Black Bugbane
Enhance your garden with the striking Black Bugbane, a perennial perfect for late summer blooms. Its unique dark, coppery-purple foliage creates a beautiful contrast with the fluffy, bottlebrush-shaped white flowers. This plant thrives in shade or part-shade with moist soils and is naturally fragrant, while also repelling insects and being deer resistant. It pairs wonderfully with traditional shade plants like hostas and ferns, adding visual interest and a pleasant aroma to your landscape. Ships in spring as a bare root.
$17.71
Owner Satisfaction
3.8
/ 5
Category Rank
4642
/ 4677
#4642 in Landscaping & Garden Plants
Price vs Category Average
-36%
Below average
USDA Hardiness Zones
39
/ -
Who it's for
- Dramatic Dark Foliage
- Essential Late-Season Bloom
- Excellent Shade Performer
Who should skip it
- Slow to Establish
- Requires Consistent Moisture
- Mildly Toxic if Ingested
Key Specs
USDA Hardiness Zones
3-9
Mature Height
48-70 inches tall
Mature Spread
24-48 inches wide
Flower Size
12-24 inches
Soil Moisture Requirement
Average, Moist/Wet
Soil Type Compatibility
Loamy Soil, Well-Drained Soil
Planting Time
Spring / Summer
Ships As
Bare Root
Features
- Striking dark foliage adds unique color
- Fragrant white flowers for late summer appeal
- Naturally repels insects
- Highly deer resistant
- Thrives in shade and part-shade
- Excellent for mass plantings
- Suitable for cut flowers
- Easy to grow perennial
What customers say
Customers highly value the Black Bugbane for its mature aesthetic, specifically praising the deep purple black foliage that offers dramatic contrast in shaded areas. The tall, fragrant white flower spikes are a significant reward. However, initial establishment presents a consistent challenge. Many buyers report receiving small starter plants or bare roots, leading to concerns about viability and slow emergence in the first season. While successful gardeners are delighted with the unique look, the initial hurdle of getting the plant established requires patience and careful handling. This makes the purchase slightly riskier for new gardeners, tempering overall satisfaction despite the exceptional final result.
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$18