Culvers Root Fascination

Veronicastrum virginicum 'Fascination' isn't a well know perennial that is native to Misouri, but definitely one that deserves attention.  It adds vertical interest like no other, and butterflies and pollinators love to come calling over a long bloom period. Deep green foliage makes a fantastic backdrop for the pale florets. Great for courtyard, coastal and wild gardens. Urban friendly, too.

Care

Best grown in zones 3-8, this tough, long lasting and disease resistant plant is amazing.  Easily grown in average, medium to wet, well-drained soil in full sun. Tolerates light shade (and appreciates some afternoon shade in the deep South), but tends to flop and require support if grown in too much shade. Soils should not be allowed to dry out. Usually takes several years to establish itself in the garden. Deadhead spent racemes to extend bloom period. Cut back plants after flowering to basal growth to stimulate new foliage growth and possible late summer or fall bloom.

Growth Habit

Typically reaches 3-7' tall when in bloom. Resembles a large veronica, except its lance-shaped leaves are in whorls (3-7 leaves per whorl) on the stems rather than opposite. Dense, slender, 9" long spikes (racemes) of tiny, tube-like, white to pale blue flowers open from the top down in late spring to early summer atop strong, upright stems. Bloom can extend well into the summer. Smaller, branching, erect, lateral racemes give plant a candelabra-like effect when in full bloom. Root has been used medicinally as a cathartic. Culver's Root Fascination features tall spires of light violet-blue and white blooms that reach amazing heights of up to 5 five and make excellent foundation or back border accents. Blooms mid-summer to early fall. Loved by pollinators, a unique addition to pollinator and cut flower gardens.

Toxicity

Deer & rabbit resistant. The fresh root is a violent cathartic (a purgative) and is dangerous to use as it may produce bloody stool and possibly abortion.