PlantFun
Plant Needs
Sunlight
Partial to full shade; avoid direct midday sun which can scorch the dark purple foliage
Watering
Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; avoid allowing the root zone to dry out completely
Temperature
Cold-hardy to -30°C; avoid prolonged temperatures above 25°C which can cause foliage stress
Characteristics
- Leaf: Deeply divided, glossy black-purple compound leaves with sharply serrated margins
- Flower: Slender upright racemes of small, fragrant white star-shaped blooms
- Fruit: Clusters of toxic white berries on thick red stalks (post-flowering)
Care Guide
Watering
Maintain even soil moisture; apply mulch to reduce evaporation
Fertilization
Apply a balanced organic granular fertilizer once. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers which can fade the dark foliage color
Composted banana peel tea：Use fully composted banana peels, dilute 1:20 with water for root drenching to support foliage color and bloom productionPruning
- Cut back dead foliage to ground level in late winter to promote new spring growth
- Thin overcrowded clumps in early spring to improve airflow and reduce disease risk
- Remove spent flower stalks after blooming to prevent unwanted self-seeding (optional)
Toxicity
Warning: this plant may be toxic.
Pets & Humans
Pets: ASPCA: Toxic; contains cardiogenic glycosides that may cause vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, and abnormal heart rate
Humans: Ingestion of berries can cause nausea, abdominal pain, dizziness, and potentially life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias
Garden Uses & Culture
Culture: N/A
Usage: Ornamental shade garden specimen; toxic berries require caution around children and pets
