About
A slow-growing, herbaceous perennial with broad, pleated leaves. The flower stem can reach 2m, has short branches on the lower half, and is clothed in greenish-white, star-shaped flowers in mid- to late summer.
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
AspectWest-facing, South-facing, East-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH3
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitClump forming
FoliageDeciduous
Height1.5-2.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height5-10 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden, Architectural
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, humus-rich soil that is moist but well-drained; site in partial shade or full sun so long as the soil does not dry out. Shelter from cold, drying winds
PruningCut down flowering spike after flowering
PropagationPropagate by seed in pots in a cold frame as soon as seed is ripe. Propagate by division in early spring or autumn
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to slugs and snails
Disease resistanceGenerally disease- free