Veronicastrum sibiricum Flower (30/06/2012, Kew Gardens, London)
Position: Full sun to dappled shade
Flowering period: Summer to early autumn
Soil: Moist, well drained
Eventual Height: 1.8m
Eventual Spread: 50cm
Hardiness: 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b
Family: Plantaginaceae
Veronicastrum sibiricum is a large, upright herbaceous perennial. Its dark green leaves appear in whirls of up to 6 leaflets, its leaflets are oblong to broadly linear with serrate margins, up to 15cm long to 4.5cm broad. The stems of this plant are erect. Its purple/ pink flowers are terminal and appear in the form of spires which are up to 20cm long. The roots of this plant are rhizomes.
Veronicastrum sibiricum, commonly known as Culiver’s Root, Siberian Veronicastrum and Kugai-sou, is native to Russia, northern China and Japan. In its native habitat it grows in grassy areas in mountains and lowlands
Veronicastrum sibiricum (30/06/2012, Kew Gardens, London)
The etymological root of the binomial name Veronicastrum is named for Saint Veronica, who in Christian mythology gave Christ her veil to wipe his forehead while carrying the cross. Sibiricum is derived from the Latin meaning from Siberia.
The landscape architect may find Veronicastrum sibiricum useful in an informal prairie type scheme or as part of a mixed herbaceous planting scheme.
Ecologically, Veronicastrum sibiricum is attractive to pollinating insects.
Veronicastrum sibiricum prefers moist, fertile, well-drained soils. It tolerates most pH of soil.
Veronicastrum sibiricum requires little maintenance. Large clumps may be divided in spring or autumn.
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