Even by tissue culture, propagation is a slow process; hence the higher prices. BUT you should be able to pick up gallons anywhere from $12-$20 depending on variety and nursery. Of course, dark-leaved varieties are slower growing. General info: The plants formerly known as Cimicifuga are typically later bloomers, get huge, and have seed pods as opposed to berries. They like some afternoon shade, but should be in a bright location with some direct morning or evening sun. They are typically woodland edge/savana plants. They don't want to be dry, but I don't find them to be water hogs once they're established either. Treat them like most plants and the'll be fine. They can tolerate full sun with extra water. I highly recommend A. 'Black Negligee' as it has been the fastest growing dark-leaved variety I've tried. Actaea pachypoda, rubra, and a few others are the baneberries. I often see 'Misty Blue' being listed without its species name; it is a form of A. pachypoda. A. pachypoda gets white berries in summer. A rubra gets red berries, though there are white-berried populations. A. nigra is european and gets black berries. They are spring blooming woodland plants and tolerate shade very well. They all have white flowers followed by berries, either red, white, or black. All berries are poisonous. I find them growing here in maple/beech forests, which tend to be very dark. They get 2-3' tall depending on species and variety. A. pachypoda tends to be taller and more upright @ 2'-3', A. rubra is more bushy and shorter and closer to 18"-24". Best bet for success is rich soil with lots of organic matter and even moisture. Some morning sun is good for vigor, especially with A. rubra, but afternoon sun should be avoided. Currently the only one I'm aware of being vegetatively produced with any regularity is 'Misty Blue'. The rest are either seed grown (and fairly expensive- it takes up to 2 year to germinate the seed and another 5-7 years to be a salable plant) or wild collected. Wild collected material should be avoided unless you can certify it came from a construction site rescue. Plant to pay $10 or more for 4.5" quart pots for A. rubra, somewhat less for A. pachypoda as it's a bit faster growing. Both groups are easy to grow, but require some patience. The Plant Geek www.confessionsofaplantgeek.com www.botanophilia.com www.facebook.com/botanophilia

Well...they are toast...I have been entirely too busy and completely forgot they were out there when the "big freeze" came through...they are gone...none, nada, zilch... If I had remembered them, their little butts would have been indoors........... I hope that some of the other seeds have not surfaced yet...maybe those were early, but I am doubtful at this point. Boo-hoo! :o(

I've just planted mine in morning sun, I too will be just as happy with only the beautiful foliage- although would love the addition of the pinkish bottlebrush flowers to my autumn garden. Will it need some extra attention the first year watering wise? I would hate for the dark purple plum foliage to be scortched or wilt beyond repair. I really really love the way this plant steals the show in my shade garden already. Definately worth the extra regular soak if it needs it! Hopefully once a week is enough because I am only at my parents on the weekends.

I too have a Cimi "brunette" in my yard- and do enjoy it very much! I have not had seeds germinate sucessfully though- I find division a great way to propagate- You may have more luck if you search for 'actaea' as the name cimicafuga has recently been reclassified (name changed) to Actaea- I am hoping to find a few more- Hillside black beauty- Pink spike, and realy, any others. I am wintersowing seeds of a couple right now- I hope I have better luck with germination this year than last year.... I have my plant in almost total shade but I fear it is too dry for it there- it does not grow as well as others elsewhere have. This family of plants will do very well in full sun too, if it's roots stay moist! I am sure you will enjoy this selection! Julie