Veronicastrum virginicum 'Erica'

culver's root

• Position: full sun or partial shade
• Soil: moderately fertile, moist, well-drained soil
• Rate of growth: average
• Flowering period: July to August
• Hardiness: fully hardy
  
  Red buds open to tiny, pale pink flowers clustered on long, slender spires from July to August. This tall perennial is great for adding vertical interest to the border, or for growing at the back of a perennial border, and the flowers are self-supporting, too. It looks lovely planted with prairie-style plants, such as ornamental grasses. Best grown in fertile, moist, well-drained soil in a sunny or partially shaded spot.
  
  
• Garden care: Divide congested plants in spring. Apply a generous 5-7cm mulch of well-rotted garden compost or manure around the base of the plant in spring, to retain moisture around the plant.