How are the astilbe doing? If they're not turning crispy during a hot spell, the cimicifuga should do fine.

You should plant it in front of gold, silver, or variegated foliage or it will disappear in the shade.

I have had Hillside Black Beauty for 5 years and it's never bloomed. I moved it from morning sun in heavy clay to dappled sunlight under birch trees a year ago, and it's really taken off this spring.

I too have some Hillside Black Beauties. Planted in a slightly raised bed under a maple surrounded by ferns, helebore, hosta and sweet william. 3-4 hrs of morning sun then some dappled light. They have taken a few years to establish, but are a little taller each year. I think one has bloomed, but I dont grow them for the flowers, the foliage is so lovely.

I've just planted mine in morning sun, I too will be just as happy with only the beautiful foliage- although would love the addition of the pinkish bottlebrush flowers to my autumn garden. Will it need some extra attention the first year watering wise? I would hate for the dark purple plum foliage to be scortched or wilt beyond repair. I really really love the way this plant steals the show in my shade garden already. Definately worth the extra regular soak if it needs it! Hopefully once a week is enough because I am only at my parents on the weekends.

{{gwi:676712}}

Image didn't load- took pic against black background to show how dark the foliage truly is :)
http://m.flickr.com/photos/74932793@N03/7296012528/lightbox/

Mine (not a chocolate one) was planted in a part sun area. Received 7 hours of sun and was mostly in light shade during the day. It did very well in that location... that is until it stunk so bad, I took it and relocated it to a shadier area. Will see what happens.

Thats huge - I bought mine in 4" pots,and they were sickly - after 4 years its about the size you have - enjoy.

P.S. planting it inside your car will probably be to much shade, unless you have a sun roof :)

Ha! Good taste in plants, and funny! You're a catch mandolls :) I will post a picture of it happily planted this weekend- PS mine was $20 for a gallon pot, which is usually fairly pricey for me but it's just so unique and I very much appreciate the purple addition to my shady corner.