Growing Veronicastrum (Culver's Root): Elegant Native for Moist Meadows

Overview

Veronicastrum (pronounced veh-ron-ih-kas'-trum), or Culver's root, is a stunning native perennial that thrives in average soils, dry or moist, and in full sun to part shade. It forms whorls of lance-shaped dark green leaves and branched candelabras of narrow flower spikes in mid to late summer, reaching up to 5 feet tall. Plants seldom need staking.

Distinction from Veronica

Veronicastrum differs from Veronica only in leaf arrangement: leaves are borne in whorls rather than opposite each other on the stems.

Growing Conditions

• Light: Full sun to part shade.
• Soil: Good, well-drained soil.
• Spacing: 18 inches apart.

Care

• Plants may take up to 3 years to achieve maturity.
• Fertilize lightly once in early spring, beginning the second spring after planting.
• Few insects or diseases trouble them.

Design Ideas

Superb with tall anemones and beautiful with ornamental grasses. A gem for the middle or back of the border.