Overview
Veronicastrum virginicum 'Album' is a clump forming perennial in the genus Veronicastrum, part of the Plantaginaceae family, with deciduous foliage. It typically grows around 1.2 m tall. Veronicastrum virginicum 'Album' grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. Suggested uses include borders and cut flower. It is native to Manitoba and Ontario.
About
Veronicastrum virginicum, or Culver's root, is a species of flowering plant in the plantain family, Plantaginaceae. It is native to the eastern United States and south-eastern Canada.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Veronicastrum virginicum
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
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Veronicastrum
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Sandy, Loamy, Clay
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, West-facing, East-facing
- Exposure
- Full sun
- UK hardiness
- H7
Plant details
Veronicastrum virginicum 'Album' size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Perennial
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- 1.2 m
- Suggested uses
- Borders, Cut flower
- Native to
- Manitoba, Ontario
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Veronicastrum virginicum 'Album'
- Cultivation
- Prefers moist, well-drained soil; tolerates a range of soil types; benefits from staking in windy sites
- Pruning
- Cut back to ground level in late winter or early spring
- Propagation
- Division in spring or autumn; seed propagation possible but less common
- Pest resistance
- Aphids
- Disease resistance
- Downy mildews, Powdery mildews, Leaf spot
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Veronicastrum virginicum 'Album'?
Prefers moist, well-drained soil; tolerates a range of soil types; benefits from staking in windy sites.
Where is the best place to plant Veronicastrum virginicum 'Album'?
Veronicastrum virginicum 'Album' prefers full sun. It suits full sun positions.
What soil does Veronicastrum virginicum 'Album' need?
Veronicastrum virginicum 'Album' is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including sandy, loamy and clay. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
How do I prune Veronicastrum virginicum 'Album'?
Cut back to ground level in late winter or early spring.
How big does Veronicastrum virginicum 'Album' grow?
Veronicastrum virginicum 'Album' reaches a height of 1.2 m.
Is Veronicastrum virginicum 'Album' hardy in the UK?
Veronicastrum virginicum 'Album' has an RHS hardiness rating of H7, meaning it is fully hardy throughout the UK, tolerating temperatures below -20°C.
How do I propagate Veronicastrum virginicum 'Album'?
Division in spring or autumn; seed propagation possible but less common.
From the Fenn Plants journal
- Notes on DaffodilsWhen to plant daffodil bulbs in the UK, how deep, how to naturalise them in grass, why daffodils stop flowering (“blindness”), and why you should never mix cut daffodils with other flowers.
- Keeping Your NerveHow to garden through a heatwave — the best time to water, why deep soaks beat daily sprinkles, caring for pots and vulnerable plants, and why you can let the lawn go brown.
- Made to LastHow to clean, store and protect garden pots and planters — the frost-proof vs frost-resistant difference, winter care for terracotta and ceramic, and how to reuse a broken pot.
More in the Veronicastrum genus
- Veronicastrum 'Fascination'
- Veronicastrum virg. 'Adoration'
- Veronicastrum virg. 'Album'
- Veronicastrum virg. 'Diane'Culver's Root
- Veronicastrum virg. 'Fascination'Culver's Root
- Veronicastrum virg. 'Lavendelturm'