Veronicastrum virginicum Challenger (PBR)
culver's root
Veronicastrum virginicum 'Challenger' rises with distinctive branching flower spikes, where multiple upright prongs splay dramatically from the main stem, each adorned with soft pink blooms carrying subtle hints of green.
This relatively compact, clump-forming perennial arranges its lance-shaped, toothed leaves in attractive whorls, creating a fresh green foundation for the summer display that extends into early autumn. Perfect for adding vertical drama when partnered with tall verbenas and ornamental grasses, this versatile plant excels in prairie, cottage, and wildlife gardens alike.
The show continues well beyond the flowering season, as the frosted silhouettes of unpruned stems create striking winter interest before making way for fresh spring growth.
This relatively compact, clump-forming perennial arranges its lance-shaped, toothed leaves in attractive whorls, creating a fresh green foundation for the summer display that extends into early autumn. Perfect for adding vertical drama when partnered with tall verbenas and ornamental grasses, this versatile plant excels in prairie, cottage, and wildlife gardens alike.
The show continues well beyond the flowering season, as the frosted silhouettes of unpruned stems create striking winter interest before making way for fresh spring growth.
How to care for Veronicastrum virginicum Challenger (PBR):
Choose a location in full sun to partial shade, though plants will flower best with at least 6 hours of direct sunlight. The soil should be rich, moisture-retentive, and well-draining - incorporate plenty of well-rotted organic matter if the soil is particularly poor.
Dig planting holes twice as wide as the root ball and at the same depth, spacing plants 45-60cm (18-24in) apart to allow for their mature spread. Position plants at the same level they were growing in their pots, backfill with soil, and firm gently to eliminate air pockets. Water deeply immediately after planting, and apply a 5-7cm (2-3in) layer of mulch around the base, keeping it away from the stems.
During their first growing season, keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged, watering deeply when the top few cms of soil feel dry. Young plants may need staking until they establish strong root systems, particularly in exposed sites.While established plants are relatively drought-tolerant, newly planted, or divided specimens, will need regular watering until their root systems establish.
Dig planting holes twice as wide as the root ball and at the same depth, spacing plants 45-60cm (18-24in) apart to allow for their mature spread. Position plants at the same level they were growing in their pots, backfill with soil, and firm gently to eliminate air pockets. Water deeply immediately after planting, and apply a 5-7cm (2-3in) layer of mulch around the base, keeping it away from the stems.
During their first growing season, keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged, watering deeply when the top few cms of soil feel dry. Young plants may need staking until they establish strong root systems, particularly in exposed sites.While established plants are relatively drought-tolerant, newly planted, or divided specimens, will need regular watering until their root systems establish.
Flowering period:
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
Eventual height:
1.5m
Eventual spread:
0.7m
Position:
Full sun / light shade
Rate of growth:
Average
Soil:
Moderately fertile, moist, well-drained soil
Hardiness:
Fully hardy
-
This perennial dies back to below ground level each year in autumn, then fresh new growth appears again in spring.
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