It should do fine as long as the drainage is good. Too much shade and the black color is not as intense, too little shade and it can get crispy with insufficient water.

Errion - I'm an Atlanta resident as well and I really, really want to grow bugbane. Did you ever try it? Also, I have never seen them for sale in any of the retail stores here, but I have a couple small ones i bought online that im going to plant soon. Did you find any?

Also, I called the Atlanta Botanical Gardens hotline ( great resource, and free!) and asked them and they said it will do fine so long as it doesnt get any afternoon sun, and plenty of moisture and rich soil.

Happy gardening!

I ordered Cimicifuga Rasmosa from a nursery in Maine!! Couldn't find it anywhere locally. Received about five rootlings in the spring and planted them in two spots near our creek (but not right besdie it) in partial shade. I was careful to water it often and though I had read that it takes a few years to establish and begin to bloom, I got one very tall, stately and elegant bloom on one of the plants last year that gets more morning than afternoon sun. I am still trying to baby it along and keep it moist iin dry periods and mulch it well but I love it and hope it stays happy. If I have more blooms this summer, I will take photos and post them.