Actaea Simplex - White Pearl

Actaea Simplex - White Pearl is a stunning perennial plant that brings elegant white blooms and sophisticated texture to any garden landscape. This shade-loving perennial features slender spikes of fragrant white flowers that rise above dark, deeply cut foliage, creating a dramatic visual contrast in woodland gardens and shaded borders. The graceful White Pearl variety of Actaea (formerly known as Cimicifuga) blooms in late summer to early fall when many other perennials have finished their display, extending the garden's seasonal interest with its bottle-brush flowers that attract butterflies and beneficial pollinators.

Key Features:

- Elegant white bottle-brush flower spikes create stunning vertical interest in the garden landscape.

- Dark purple-black foliage provides dramatic contrast and visual appeal even when not in bloom.

- Late-season bloomer extends garden interest into fall when other perennials have finished flowering.

- Natural woodland plant perfect for shade gardens, borders, and naturalized areas.

- Sweet fragrance attracts butterflies and beneficial pollinators to enhance garden biodiversity.

- Long-lasting cut flowers bring elegant vertical elements to floral arrangements.

Plant Care Instructions:

1. Light Requirements:

- Prefers partial to full shade conditions.

- Ideal with morning sun and afternoon shade, 3-4 hours of filtered sunlight daily.

2. Watering:

- Keep soil consistently moist but not soggy.

- Water deeply when the top inch of soil begins to dry, especially during hot periods.

3. Soil Type:

- Thrives in rich, humus-rich soil with good drainage.

- Amend garden soil with compost or leaf mold to improve soil structure.

4. Temperature & Hardiness Zone:

- Hardy to Zone 3b with excellent cold tolerance.

- Can withstand temperatures down to -35°F when properly established.

5. Fertilizer:

- Apply slow-release organic fertilizer in early spring.

- Side dress with compost annually to maintain soil fertility.

6. Pruning & Maintenance:

- Cut back flower stems after blooming is complete.

- Trim back foliage to ground level in late fall or early spring.

7. Special Notes:

- No special overwintering needs; provides reliable performance year after year.