Veronicastrum virginicum Adoration

The 'Adoration' Virginian Speedwell or Veronicastrum virginicum is a tall upright and elegant perennial. Its slender silhouette easily blends in with summer plants and its long flowering spikes swaying in the wind, bring a lightness to borders. They are covered in numerous small feathery flowers from June onwards. These flowers are dark pink in bud and lilac when open with a beautiful range of romantic shades throughout the season, attracting many insects. This hardy plant prefers moist or even waterlogged soils and semi-shaded positions.

Native to the plains of the United States, as its name suggests, the Virginian Speedwell can be found in the wild in any waterlogged areas: flood meadows, ditch banks, forest edges, etc. It doesn't mind cold or shade, so it thrives in locations that may seem unpromising. It is visually appealing and generous in these conditions. This herbaceous perennial is quickly recognizable by its unbranched stems (up to 1.40 m (5ft) and more depending on the soil). The deciduous leaves are long and lanceolate, arranged 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, sometimes surrounded by a few smaller spikes. The flowering starts from the bottom and reveals different shades of pink. The initial intense colour gradually lightens with subtle blue hues and becomes lilac. Prominent stamens are then revealed giving these candelabras a feathery appearance. The flowering can start as early as June, depending on the climate, and last until August, attracting many pollinators.

Veronicastrum virginicum does not spread and maintains its upright habit, which is precious in the back of borders. 'Adoration' can be nestled among Foxgloves in the shade of tall trees, behind Japanese Primroses and Siberian Irises near a pond. In a border with moist soil, it will thrive alongside various colours of Phlox. It requires no maintenance, except for occasional watering in hot weather.