Veronicastrum

There is a particular kind of height that Veronicastrums do exceptionally well: tall, upright and architectural, but never stiff. Commonly known as Culver’s root, these hardy perennials send up slender spires of tiny flowers above distinctive whorls of foliage, giving borders a strong vertical rhythm through summer. Depending on the Veronicastrum variety, the flower spikes can be white, pale pink, lilac or soft violet, with branching stems often creating an airy candelabra effect that catches the eye without overpowering neighbouring plants.

Veronicastrum is especially at home in generous mixed borders, prairie-style planting and naturalistic schemes, where its height can rise through grasses and lower perennials rather than simply sitting at the back. It prefers fertile, moisture-retentive soil and performs well in sun or light shade, particularly where the ground does not dry out for long periods. The flowers are also valuable to bees and other pollinators, while the strong stems tend to hold their shape well, making Veronicastrum perennials useful for creating structure that lasts beyond the main flush of bloom.

Used in repeated groups, Culver’s root plants can give a border a beautifully measured sense of movement, drawing the eye upwards and linking different areas of planting together. Veronicastrums pair naturally with ornamental grasses, echinacea, rudbeckia and other later-flowering perennials, bringing height, texture and a lighter touch to UK gardens without the need for bulky foliage or heavy flowerheads.