How big does Culver's root grow?

About 1.5 m × 75 cm after ten years (height × width). Its ultimate size is 1.2–2.1 m × 0.6–1.2 m.

What soil does Culver's root grow in?

It tolerates these soils: average garden soil, clay, sandy.

Is Culver's root hardy?

Hardy down to -40 °C (USDA zone 3, RHS H7). It gets through winter in every part of the country.

When does Culver's root flower?

Flowering: June–August, white, pink, purple.

How much water does Culver's root need?

Water need: medium. Drought tolerance: low.

How much does Culver's root cost?

It sells for roughly HUF 2,600 to HUF 5,400 in local shops, depending on size.

Culver's root

Veronicastrum virginicum

Culver's root (Veronicastrum virginicum) is a perennial that reaches 1.5 m × 75 cm after ten years. Light: full sun, part shade. Hardy down to -40 °C. Drought tolerance: low. Sold in local shops from about HUF 2,600.

Illustration of Culver's root — An illustration of the typical shape of the mature plant, not a photo.

What it's good for, and what it isn't

A tall, slender perennial with whorls of leaves on strong, straight stems, topped in summer by thin, candelabra-like spikes of white, pale pink or lilac flowers that are busy with bees and butterflies. Plant it in sun in moist soil that does not dry out, at the back of a border, where it stands without staking; in too much shade it flops. It asks for patience, as it takes a few years to bulk up.

Watch out for

In the hot, dry summers of Central Europe the foliage yellows without watering, as it prefers cooler summers and moist soil. In shade it stretches and flops. It has no serious pests or diseases.

Key facts

Light: Full sun, Part shade
Water need: Medium
Care: Low
Size after 10 years: 1.5 m × 75 cm
Hardiness: down to -40 °C
Foliage: Deciduous
Flowering: J F M A M J J A S O N D June–August, white, pink, purple

Group	Perennial
Light	Full sun, Part shade
Size after 10 years	1.5 m × 75 cm
Ultimate size	1.2–2.1 m × 0.6–1.2 m
Hardiness	down to -40 °C (USDA 3, RHS H7)
Soil	Average garden soil, Clay, Sandy
Foliage	Deciduous
Flowering	June–August, white, pink, purple
Water need	Medium
Drought tolerance	Low
Maintenance	Low
Root aggressiveness	Low
Suckering	no data
Spreading	Low
Distance from buildings	no data
Distance from paving	no data
Litter	not typical
Planting distance	60 cm
For dogs	no data
For cats	no data
For children	Mildly toxic (uncertain)
Typical price	from about HUF 2,600

Toxicity data is for information only. If your pet or child has eaten a plant, contact a vet or a doctor.

Sizes and prices available

The same plant is sold as a small pot and as a specimen several metres tall, and the price follows. Prices are rounded and for guidance only.

Size	Typical price
size not stated	approx. HUF 2,600 – HUF 5,400

Frequently asked questions

Data updated: October 8, 2026 · How our data is made

Appears in these lists

Perennials for part shade Perennials for full sun Perennials that flower all summer Perennials for clay soil Perennials for pollinators Low-maintenance perennials

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