Species Culver's root
violet flowers with green-brown stems and green leaves

Culver's root

Veronicastrum virginicum 'Apollo'

Culver's root (Veronicastrum virginicum 'Apollo') is an ornamental clumping perennial that’s native to eastern North America. Growing 4-10 feet tall and 1.5-2 feet wide, this architectural plant has an impressive display of spiky white flowers that reach up to their namesake. The foliage is dark green and lance-shaped. This fast-growing perennial blooms from June through July, bringing cheerful drifts of white to your garden. As a bonus, Culver's root tolerates a wide range of soils and attracts butterflies!

Cycle:

Herbaceous Perennial

Watering:

Frequent

Propagation:

Division

Hardiness Zone:

3 - 8

Flowers:

White to pale blue Flowers In Summer

Sun:

Full sun

Soil:

Well-drained

Fruits:

green,brown Fruits In Autumn Ready In Fall

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green

Growth Rate:

High

Maintenance:

Low

Drought Tolerant:

Yes

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Care Level:

Medium

watering

Culver's root (Veronicastrum virginicum 'Apollo') should be watered deeply about every 7-10 days. During periods of high heat and sun, increase watering frequency to every 5 days, making sure the soil stays moist but not soggy. During summer months, Culver's root should be lightly watered twice a week in the morning to keep the soil cool and moist. During dry, hot weather, avoid watering every day, and water only when the upper inch or 2 of soil has dried out. In colder weather, only water when the soil has completely dried out between waterings.

sunlight

Culver's root (Veronicastrum virginicum 'Apollo') will need at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight a day for healthy growth. If possible, it should be planted in an area that receives full sun in the morning, but some afternoon shade in the hottest part of the day. This will protect the plant from the searing heat of the peak of the day and will also help to keep the soil moist from the sun's heat. Watering will still be needed for this plant species, but it may not be necessary as often if provided with adequate sunlight.

pruning

Culver's root should be pruned regularly, starting in late fall and continuing through early spring. Pruning helps promote healthy growth and increases flowering the following year. A light trim of the dead stems in late fall or early winter will help encourage new growth come spring. Old flowers and seed pods should also be removed as soon as possible after flowering and reseeding has finished. This will also help avoid disease and insect problems down the road. Pruning should be done to remove any weak, damaged stems or to shape the plant. Be sure to avoid removing more than 1-third of the plant’s foliage and stems per year, or prune only if necessary. Note that, despite being a perennial, Culver's root prefers to make its growth in the spring and fall seasons and may experience dieback in the winter. If it does experience winter dieback, be sure to prune those parts of the plant to ensure healthy and full growth in the following season.

Season

Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Harvest Fruit

Veronicastrum virginicum 'Apollo' is typically harvested in late summer or early fall, so the months to start harvesting would be August, September, October, and November.

Starts Flowering

Culver's root typically starts flowering in late June or early July.

Harvest Fruit

Veronicastrum virginicum 'Apollo' is typically harvested in late summer or early fall, so the months to start harvesting would be August, September, October, and November.

Hardiness Map