About
This tall, herbacous perennial to about 2m, with whorls of narrow, dark green, pointed leaves, topped by long, narrow spires of purple flowers in summer and early autumn.
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
AspectSouth-facing, East-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH7
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitClump forming
FoliageDeciduous
Height1.5-2.5 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden, Prairie planting, City and courtyard gardens, Wildlife gardens
Care notes
CultivationGrow in moderately fertile, humus-rich, moist soil in full sun or partial shade
PruningRemove flower spikes as they fade
PropagationPropagate by division in spring
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to aphids
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to downy mildews, powdery mildews and a leaf spot