Veronicastrum virginicum Lavendelturm

Veronicastrum virginicum Lavendelturm is a towering perennial with a long summer flowering period of fluffy, swaying spikes covered in tiny, very pale lavender flowers. This airy and elegant, extremely hardy plant thrives in moist to waterlogged soils, in partial shade. It will thrive on riverbanks and around water features.

Veronicastrum virginicum is native to the eastern United States, specifically flood-prone prairies, riverbanks, and wet ditches from Manitoba to Florida, passing through Oregon and Arkansas. 'Lavendelturm' is a lavender-flowered variety of this towering deciduous herbaceous perennial. It quickly forms an upright clump of numerous stems covered in relatively dark foliage. When in bloom, this plant reaches a height of 1.40m (5ft) with a spread of approximately 70 cm (28in). The flowering period is long, June to September, with some variation depending on the climate. The delicate and elongated spikes, measuring 20 cm (8in), have a fluffy appearance and bear a large number of tiny, pale lavender flowers that are highly attractive to pollinating insects. The deciduous leaves are arranged in whorls. The lanceolate, rough, dark green leaflets are arranged in a star-like pattern at different levels along the stem.

Plant Veronicastrum virginicum in partial shade wherever the soil remains consistently moist, they are not tolerant of drought or scorching sun. These plants prefer not to be transplanted but do not take up much space on the ground. They add rhythm and height to borders and water features. They will be enhanced against a dark backdrop, such as the purple foliage of hazelnut trees or maple-leaved plane trees, or alongside perennials like Ligularia dentata 'Desdemona' and the fern Osmunda regalis 'Purpurascens'.

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