About
An upright, rhizomatous perennial to 2.5m high, with broad, pleated vivid green leaves that are hairy underneath. In summer, produces branching flower stems covered with small, star-shaped, green and creamy white flowers.
About the genus
Veratrum are herbaceous, rhizomatous perennials with erect stems bearing alternate, pleated ovate or elliptic leaves and dense, branched panicles of small, star-shaped flowers in summer
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeClay, Loam
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectEast-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH3
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitClump forming
FoliageDeciduous
Height1.5-2.5 metres
Spread1.5-2.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesArchitectural, Cottage and informal garden
Native toWestern N America
ToxicityTOXIC if eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling TOXIC to pets if eaten (dogs) - see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants for further information and useful contact numbers
Care notes
CultivationGrow in deep, fertile soil in partial shade; will tolerate full sun in a site where the soil does not dry out. Protect from cold, drying winds. Poisonous to livestock.
PruningFlower spike can be cut down after flowering, or left to develop seed heads for winter interest
PropagationPropagate by seed sown in pots in a cold frame as soon as seed is ripe, or by division of established clumps in early spring or autumn
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to slugs and snails
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free