plant immediately in prepared soil
- Water thoroughly after planting
Seed
- Collect seeds after flowering in late summer.
- Sow seeds in moist seed-starting mix in fall.
- Cover lightly with soil and keep moist.
- Maintain in cool, shaded location for stratification.
- Transplant seedlings once established.
Actaea questions
How many types of Actaea are there?
The Sow catalog tracks 15 distinct Actaea varieties. The most popular — ranked by 547 real gardener saves — are shown first above.
What zones does Actaea grow in?
Across its varieties, Actaea covers USDA Zones 4–8. Individual varieties differ — each plant page lists its exact range, and Sow filters the catalog to your zone automatically.
When does Actaea bloom?
Most Actaea varieties bloom in late summer, late summer to early fall, late summer to early fall. Staggering early, mid, and late varieties extends the genus's season in one bed.
Which Actaea should I choose?
Start from the most-saved varieties above — popularity across thousands of gardens is a strong signal of reliability — then filter by your zone and sun. In the Sow app you can preview any of them in a photo of your actual yard before you buy.
Keep exploring
Actaea shows up in
By hardiness zone
Related genera
Design with Actaea in your own yard
Snap a photo of your space and see these varieties planted in it — sized correctly, matched to your zone, with care reminders included.
