Growing Veronicastrum (Culver's Root)

Pronunciation: veh-ron-ih-kas'trum 

A gem for the middle or back of the border, our native Veronicastrum thrives in average soils, dry or moist, and is equally happy in full sun to part shade. It produces whorls of clean, lance-shaped dark green leaves, and branched candelabras of narrow flower spikes in mid to late summer. Plants grow up to 5ft tall and seldom need staking. Superb with tall Anemones, and beautiful with Ornamental Grasses.

Veronicastrum is a genus of two species that differs from Veronica only in the presentation of the leaves, which are borne in whorls rather than opposite each other on the stems. These elegant natives of moist meadows from Massachusetts to Florida are tough and reliable and rarely need staking. Few insects or diseases trouble them.

Plant in good, well drained soil in either full sun or part shade. Plants may take up to 3 years to achieve maturity. Fertilize with a light hand, once in early spring, beginning the second spring after planting. Space plants 18" apart.