Culver’s Root (Veronicastrum virginicum)

Culver’s Root (Veronicastrum virginicum)

Culver’s Root brings structure, softness and balance with its tall, candelabra-style blooms of tiny white (sometimes pale lavender) flowers rise in midsummer above deep green, finely serrated leaves. While the flowers themselves are delicate, the overall form is strong and upright, making it a perfect complement to the more vibrant, saturated blooms of Joe pye weed or prairie blazing star. Culver’s Root completes planting designs and plays a supporting role beautifully, giving the garden rhythm and rest between bursts of color.

In southeastern Wisconsin, it grows well in full sun to part shade and appreciates consistent moisture, but it’s more adaptable than its rain garden reputation suggests. This plant blends seamlessly into everything from very formal pollinator beds to wild-looking meadows.

Growing Conditions
Light: Full sun to part shade
Soil: Moist to medium, well-drained soil; tolerates clay with good drainage
Height: 4–6 feet
Spread: 2–3 feet
Zones: 3–8
Bloom time: July through August

Wildlife Value
A valuable nectar source for native bees, butterflies, and beneficial flies, while its strong stems provide structure for nesting insects and light cover for garden wildlife.

Blooms Alongside:
Joe-Pye Weed (Eutrochium purpureum), Rose Milkweed (Asclepias incarnata), Prairie Blazing Star (Liatris pycnostachya), Wild Bergamot (Monarda fistulosa), White Prairie Clover (Dalea candida), Spotted Beebalm (Monarda punctata)