This hard-working, graceful perennial deserves to be better known. Ideal for native and rain gardens, Culver’s Root (Veronicastrum) also does well in average garden soil and full sun in most any setting. It lends a strong vertical accent, doesn’t spread or self-seed, has a long bloom period, and the bees adore it. Best of all it needs almost no care. Easy-peasy!
Starting in June, each 2-foot to 5-foot stem will develop racemes, bud up and begin opening from the bottom up. Fluffy arrow-like pink, white or lavender tufts will billow softly in the breeze atop attractive palmate foliage. This plant doesn’t need staking (when grown in full sun) and it stands up well to storms. Deer may sample it occasionally, but they leave it alone for the most part. Remarkably disease resistant, Culver’s root takes heat and humidity in stride.