AVAILABLE SPRING 2026

Actaea simplex ‘Chocoholic’ is one of those plants that quietly steals the show—rich, dark, and elegant without trying too hard 🍫🌿. It’s a close cousin to ‘Brunette,’ but with its own personality.

• Foliage: Deep chocolate-brown to burgundy leaves, often darker and glossier than ‘Brunette,’ especially in part shade. The color holds really well through the season.

• Flowers: In late summer to early fall, it sends up tall, soft pink to creamy-white bottlebrush flowers that sway above the foliage and smell lightly sweet.

• Size: Typically 3–4 feet tall in bloom (sometimes a bit taller), about 2–3 feet wide—slightly more compact than ‘Brunette.’

Where it excels

• A star in shade and woodland gardens.

• Gorgeous against silver or lime foliage—think Japanese forest grass, ferns, or golden hostas.

• Works well as a mid-to-back border plant where the flowers can rise above neighboring plants.

Growing conditions

• Light: Part shade is ideal; full shade is fine, but foliage color is best with some light. Hot afternoon sun is a no.

• Soil: Rich, humusy, moisture-retentive but well-drained soil.

• Water: Likes consistent moisture; drought stress will cause leaf scorch or droop.

• Hardiness: USDA zones 4–8.

Why people love it

• Strong late-season interest when many shade plants are winding down.

• Pollinator magnet, especially for bees.

• Generally deer- and rabbit-resistant.

• Long-lived and slow to settle in, but worth the patience.

‘Chocoholic’ vs. ‘Brunette’

• ‘Chocoholic’: darker, glossier, slightly shorter, richer “chocolate” tones.

• ‘Brunette’: taller, airier, more purple-black foliage.