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

Veronicastrum virginicum Photo/Illustration: Barbara Blossom Ashmun


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Hardiness Zones: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11
Botanical Name: Veronicastrum virginicum ver-on-ih-KAS-trum ver-JIN-ih-kum Common Name: Culver's root, Bowman's root Synonyms: Veronica virginica Genus: Veronicastrum
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.
 Noteworthy characteristics: Culver's root's lance-shaped, whorled leaves are deep green and remain attractive through the season. It is a widespread native of eastern North America, occurring in prairies, meadows, open woodlands, and grassy mountains. 
 Care: Provide 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.
Height 3 ft. to 6 ft.
Spread 1 ft. to 3 ft.
Growth Habit Clumps
Growth Pace Moderate Grower
Light Full Sun to Part Shade
Moisture Medium Moisture
Maintenance Low
Tolerance Frost Tolerant
Characteristics Attracts Butterflies; Native; Showy Flowers
Bloom Time Early Summer; Late Summer; Summer
Flower Color Blue Flower; Pink Flower; Purple/ Lavender Flower; White Flower
Uses , Beds and Borders, Naturalizing
Style , Herb Garden, Cottage Garden, Meadow Garden, Woodland Garden
Seasonal Interest , Summer Interest
Type ,Perennials

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