Veronicastrum is a hardy, herbaceous perennial that has been in garden cultivation for hundreds of years but has only gained popularity in the last couple of decades, thanks to a revival of naturalistic planting styles. Its vertical branching stems are excellent for architectural impact in sunny borders, and its long tapering blooms, made up of many tiny flowers, are a magnet for insects.
Veronicastrum forms neat clumps and is not invasive, with tall, slender stems emerging from lance-shaped, green leaves. The flowers of veronicastrum come in a range of colours from soft pink, lilac and white through to mauve and darker pink. Colour and interest last for many weeks in summer as the tiny flowers open gradually from the base to tip of each bloom. Height range varies according to variety – the shortest are around 1m high, with the tallest up to 1.5m.