How to Grow Bressingham Red
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Bressingham Red
Cimicifuga simplex 'Bressingham Red'
flowerBressingham Red is a striking cultivar of bugbane featuring deep burgundy-red foliage that darkens as the season progresses, topped with fragrant white flower spikes in late summer and fall. This shade-loving perennial adds dramatic color contrast to woodland and border gardens. It's valued for its late-season blooms and ornamental foliage that persists throughout the growing season.
When should you plant Bressingham Red in your zone?
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Example Bressingham Red timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Bressingham Red
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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First Bressingham Red blooms
Mid-to-late summerBefore the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Bressingham Red dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 3-8, with best performance in zones 4-7
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Get my Bressingham Red timeline →Growth Stages
Establishment
First seasonYoung plants develop a modest mound of deeply divided, burgundy-tinged foliage
Keep soil consistently moist; mulch around base; provide afternoon shade in warmer zones; divide crowns only if necessary to establish strong root systems
Vegetative Growth
Spring through mid-summerFoliage expands significantly with increasingly deep burgundy coloration; plant grows to 2-3 feet tall
Water regularly; apply 2-3 inches of mulch to retain moisture; allow foliage to develop; fertilize lightly in spring with balanced fertilizer
Pre-flowering
Mid to late summerFlower buds begin to form at stem tips; foliage reaches maximum color intensity and height
Maintain consistent moisture; avoid fertilizing with high nitrogen which promotes foliage over flowers; watch for emerging flower spikes
Flowering
Late August through OctoberTall, fragrant white flower spikes (8-12 inches long) emerge above the burgundy foliage, creating striking contrast
Continue regular watering; provide support with stakes if needed in windy locations; enjoy fragrance in evening hours; deadhead spent flowers if desired
Dormancy
November through MarchFoliage gradually declines after hard frost; plant goes dormant underground
Leave seed heads standing through winter for winter interest and wildlife; cut back in late fall or early spring; do not disturb crown
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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and
Handpick in early morning; use beer traps or copper barriers; encourage ground beetles and toads
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Inspect foliage regularly; remove affected leaves; use insecticidal soap if severe
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Maintain humidity and moisture; spray with water to dislodge; use miticide only if severe
Uses
Cut flowers and dried arrangements
HouseholdThe fragrant white flower spikes make excellent long-lasting cut flowers for autumn arrangements. Dried seed heads also add architectural interest to winter dried arrangements. [source]
Pollinator and wildlife support
WildlifeLate-season flowers attract pollinators when few other blooms are available. Seed heads provide winter food for birds and insects. [source]
Shade garden ornament
HouseholdThe striking burgundy foliage provides color contrast in shade gardens from spring through fall, serving as a living focal point. Dark foliage brightens shaded areas. [source]
Garden design and landscaping
CraftUsed in woodland gardens, shade borders, and contemporary landscapes for its architectural form and deep color. Provides textural contrast to lighter foliage plants. [source]
Traditional herbal use
MedicinalCimicifuga species have a long history of traditional use in herbal medicine, though modern evidence is limited. Modern use focuses on ornamental value rather than medicinal applications. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
This is a foliage and flower ornamental perennial, not harvested for food. Cut flower spikes for arrangements when white flowers are just opening. Leave seed heads on plant through winter for wildlife benefit and winter garden interest.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Bressingham Red was developed at Bressingham Gardens in Norfolk, England, one of the world's premier perennial breeding programs, and represents decades of selection for deep foliage color.
- 🌱 The common name 'bugbane' comes from the plant's traditional use; the fragrance is said to repel insects, though modern gardens value it primarily for the evening fragrance it provides.
- 🌱 Despite the tall flower spikes, Bressingham Red is rarely troubled by pests or diseases, making it one of the most reliable shade perennials for low-maintenance gardens.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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