Black Negligee Bugbane

About this plant

Actaea (Cimicifuga) Simplex 'Black Negligee' is a sophisticated perennial that brings bold drama to the shade garden. Its deeply-lobed, almost black foliage emerges in spring, maintaining its rich color throughout the season, creating a striking backdrop for lighter-hued plants. In late summer to early fall, elegant, creamy-white bottlebrush flowers rise on slender, dark stems, emitting a sweet, captivating fragrance that fills the air. These delicate spires provide a beautiful contrast against the dark leaves and add vertical interest when many other plants are fading. 'Black Negligee' is an excellent choice for a woodland garden, shaded border, or as an accent plant where its unique color and texture can be fully appreciated. It thrives in moist, rich soil and offers reliable performance year after year.

Installation timing

When we're in season, outside of the winter months, our goal is to get your plants installed within about two weeks. That window gives us enough time to secure your plants from our supplier and find a spot on the schedule. Throughout the process we stay in touch through notifications and your existing client portal on the main A Cut Above website, which is separate from this landscaping plants shop.

Care & maintenance

Prefers consistently moist, well-drained soil. Amend heavy clay soils with organic matter. Provide an annual application of balanced slow-release fertilizer in spring. Mulch around the base to retain moisture and regulate soil temperature. No significant pruning required; remove spent flower stalks if desired.

Watering suggestions

Proper watering is the single most important factor in your plant's survival after installation. Newly installed plants have a limited root system and rely on you for consistent moisture while they establish.

• First 2 weeks: Water deeply every day (or every other day in cooler, wet weather), soaking the root ball and surrounding soil.
• Weeks 3–12: Water deeply 2–3 times per week, adjusting for rain, heat, and soil drainage.
• After establishment: Water deeply about once a week during the growing season, and more often in extreme heat or drought.
• How to check: Stick a finger 2–3 inches into the soil near the roots — if it's dry, it's time to water. Deep, less-frequent watering encourages strong roots; shallow daily sprinkles do not.
• Avoid: Overwatering (soggy, waterlogged soil) is just as harmful as underwatering and can drown roots.

Watering needs vary by plant, season, soil, and exposure. Because proper watering is the customer's responsibility after installation, please make sure you understand and can follow these suggestions before ordering.

Good to know: plants and trees purchased from and installed by A Cut Above include a one-year limited warranty from the date of installation. Because plant survival depends heavily on proper watering and care after installation, losses caused by improper care, neglect, animal or chemical damage, or extreme weather are not covered, and we must be given the chance to inspect a struggling plant before it's removed or replaced. Coverage is one replacement per plant. Read our warranty info.