Veronicastrum virginicum Spring Dew

Veronicastrum virginicum Spring Dew, or Virginia Speedwell, is a tall, elegant and slender perennial. Its narrow silhouette brings height to flower beds and it easily fits in between summer plants to add a touch of lightness with its long and thin flowering spikes swaying in the wind. From June onwards, these spikes are covered with lots of small, pale lavender-blue almost white flowers which attract numerous insects. This hardy plant prefers moist to waterlogged soils and semi-shaded positions.

Originally from the plains of the United States, as its name suggests, Veronicastrum can be found in the wild in flood meadows, ditch banks, forest edges... It belongs to the Scrophulariaceae family, just like Veronica, with which it is often confused. The Spring Dew Virginia Speedwell doesn't mind cold or shade and thrives in seemingly inhospitable places where it is generous and attractive. This herbaceous perennial is easily recognied by its unbranched stems (up to 1.30 m (4ft)). The dark green deciduous leaves are long and lanceolate in whorls around the stem. The floral spike at the top of the stem is long (20 cm (8in)) and composed of multiple small flowers. Smaller spikes appear around this central spike, giving it a candelabra-like appearance. It starts to flower from the bottom and reveals different shades from pale lavender-blue to white. It can start as early as June, depending on the climate, and last until August, attracting numerous pollinators.

Plant Veronicastrum virginicum in partial shade, wherever the soil remains moist, as it dislikes drought and scorching sun. These plants do not like to be disturbed but do not take up much space on the ground. They bring rhythm and height to flower beds and water features. They will be enhanced against a dark background, like the purple foliage of Loropetalum chinense 'Fire Dance' or Japanese Maple 'Red Pygmy', or perennials like Ligularia dentata 'Desdemona' and the fern Purple Royal Fern 'Purpurascens'. In a flower bed where the soil remains moist, the Spring Dew Virginia Speedwell will thrive alongside various Phlox. It requires no maintenance, except for occasional watering in hot weather.