How to grow veronicastrum (and which to plant)

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Veronicastrum virginicum 'Lavendelturm'. Torie Chugg

Veronicastrum forms neat clumps and is not invasive, with tall, slender stems emerging from lance-shaped, green leaves. The flowers of veronicastrum come in a range of colours from soft pink, lilac and white through to mauve and darker pink. Colour and interest last for many weeks in summer as the tiny flowers open gradually from the base to tip of each bloom. Height range varies according to variety – the shortest are around 1m high, with the tallest up to 1.5m.

How to grow veronicastrum

Plant veronicastrum in full sun or light shade in fertile, moisture-retentive soil. Once established, plants need very little care apart from an annual mulch in late winter. Leave dead stems standing through autumn and winter until they lose their structure. Cut back to the ground before spring.

Where to grow veronicastrum

Veronicastrum growing as part of a white border. Jason Ingram

Site in sun for the best flowers, although plants do still flower reasonably well in light shade. Plant in borders, in good soil. Veronicastrum looks best in groups or repeat-planted, in a mixed border or with grasses and perennials in a naturalistic-style planting scheme.

How to plant veronicastrum

Ideally grow in soil that is fertile and moisture-retentive, although not wet or waterlogged ground. Improve dry soils with plenty of organic matter to retain moisture. Plant in autumn, during mild spells in winter, or in early spring. Only plant veronicastrum in summer if kept watered for the rest of the growing season.

How to care for veronicastrum

Veronicastrum rowing among other flowers in a mixed border. Jason Ingram

Once established, veronicastrum needs little care apart from cutting back dead growth, and ideally mulching with garden compost or an organic mulch in late winter. Usually plants are self-supporting, although may need staking in wet years that encourage lush growth, or in exposed sites. Either use grow-through supports put in place during spring that become hidden by plant growth, surround each plant with canes and string, or insert twiggy hazel stems in the ground around the clump.

How to prune veronicastrum

Cut back dead stems to ground level, before the emergence of new growth in spring.

How to propagate veronicastrum

Veronicastrum growing as part of a mixed border. Paul Debois

Unlike most herbaceous perennials, veronicastrum does not benefit from division, which can damage the plants. The best method of propagation is by taking cuttings from non-flowering side shoots in summer. Once rooted, grow these on in individual pots until well grown, to plant out the following year.

Pests and diseases

Veronicastrum is usually free of pests and diseases.

Advice on buying veronicastrum

Veronicastrum is available from nurseries and garden centres, sometimes in a choice of pot sizes
A range of varieties can be found from online suppliers, usually in 9cm pots though occasionally in larger 2l pots
Do not confuse veronicastrum with veronica, which looks similar in flower but lacks the habit and stature of veronicastrum