Veronicastrum virginicum 'Fascination' - Culver's Root cultivar

Sizes available: #1 (Trade gallon)

Basics: zones 3-8, 36-48" x 24", full sun to part sun or high, light shade, pale lavender candelabra-like spires comprised of hundreds of tiny flowers in mid to late summer held high above attractive whorls of willow-shaped leaves, needs good drainage, but likes consistent moisture.

Common names: Culver's Root

Family: Plantaginaceae

Origin/Distribution: 'Fascination' is a selected variety developed from a plant discovered growing in the garden of artist and plantsman Ton ter Linden in the Netherlands. The species is native from Vermont to Ontario and south to Georgia, Louisiana, and Oklahoma.

Habitat: stream banks, moist fields, prairies, and woods edge

More: A tall and architectural, but graceful addition to a sunny border. Makes a good cut flower and also attracts many pollinators. The species has been used medicinally as a laxative and has strong purgative action, so proceed with caution. May get a second bloom if cut back, can grow in high, light shade and takes a couple of seasons to get established. Deer and rabbit resistant.

Source: Van Berkum

Image credits: courtesy of Van Berkum Nursery