Genus Veronicastrum (Culver's root, Bowman's root)

Veronicastrum sibiricum Photo/Illustration: Barry Glick

ver-on-ih-KAS-trum Common Name: Culver's root, Bowman's root

These erect perennials have multiple, tapering, soft spikes of white to pale pink or bluish purple that open with conspicuous stamens and look like elegant, living candelabras. The blooms add a vertical accent to a mixed border or wild garden in midsummer to early autumn. The lance-shaped, whorled leaves are deep green and remain attractive through the season. Both species in this genus occur in prairies, meadows, open woodlands, and grassy mountains. 
Noteworthy characteristics: V. virginicum is a widespread native of Eastern North America.
Care: Grow in moderately fertile, moist soil in full sun or partial shade.
Propagation: Sow seed in a cold frame in autumn. Divide in spring or fall.
Problems: Downy mildew, powdery mildew, leaf spot.

Species, varieties and cultivars for genus Veronicastrum

Veronicastrum sibiricum
(Culver's root) Be the first to rate this plant

Hardiness Zones:

1

2

3

4

5

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11

This species has multiple 5- to 7-foot-tall, tapering spikes of pinkish-lavender flowers from summer to fall. They look like elegant, living candelabras and add a vertical accent to the back of a mixed border or wild garden.

Veronicastrum virginicum
(Culver's root, Bowman's root) Be the first to rate this plant

Hardiness Zones:

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

This species has multiple tapering, soft spikes of white to pale pink or bluish purple flowers that look like elegant, living candelabras. The blooms reach 4 feet or more, adding a vertical accent to the back of a mixed border or wild garden from mid-summer to early autumn. Plants spread to about 3 feet.

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