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Herbaceous Perennial

Veronicastrum virginicum
  • RHS Plants for pollinators

Culver's root

A tall, upright, herbaceous perennial to 2m with whorls of narrow, pointed leaves and branched stems topped with long spikes of tiny, white, occasionally purple or pink, flowers in summer

Other common names
Beaumont's root
blackroot
see moreBrinton's root
Culver's physic
great Virginian speedwell
Bowman's root
Synonyms
Veronica virginica
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Size
Ultimate height
1.5–2.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
2–5 years
Ultimate spread
0.5–1 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Clay
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green
Summer Pink Purple White Green
Autumn Green
Winter
Position
  • Full shade
  • Partial shade
Aspect

South–facing or West–facing or East–facing

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H7
Botanical details
Family
Plantaginaceae
Native to GB / Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Clump forming
Genus

Veronicastrum are tall herbaceous perennials with erect stems bearing narrow leaves in whorls, and long terminal racemes of small flowers in summer

Name status

Correct

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in moderately fertile, humus-rich, moist soil in full sun or partial shade

Propagation

Propagate by division in spring

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Coastal
  • Prairie planting
  • Flower borders and beds
Pruning

Remove flower spikes as they fade

Pests

May be susceptible to aphids

Diseases

May be subject to downy mildews, powdery mildews and a leaf spot

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