About

Veronicastrum virg. 'Diane' is a cultivated selection of the genus Veronicastrum in the family Plantaginaceae and flowers in July to August. It belongs to a group of plants whose most commonly grown species, Veronicastrum virginicum, originates from eastern North America. Taxonomists have at times placed Veronicastrum within Veronica, reflecting close relationships revealed by recent studies. 'Diane' is chosen where a reliable mid-summer display of the genus is wanted.

About the genus

Veronicastrum is a genus of flowering plants in the family Plantaginaceae. In some taxonomy systems, Veronicastrum species have been placed within the genus Veronica. The most commonly cultivated species is Veronicastrum virginicum, which is native to the Eastern parts of North America.

Wikipedia contributors, "Veronicastrum", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Veronicastrum

In the garden

Veronicastrum virg. 'Diane' sits within the genus Veronicastrum (family Plantaginaceae), a group formerly treated alongside or within Veronica in older classifications. The genus includes Veronicastrum virginicum, the species most often seen in cultivation, which is native to the eastern regions of North America. Genetic studies have clarified its placement in Plantaginaceae rather than the older Scrophulariaceae assignment. Plants of this group are valued for their summer flowering; Veronicastrum virg. 'Diane' reliably blooms in the UK from July to August. Position plants where the midsummer bloom will be noticed and allow space for seed set if you plan to collect seed or permit self-sowing. Although exact requirements can vary between selections, gardeners typically treat Veronicastrum selections as structural summer-flowering elements within mixed plantings. Use 'Diane' in larger mixed borders or alongside other perennial and late-spring to summer-flowering companions to extend season-long interest. Expect the cultivar’s flowering period to be confined to July and August, providing a defined midsummer contribution to the border palette.

More in the Veronicastrum genus

• 
  Veronicastrum 'Fascination'
• 
  Veronicastrum virg. 'Adoration'
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  Veronicastrum virg. 'Album'
• 
  Veronicastrum virg. 'Fascination'Culver's Root
• 
  Veronicastrum virg. 'Lavendelturm'