Veronicastrum virginicum 'Spring Dew'
culver's root
Upright and beautifully architectural, this elegant perennial adds height without making a border feel heavy. Strong stems carry whorls of deep green, lance-shaped leaves, topped from mid-summer into early autumn by slender spires of very pale blue to soft white flowers.
The airy flower spikes sit neatly above the foliage, giving Veronicastrum virginicum 'Spring Dew' a naturalistic look that works particularly well among ornamental grasses and other prairie-style perennials. Plant it in full sun or partial shade, ideally in moderately fertile, humus-rich soil that stays reliably moist, where its vertical form will provide useful structure and attract bees, butterflies and other pollinating insects.
The airy flower spikes sit neatly above the foliage, giving Veronicastrum virginicum 'Spring Dew' a naturalistic look that works particularly well among ornamental grasses and other prairie-style perennials. Plant it in full sun or partial shade, ideally in moderately fertile, humus-rich soil that stays reliably moist, where its vertical form will provide useful structure and attract bees, butterflies and other pollinating insects.
How to care for Veronicastrum virginicum Spring Dew:
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:
1.2m
Eventual spread:
0.45m
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.
