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Re: [SG] Cimicifuga information

Gene, I hope you'll be able to get permission to share that article with
us. In the meantime, I've looked in my Heronswood catalog. The proprietor
of Heronswood, Dan Hinkley, is extremely knowledgeable about botany and I
think I trust him. Hinkley offers for sale several species of cimicifugas,
including biternata (Japan), laciniata (NW U.S.), racemosa and rubifolia
(eastern US), and 3 different simplex (Asia)--the plain one, Atropurpurea,
and 'Brunette'. No mention of "ramosa" whatever.

The plain simplex has purple stems and green leaves; the other two have
more purple on the leaves. All bloom late and are very fragrant. He says
simplex is for partial shade and moderately moist soils. He offers
'Brunette' for $15, the others for $8.  Based on his descriptions, I'm
sure that what I have is simplex, since mine has purple stems but no
purple on the leaves. So, Clyde was right--ramosa is simplex--at least it
sounds that way to me.

Now to my question: my simplex is just sitting there. There's been no
apparent growth since my first post on this subject. Do you-all think I
should move it? It is in full shade. I can move it to a somewhat sunnier
location, but fear the soil there will be too dry for it. It is gravelly
and drains very well. Or I can move it to another shady location with very
rich, good loam. Or leave it where it is.

Incidentally, I visited a garden this morning that had C. racemosa
blooming and it was delightful. It did smell kind of bad, however--but you
don't notice that unless you get pretty close to it. I'm regretting I
don't have this plant and will get it ASAP.

Bobbi Diehl
Bloomington, IN
zone 5/6
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