I grow Bugbane--handsome, hardy and interesting. I had no luck whatsoever, however, with C. 'Hillside Black Beauty'--just wouldn't thrive.

The purple-leaved forms are great plants. I've grown 'Atropurpurea', 'Brunette', and 'Hillside Black Beauty', all with no problems -- 'Brunette' is likely my favourite for relative size and vigour.

I've had 'Brunette' for a few years now. I think I could have planted it in a better spot as it hasn't increased much in size, It's planted in a planter near a sitting area because of it's lovely fragrance, I keep meaning to pick up one or two more for different spots in the garden. I love this plant.

Annette

I just bought an 'Atropurpurea' last year. Very pretty plant and wonderful flowers. Since it is tall and slim, I planted it near my patio for height. What is nice about it is that you can see thru and around it; nice and airy, and does not obstruct the view.
I do not care for the scent though, but it really differs by nose. My freind thinks they smell very sweet. I think it smells like rubbish.

This plant came up very late this spring. I was rather peeved at this, thinking it had died on me. But it is just a late riser; it comes up around the same time as Eupatorium and Crocosmia. It does not seemed to have 'bulked up' much. It is still a small plant. Because of this, I think I may switch it out for a Thalictrum, which grows fast.
Sorry I could not be of more help.
CMK

The green leaved cultivars are great plants too. They bloom earlier than the darker bronze leaved cultivars. They are very tall to 4' with bloom stalks to 6', they require a rich woodsy, moisture retentive soil, or the leaves will crisp up with too much sunlight and not enough moisture. They can go to seed and seedlings can be moved around. A group of 3 or 4 plants makes an impressive sight. They tend to grow much faster than the C. racemosa, the dark leaved cultivars. They are all great plants, in my opinion.

I love the smell and have tried to grow it several times; but the slugs love the baby shoots and eat it up.