Cimicifuga racemosa--also known as black cohosh, fairy candle, bugbane and black snakeroot--is a perennial wildflower that grows in United States Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 3 to 8. It reaches a height between 5 and 8 feet with white, fragrant flowers that adorn the garden during the summer. In the winter, its ornamental seed heads add interest to the winter landscape. Cimicifuga racemosa can be divided for propagation, but it is difficult. It is easier to start the plants from seed.
Instructions
1. Sow Cimicifuga racemosa seeds outdoors or in a cold frame in the fall, about 1/4 inch deep and 1 1/2 to 2 inches apart. Choose a partly shady location with well-draining soil. Cover the seed bed with 1 inch of mulch, such as hardwood bark or shredded leaves. Alternatively, store seeds for three months in the refrigerator before planting in the spring. No matter which method you use, note that the seeds may not germinate until the second spring.
2. Keep the soil where the Cimicifuga racemosa is growing moist. They thrive in damp soil conditions. A 2- to 4-inch layer of mulch will help keep the soil moist.
3. Stake tall Cimicifuga racemosa if it begins to bend. Insert a flower stake next to the plant and loosely tie it on near the top.
4. Cut back Cimicifuga racemosa in the spring to clean up the garden before a new plant emerges from the ground. You can cut it back in the fall once the plant dies back, if desired, but you'll be eliminating its attractive seed heads for your winter garden.
Tags: Cimicifuga racemosa, seed heads