About
An upright, clump-forming, rhizomatous perennial to 1.4m, with large, broadly linear green leaves arranged in whorls around the stems. Tall, thick spikes of lilac-blue flowers appear from June to August.
About the genus
Veronicastrum are tall herbaceous perennials with erect stems bearing narrow leaves in whorls, and long terminal racemes of small flowers in summer
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectEast-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH7
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitClump forming
FoliageDeciduous
Height1-1.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden
Care notes
CultivationGrow in moderately fertile, humus-rich, moist soil in sun or partial shade
PruningCut back old stems in early spring
PropagationPropagate by by sowing seed in pots in a cold frame in autumn, or by division in spring
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to aphids
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to leaf spot, downy mildews and powdery mildews