Actaea simplex is a dramatic plant, bearing slender, slightly fragrant pink-white flowers in September and October, above bronze-purple foliage. It's a fantastic plant for a damp, shady part of the garden, and provides a valuable source of nectar and pollen for insects. It's perfect for growing in shady borders and woodland gardens, and works well when planted alongside ornamental grasses, and prairie-type flowers such as rudbeckias. It makes an excellent cut flower.

Actaea simplex 'Chocoholic' has glorious dark purple leaves from which wavy, foxtail racemes of pale pink flowers on tall, dark purple stems appear from late summer to early autumn. For best results grow in humus-rich, moist soil in partial shade. Cut back after flowering and divide congested clumps in autumn or spring.