Unpack bare roots or rhizomes on arrival and plant them within a week. Until then, keep them somewhere cool and ensure the roots remain slightly moist, never wet.
Out of season
Deluxe
Veronicastrum
'Cupid'
Culver's root
For glorious summer spikes of purple/blue/deep lilac, look no further than Veronicastrum 'Cupid'. It's a tall, herbaceous perennial to 90-120cm, with twists of narrow, dark green, pointed leaves. Throughout summer and early autumn, long candelabra-like flower spikes are topped by beautiful, richly coloured blooms. Veronicastrum 'Cupid' is a gloriously thick and stocky plant, and the flowers are a magnet for bees and other pollinators. They are also excellent for cutting.
Known as Culver’s root, veronicastrums are outstanding plants from eastern North America. Veronicastrum virginicum 'Cupid' has been refined by breeders, who have created a plant that deserves a special spot in any sunny border. For best results, grow 'Cupid' in moist but well-drained soil in full sun to part shade. If you deadhead the spent blooms, you will encourage flowering for even longer. Mulch with well-rotted manure or compost in autumn. And, even better, after a few years, clumps may be easily divided to give you many more plants; do this in early spring.
Quantity
Plant profile
Remove the packaging straight away, check the compost and water thoroughly if dry. Check the plant’s hardiness before placing it outdoors. Plant into a border or permanent container within a month, choosing the position recommended for the variety. Keep the top of the root ball level with the surrounding soil, firm gently and water well.
Soak the roots in water for three to six hours immediately before planting. Keep any crown, buds or emerging shoots above the water where possible.
Pot most bare roots into 15–20cm pots filled with peat-free multipurpose compost. Large or depth-sensitive roots, including peonies, are often best planted directly into borders.
Arrange the roots naturally without bending them. Cover the roots completely, positioning the crown and buds at the depth recommended for that particular perennial.
Keep pots in a sheltered outdoor position and water whenever the compost begins to dry. Grow on until roots hold the compost together when lifted from the pot.
Plant into a suitable border or permanent container once well rooted. Add a label and water regularly throughout the first growing season while the perennial establishes.
- Botanical name
- Veronicastrum virginicum 'Cupid'
- Flower colour
- Purple
- Established height
- 1.2-1.8m
- Established spread
- 70cm-1m
- Growing skill
- Easy to grow
- Habit
- Upright
- Hardiness
- Fully hardy
- Leaf colour
- Green
- Mouse resistant
- Yes
- Plant size
- 1
- Plant spacing
- 5 plants per m2
- Pollinator friendly
- Yes
- Position
- Sheltered
- Rabbit resistant
- No
- Scented
- No
- Soil acidity
- Any
- Soil moisture
-
Free draining
Damp - Soil type
-
Loam
Clay
Stony
Multipurpose compost
Loam-based compost - Suitable for
-
Borders
Cottage gardens
Low maintenance gardens
Cut flower gardens - Sunlight
-
Full sun
Partial shade - Toxicity
- No report
- Years to establish
- 2-3 years
Good for cutting
Pollinator-friendly
Perennial
Fully hardy
Packed peat-free
Low maintenance
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