Veronicastrum virginicum (Culvers Root)

Extremely showy, Veronicastrum virginicum (Culver's Root) introduces elegant vertical lines to the borders with its long spikes of densely-clustered, tiny flowers from summer to fall. With a candelabra look, these attractive inflorescences, in shades of white, blue, pink and purple, are nicely complemented by lanceolate, dark-green leaves that are arranged in whorls around the stem. Fantastically hardy, very tolerant, Veronicastrum adds height, structure and texture to the garden, and as a bonus, this plant also attracts bees and butterflies! Tough, long-lasting, easy to grow, Culver's Root requires little care and is disease resistant. Very adaptable in the garden, Culver's Root is perfect for adding interesting vertical lines and late summer color in the garden.

• Grows up to 3-6 ft. high (90-180 cm) and 2-4 ft. wide (60-120 cm). 
• Performs best in full sun or light shade, in average, medium to wet, well-drained soils. Tends to flop and require support if planted in too much shade. Do not let the soil dry out.
• Culver's Root is quite effective at the back of the perennial border or in a mixed shrub border. Perfect as an accent plant, it is also a great candidate for naturalistic plantings, prairie plantings, cottage gardens or wildflower gardens.
• No serious pest or disease issues. Foliage is unpalatable to deer and other herbivores.
• Simply deadhead to extend bloom and cut back after flowering to basal growth to promote new foliage growth and potential re-bloom later in the season.
• Long-lived, it may take a few years to establish in a new location
• Most easily propagated by root divisions in late fall or early spring. Also propagated by softwood cuttings taken in late spring.
• Native to northeastern North America.