Hillside Black Beauty Snakeroot

Light Needs

Part Shade to Full Sun

(3+ Hours Direct Sun)

Mature Height

1-2 Feet

Mature Spread

3-4 Feet

Growing Zones

9 to 11

With its deep, dark foliage, the Hillside Black Beauty Snakeroot really stands out. Known botanically as Actaea simplex 'Hillside Black Beauty’, its fragrant, white blooms contrast perfectly against its deeply-divided, purple-black leaves. Blooming from August to late September, this perennial is ideal for adding some late-season interest to a border or container. Growing to around 4 to 5 feet tall, this snakeroot can help add height and structure and holds its color better than some other varieties.

Mainly grown for its coppery-purple leaves, the Actaea simplex 'Hillside Black Beauty’ forms a pleasing mound-like habit of around 2.5 feet tall before blooming in late summer. Often grown in groups where it can provide the most impact, this perennial is also suitable for growing on its own. Once established, it requires minimal care and is easy to grow. This Actaea is perfect for growing and naturalizing in a shady spot. 

Hillside Black Beauty Snakeroot Care

For the best foliage color, Hillside Black Beauty Snakeroot is best planted in rich and moist soil that is slightly acidic. Preferring partial to full shade, this snakeroot can struggle if grown in any hot, full sun. Although a hardy and tough perennial, this snakeroot can take a season or two to establish before it really gets going. As it requires moist soil, watering during hot and dry spells is necessary. If grown in fertile soil, supplementary fertilizing is not generally required. 

As a perennial plant, the foliage of this snakeroot dies back in winter and should be removed in spring to make way for its new growth. If you don’t want this plant to self-seed, the spent flower heads can be removed in the fall. To provide some extra nutrients, a layer of organic matter can be applied in spring. 

Hillside Black Beauty Snakeroot Spacing

If given the right growing conditions, the Hillside Black Beauty Snakeroot can grow to 4-5 feet tall with a spread of 2-3 feet. If growing this plant in a group, it is best planted out with a distance of around 2.5 to 3 feet between plants.

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