Veronicastrum are elegant hardy herbaceous perennials that look wonderful in (and add a touch of class to) any garden. They give a strong vertical lift to any border or mixed patio planter. Flowers are generally in white, pink or purplish tones, and are packed into dense spikes at the tips of the shoots (and sometimes in the upper leaf joints, which gives the plants a vaguely candelabra-like appearance). Veronicastrums have serrated, lance-shaped leaves, and can grow to 90-180cm tall. Very accommodating plants, they will tolerate most soils (apart from very dry), in sun or partial shade. After three or four years, they are easily divided, or may be left to form impressive clumps. Common names for the Veronicastrum include Culver’s root, Bowman’s toot, black root and whorlywort. They have their origins in North America and Eurasia, and their flowering season is from June to September.