Pink Spike Cimicifuga

First off, you'll love this Cimicifuga for its dark, rich foliage. Such an unusual color is sure to stick out amid the green leaves you've got plenty of in the mixed border. Then, in late summer, when all the other showy garden perennials are starting to wind down, raspberry–colored buds will burst into fluffy blush plumes. With the plumes comes a surprising, whimsy perfume that's kind of like grape soda. The plumes and the foliage carry enough of those reddish tones to complement each other, while the dark and light contrast makes this plant stand out. It prefers the shade—and most sleepy shade gardens could use the dash of excitement Pink Spike supplies. You'll also love it for its low maintenance. It's easy to grow, even in acidic, clay and loamy soils, and deer rarely bother it. Cimicifuga ramosa 'Pink Spike'