Veronicastrum virginicum Cupid

Veronicastrum virginicum 'Cupid' is an elegant variety of Virginia speedwell that stands out for its shimmering stamens along densely packed spikes of deep lavender flowers. Its tall and orderly habit allows it to structure borders and it will be appreciated for its extended summer flowering of slender and long fluffy spikes that stand upright and dance in the slightest breeze. This elegant plant brings height and grace to wet banks and water edges.

Veronicastrum virginicum is a deciduous perennial plant native to the eastern United States, specifically floodplains, banks, and wet ditches from Manitoba to Florida, through Oregon and Arkansas. It belongs to the Plantaginaceae family (formerly Scrophulariaceae). 'Cupid' quickly forms an erect clump of numerous stems covered with fairly dark green foliage. When in bloom, this plant will reach about 90 cm (35in) high with a spread of 50 cm (20in). The flowering period is long, from June to August, more or less staggered depending on the climate. The fine and long 20 cm (8in), fluffy spikes gather a large number of tiny intense lavender flowers with prominent stamens, loved by pollinators. The foliage is composed of lanceolate, dark green, rough leaflets in whorls at different levels of the stem. The vegetation of Veronicastrum virginicum dries up in winter and regrows in spring.

Plant Veronicastrum virginicum in partial shade, wherever the soil is consistently moist, as they don't like drought and scorching sun. These plants do not like to be disturbed but do not take up too much space. They bring rhythm and height to borders, around water edges. They are enhanced against a dark background, such as the purple foliage of hazelnuts and maple trees. Perennials that prefer moist to wet soil, such as meadowsweet, Ligularia dentata 'Desdemona', meadow queens (Filipendula), and the fern Osmunda regalis 'Purpurascens', will also be good companions for this beautiful plant.