Culver's Root (Veronicastrum virginicum)

from $8.00

This stately native perennial is beloved for its unique, candelabra-like flower spikes that bloom in a soft white to pale lavender. Unlike the shaggy look of some prairie plants, Culver’s Root has deep green leaves arranged in tidy, horizontal "whirls" around the stem, providing beautiful texture even before the flowers appear. This plant is the perfect "bridge" for your garden, thriving in that sweet spot between moist and well-drained soils.

Plant Profile

  • Sun Exposure Full Sun to Partial Shade

  • Water Needs Medium; likes moist, well drained soil

  • Soil Type Needed Muck, Loam, Clay, or Moist Sand

  • Mature Height 4 – 6 feet

  • Deer Resistance High

  • Bloom Time June – August

  • Bloom Color White

  • Plant Spacing 2 – 3 feet

Plant Characteristics

  • Candelabra Blooms: Each main flower spike is surrounded by smaller secondary spikes, extending the bloom time and creating a multi-tiered "candelabra" effect.

  • Formal Structure: The unique "whorled" leaf pattern (growing in circles around the stem) gives the plant a clean, geometric look that fits beautifully in modern or formal landscapes.

  • Non-Aggressive: It is a well-behaved clump-former, meaning it stays exactly where you plant it and won't try to take over the rest of your garden.

Wildlife Benefits

  • Bees & Butterflies: It is a vital nectar source for butterflies and a variety of bees.

Pro Tip: Culver’s Root is a true "sun-seeker." While it can handle partial shade, its stems are sturdiest and its flower spikes are most upright when it receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight. If you are planting it in a more shaded spot, consider placing it near a fence or sturdier neighbors like Joe Pye Weed for a little extra support. To encourage the best display, keep the soil mulch-covered to retain the moisture this "cool-season" beauty loves!

Size:

This stately native perennial is beloved for its unique, candelabra-like flower spikes that bloom in a soft white to pale lavender. Unlike the shaggy look of some prairie plants, Culver’s Root has deep green leaves arranged in tidy, horizontal "whirls" around the stem, providing beautiful texture even before the flowers appear. This plant is the perfect "bridge" for your garden, thriving in that sweet spot between moist and well-drained soils.

Plant Profile

  • Sun Exposure Full Sun to Partial Shade

  • Water Needs Medium; likes moist, well drained soil

  • Soil Type Needed Muck, Loam, Clay, or Moist Sand

  • Mature Height 4 – 6 feet

  • Deer Resistance High

  • Bloom Time June – August

  • Bloom Color White

  • Plant Spacing 2 – 3 feet

Plant Characteristics

  • Candelabra Blooms: Each main flower spike is surrounded by smaller secondary spikes, extending the bloom time and creating a multi-tiered "candelabra" effect.

  • Formal Structure: The unique "whorled" leaf pattern (growing in circles around the stem) gives the plant a clean, geometric look that fits beautifully in modern or formal landscapes.

  • Non-Aggressive: It is a well-behaved clump-former, meaning it stays exactly where you plant it and won't try to take over the rest of your garden.

Wildlife Benefits

  • Bees & Butterflies: It is a vital nectar source for butterflies and a variety of bees.

Pro Tip: Culver’s Root is a true "sun-seeker." While it can handle partial shade, its stems are sturdiest and its flower spikes are most upright when it receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight. If you are planting it in a more shaded spot, consider placing it near a fence or sturdier neighbors like Joe Pye Weed for a little extra support. To encourage the best display, keep the soil mulch-covered to retain the moisture this "cool-season" beauty loves!