Veronicastrum plants and species
Veronicastrum plants and species (Culvers Root) include Veronicastrum virginicum and Veronicastrum sibiricum, both useful plants for the garden border.
It is perhaps Veronicastrum virginicum or ‘Culvers Root’ that draws the most attention. Strong upright flower spikes in spring introduce a good architectural element to the garden border. The flowers are light and airy, yet draw attention.
Useful in landscaping to help create height at the back of the border when in flower, these are an easy to grow plant in a reasonable fertile soil. They will reach nearly 2m in height depending on the species. Very attractive to bees and butterflies.
Summary Conditions
This is a very low care plant that can be deadheaded after flowering to encourage a second flush of flowers.
- Soil – Humus rich moist soil.
- Position – Full sun.
- Height – To 1m plus.
- Frost tolerant – Yes.
- Flowers – Pale Pink to Rosy Pink
- Flowering time – Late summer.
Growing Conditions
Veronicastrum are an elegant upright perennial with flowers like spires, they prefer a moist woodland type setting but do well in full sun with some protection from the hot afternoon sun. Reasonably drought tolerant and long straight flower stems make for a good cut flower.
Pruning.
As the foliage dies back, prune the plant right back to the ground above the basal growth.
Veronicastrum plants are available for sale from the following nurseries
52 Rodd St Canowindra NSW 2804
An online nursery specialising in drought and frost tolerant perennials and fragrant, edible and herbs.
www.perennialle.com.au
138 Olinda-Monbulk Rd, Olinda VIC 3788
"Large range of rare and unusual plants.."
www.gentiananursery.com.au
Large variety of Epimediums, Woodland plants and Herbaceous perennials
Mail order or nursery. We do not send to Tasmania or WA
www.cloverhillrareplants.com
PO Box 7040 Leura NSW 2780
Rare woodland plants, Trilliums Epimediums, Arisaemas, plus much more.www.lynnsrareplants.com.au