culver’s root
Veronicastrum virginicum
RHS Plants for Pollinators
USDA zones3 to 8
SunHandles full sun to partial shade
WaterHandles moderate to wet soil
Size4 to 7 feet tall2 to 4 feet wide
- Growth rate
- Moderate
- Habit
- Herb
- Bloom season
- Spring, summer, autumn
- Bloom color
- White to pale blue
- Foliage color
- Green
- Soil types
- Sand, loam, clay
- Soil pH
- Acid, alkaline, neutral
Garden uses
Attracts
Notes
Culver's root (Veronicastrum virginicum) is a perennial for borders, cut flowers, pollinator gardens, and rain gardens. It is hardy to USDA zone 3, or down to -40°F (-40°C). This plant likes full sun to part shade and average to wet, sandy, loamy, or clay soil. Deer and rabbits rarely make it their first choice. Its unbranched stems carry spikes of tiny white to pinkish flowers in a candelabra shape. Butterflies and bees visit the blooms.
Pairs well with Spotted joe-pye weed, Indian grass, and Royal fern.
Native range
North America, District of Columbia, and New Jersey.