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Cimicifuga ramosa 'James Compton'

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Photo Courtesy of Walters Gardens, Inc.
 Common Name: Snakeroot-Black
Common Name (Alternative): Bugbane

A wonderfully airy, architectural backdrop for the garden, the dark purplish-black foliage of 'James Compton' will compliment everything around it. It is especially attractive when combined with variegated or yellow foliage.

Though the young leaves tend to be green, by the second season they have deepened to a dark purple-black. In late summer, sweetly fragrant, white flowers tinged pink sway in the wind above the masses of foliage.

Measuring only 3' tall, this selection is similar to, but shorter than 'Hillside Black Beauty'.

Characteristics:



Height:
  36 Inches
Spread:
  18-24 Inches
Flower Color:
  White Shades
Foliage Color:
  Purple shades
Hardiness Zone:
4,5,6,7,8
Find Your Zone
Sun or Shade?:
  Part shade (4-6 hrs. direct sun)
  Full shade (< 4 hrs. direct sun)
Wet or dry?:
  Average water needs
  Consistent water needs
Want to see wings?:
  Attracts butterflies
Need critter resistant plants?:
  Deer resistant
  Rabbit resistant
How fast should it grow?:
  Slow
When should it bloom?:
  Late summer
  Early fall
  Mid-fall
How's your soil?:
  Average Soil
  Fertile Soil
Sweet or Sour Soil?:
  Acidic Soil (pH < 7.0)
  Neutral Soil (pH = 7.0)
What's your garden style?:
  Container/Patio
  Woodland/Shade
  Eclectic

Attributes:

Border plants
Container
Cut flower or foliage
Fragrant flowers or foliage
Mass Planting
Specimen or focal point

Homeowner Growing & Maintenance Tips:

Native to the edges of woodlands in eastern North America, Cimicifuga performs best in partial shade and moist, organically enriched soil. Water supply should remain constant throughout the spring, summer and autumn. Cimicifuga takes a few years to get established and reach maturity. Mature clumps should not be disturbed.


Companions:

Common/Botanical Name
Zones  
Hosta 'June'
Common Name: Hosta
3,4,5,6,7,8,9
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Polygonatum odoratum 'Variegatum'
Common Name: Solomon's Seal-Variegated
3,4,5,6,7,8,9
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Ligularia 'Little Rocket' ('Lanternchen') PP14621 CPBR2400
Common Name: Ligularia
4,5,6,7,8,9
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Athyrium 'Ghost'
Common Name: Fern-Ghost
3,4,5,6,7,8
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Polemonium caeruleum 'Snow and Sapphires' PP13441 COPF
Common Name: Jacob's Ladder-White Variegated
3,4,5,6,7
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Geranium 'Perfect Storm'
Common Name: Geranium-Hardy
5,6,7,8
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While every effort has been made to describe this plant accurately, please keep in mind that the height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates throughout the country. The description of this plant was written based on our experience growing it in Michigan (USDA hardiness zone 5) and on numerous outside resources.