Veronicastrum virginicum 'Cupid'

RHS Plant Profile
Culver's root 'Cupid'
Plants for pollinators
Herbaceous Perennial

A tall, herbacous perennial to about 2m, with whorls of narrow, dark green, pointed leaves, topped by long, narrow spires of purple flowers in summer and early autumn

Position

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil Types

Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand

Max Height

1.5-2.5 metres

Max Spread

0.5-1 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
2–5 years
Max Spread
0.5-1 metres
Max Height
1.5-2.5 metres

Growing Conditions

Chalk Clay Loam Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun Partial shade
Aspect
South–facing or East–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H7
Drought Resistance
Yes

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Plantaginaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Clump forming
Genus
Veronicastrum are tall herbaceous perennials with erect stems bearing narrow leaves in whorls, and long terminal racemes of small flowers in summer
Name Status
Unresolved

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow in moderately fertile, humus-rich, moist soil in full sun or partial shade

Propagation

Propagate by division in spring

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Prairie planting
  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Flower borders and beds

Pruning

Remove flower spikes as they fade

Pests

May be susceptible to aphids

Diseases

May be susceptible to downy mildews, powdery mildews and a leaf spot