Buy Now, Plant Later! Spring Reservations Are Open

Free Shipping On Orders Over $199

Reserve Your Spring Garden Now

Growing Zone: | Garden in
Find your Growing Zone!

Culvers Root

Veronicastrum virginicum

Regular price $3563
In Stock

Unfortunately, this item cannot be shipped to your state.

Shipping to a different address?

Shipping to your area may be delayed due to weather conditions.

Shipping to a different address?

Enter your ZIP code to check shipping availability.

Find your Growing Zone
Plant Size

Plant Sentry™

Plant Sentry Protected

Plant Sentry™ Protected

Your order is protected by our compliance system that:

  • Prevents restricted plants from shipping to your state
  • Ensures plants meet your state's agricultural requirements
  • Protects gardens from invasive pests and diseases

Learn more about Plant Sentry™

Delivery and Shipping

Delivery and Shipping

Fast, Safe Plant Delivery
Ships in 3-4 business days • Tracking provided • Weather protected

Under $50 $9.99
$50 - $99.99 $14.99
$100 - $149.99 $16.99
$150 - $198.99 $24.99
$199+ FREE

✓ Zone-specific timing • ✓ Professional packaging • ✓ Health guarantee

Plant Profile & Growing Essentials

Cold hardy, Native, Flowering, Clay Tolerant, Wet Soils, Attracts Butterflies, Attracts pollinators, and Deer-resistant

Specifications

  • Botanical Name
    Veronicastrum virginicum
  • Height
    3-6 ft
  • Width
    2-4 ft
  • Growing Zones
    3-7
  • Sunlight
    • Full sun
  • Growth Rate
    Moderate
  • Flower Color
    • Blue
    • White
  • Leaf Color
    • Green
  • Native
    Yes
  • Pollinator Friendly
    Yes
  • Pollinator Required
    No
  • Bloom Period
    Early Summer, Late Summer
  • Does Not Ship To
    AK, HI, ID, MT

Planting & Care Instructions

Where to Plant

  • Sunlight: Choose a spot that receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight to ensure the tall flower spikes remain strong and upright. While it tolerates partial shade, the stems may lean or require staking if they do not get enough light.
  • Soil: This plant prefers moist, rich, and loamy soil that mimics a meadow environment. If you have heavy clay, mix in plenty of organic compost to help the soil hold moisture without becoming stagnant or compacted.

Watering Requirements

During the first year, keep the soil consistently moist to help the deep root system establish itself. Mature plants can handle brief dry periods, but they prefer regular deep soakings that reach the root zone. If the plant dries out too much, you will see the lower leaves turn yellow and drop as a sign of stress.

Pruning Tips

Culver's Root blooms on new wood, so the best time to prune is in late winter or early spring before new growth starts. Think of this like a fresh start for the season by cutting the old stems down to about 2 inches above the ground. You can also deadhead the central flower spike after it fades to encourage the smaller side branches to produce a second flush of blooms.

Fertilizer Needs

Apply a balanced, slow release fertilizer or a thick layer of finished compost in early spring as the first shoots appear. Avoid using high nitrogen fertilizers in mid to late summer because they promote weak and spindly growth. This rapid growth makes the tall stems more likely to flop over during heavy summer rains or wind.

Tall Native Blooms for Pollinators - Culvers Root!

  • White-Lavender Floral Spikes
  • Deep-Green Foliage
  • Upright, Strong Verticle Accent
  • Easy Care & Low Maintenance
  • Beneficial Pollinator Friendly
  • Full Sun Native

Also known as Black Root, Culvers Root (Veronicastrum virginicum) is a hardy native perennial. These pollinator magnets add vertical interest to the wildflower garden.

Often over 5' tall, mid-summer brings candelabra-like, branched flower spikes, resembling their Veronica botanical namesake. Blooms are white with a lavender tinge and are loved by butterflies!

Growing from deep-green basal foliage that forms whorls with very sturdy stems in full sun.

How to Use Culvers Root In The Landscape

The height of these native perennials makes them perfect as back-of-the-border and vertical accents.

Prairie, Wildflower and Naturalized garden settings are lovely locations. Preferring moist to average soil, Rain gardens and soggy sites.

Blooming all summer, these are fantastic as tall additions to your Cut Flower gardens, plus amazing in Cottage gardens and Perennial beds and borders.

#ProPlantTips For Care

Full sun provides the strongest stems, although when planting in warmer growing zones 3-8, these do appreciate light shade.

Native plants that don't mind occasionally wet to moist soil, doing best in average, well-drained soil.

Control the size by pruning back before they bloom and dead-heading to extend bloom time.

Culvers Root is an amazing tall addition to native and prairie garden design! Tough and adaptable, you will be glad you included this fantastic plant! Order from Nature Hills today!

Find Your Garden's Growing Zone!

Your Current Growing Zone:

Zone

ZIP Code:

✓ Growing Zone Set Successfully!

Your zone has been saved and will be used throughout the site.

⚠ Unable to locate a growing zone for that ZIP code.

Please check your ZIP code and try again.

Looking up your growing zone...

When ordering a tree or plant, make sure to know your planting zone.

You can determine your garden's USDA hardiness zone by entering your Zip Code below.