Re: Cimicifuga ramosa atropurpurea

Paul, Nancy & Gene...(all in one so I don't exceed my limit for this
list again:->)

Thanks for the kind words, Paul!  I tell ya', it has about driven me
nuts - trying to figure out just who my lovely Cimicifuga is.  Dan
Hinkley's 'The Explorers Garden' sort of makes me think it might be
C. simplex var. simplex...but, I am really not sure.  If you haven't
gotten your hands on that book, you must.  He sorts out so many
genera in a clear way - plus there are *lots* of photos.  From what
he says, anything that was called 'ramosa' is actually simplex var.
simplex and 'ramosa' isn't valid anymore....taxonomy can give you
brain bumps.

My plant gets a bit over 6' tall; taller if we do not have a blasted
drought.  Even with copious watering, I can't replace decent
rainfall.

I have lusted for some of those black forms for years and years.
Mine was supposed to have purple stems and leaves, but other than
mild streaking and a sort of cast to the leaf early in spring, I
don't see it, but the scent is divine and makes up for lack in the
color area.  I'm sure it must have been seed grown originally.  Have
had it for around 10 years and have successfully germinated and grown
on about 4 children who were planted out last fall.  Am anxious to
see if they are relatively the same when they grow up.  Cimicifuga
gives a new meaning to 'slow from seed'.

C. 'The Pearl' blooms late for me, too, but well before we get real
winter.  Cute plants - much shorter than my "darlin'" and, to my
nose, not as fragrant.

Nancy, I'm inclined to agree with Gene.  Think your babies might just
have gone dormant early because of the drought.  You will know this
spring when they emerge.  They are not terribly early to poke their
noses out, so give them some time before you declare them goners.
Unless the soil in that bed simply does not drain, I don't think you
could have overwatered them. They like moist soil, but good drainage.

Gene,  the article in question is my current one - Where in the World
- Plant Provenance.  Url to it is:
http://suite101.com/article.cfm/222/33142

It's a long one with a *lot* of photos and takes a long time to load
with my 28.8 modem....sorry:-)

The bit about Cimicifuga is toward the end part.

You're right, the price on 'Black Hills' and 'Brunette' does sort of
take your breath away:-)  That's why I don't have either of them.
One of these days....

How long is it actually from seed to maturity?  I know it takes 2
years for most germination (got one or two the first year) and I've
grown my babies in pots for at least 3 years.  Set them out last fall
at only about a foot or so high and am hoping that being in the
ground will encourage them a bit.

Gene, if you haven't read Dan's book, you really have to - Cimicifuga
to die for:-)

Marge Talt, zone 7 Maryland
mtalt@clark.net
Editor:  Gardening in Shade
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----------
> From: Paul Henjum <Meum71@AOL.COM>
> Date: Saturday, February 19, 2000 2:31 AM
>
> Marge I just finished ready your last article, another great one!!
>
> I saw that you have a Cimicifuga that is giving you problems in
> identification (I have the same problem with a number of plants my
self-
> almost pull my hair out)
>
> Cimicifuga ramosa atropurpurea plus many others forms and species
are seed
> raised thus variable.  A good selection of seed will produce 90
percent
> red-black foliage with a mix of others.
>
> By looking at your plant I would say it's one of the "other" types.
> Last year I acquired a nice form with large leaves and a good dark
color-not
> black but still very appealing-what I like about the plant is it's
height-it
> grows over 6 to 7 feet tall and it's not easy finding good height
in the
> shade garden.
>
> The black forms of Cimicifuga are fantastic 'Black Hills' is a
great form
> that only grows around 3 feet tall for me-but now that I have it
moved to a
> moister area I am hoping for more size.
> This year I hope to get a good number of 'Brunette' which has a
nice
> darkish-purple color.
>
> There are a few other selections around too That are on my want
list for this
> year or next.
>
> I most likely did not solve your "problem" and like me, you will
still try to
> track down a more specific answer.  But I have not meet a
Cimicifuga I did
> not like or love. Even the form of Cimicifuga simplex 'The pearl' I
have that
> blooms just as we get our first snow storm each year.
>
> Paul
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