Veronicastrum virginicum 'LAVENDELTURM'

If looking for a perennial with interesting architecture that would look great or even dominant among shrubs or trees, perhaps could be a substitute for a shrub in places where there is not enough space, culver’s root might be the one for you. This genus has two species, each of them is named after its origin: Virginian and Siberian. They are very similar and differ mostly in flower colour and size in maturity. Formerly named as veronica (speedwell) it was decided that culver’s root is so unique that it deserves its genus.

Virginian culver’s root produces several whorls of chaste-tree-like, narrowly lance-shaped, mid to dark green leaves. They may resemble cannabis. In early summer the tips of the stems begin producing flower buds composed in long spikes, botanically more correctly classified as terminal racemes, opening in into small flowers in early July.

Lavendelturm is a German variety of culver’s root bred and introduced by Ernst Pagels (1913-2007) in 1998. It produces very large (tall) inflorescence of soft lavender pink to pale violet colour. The small tubular flowers are decorated with long white stamens with salmon anthers owing to which they look hairy. Mature and well-established plants produce more flowers at the axils in several tiers down the stem. It will look great in any perennial bed, here is one tip – try Monet-like pastel mix – combine pastel-coloured achilleas, erigerons, thalictrums, leucanthemums and similar plants and see the effect. Clean and yet colourful in soft shades. Other perennials will fade in envy.

Culver’s root will grow in evenly moist, fertile soil in full sun or with some shade during the day. It requires no maintenance whatsoever except for removing dead stems in early spring and some extra watering in very dry summers. It is hardy to about -40°C (USDA zone 3).

Last update 08-03-2020