Veronicastrum virginicum Erica

Veronicastrum virginicum 'Erica' is a tall, elegant and slender perennial. Its delicate silhouette fits easily among summer plants and its long flowering spikes add lightness, swaying in the wind. They are covered with numerous small feathery flowers from June. These flowers are purple in bud and pale pink when open, a beautiful range of pink tones throughout the season attracting many insects. This hardy plant prefers moist or waterlogged soils and semi-shady positions.

Native to the plains of the United States, as its name suggests, the Virginia Speedwell can be found in the wild in any waterlogged areas: flood meadows, ditch banks, forest edges, etc. It does not mind cold or lack of light so it thrives in locations that may seem unfavourable. It is a visually appealing and generous herbaceous perennial with a recognizable silhouette of unbranched long stems (up to 1.40 m (5ft)). The deciduous leaves are long, lanceolate, and whorled, arranged in a star-like pattern around the stem. The floral spike at the top of the stem is 20 cm (8in) long and composed of numerous small flowers, sometimes surrounded by a few smaller spikes. Flowering starts from the bottom and progresses upwards, revealing different shades of pink in 'Erica'. Initially very dark, it gradually lightens thanks to the prominent pale stamens which also give it a feathery appearance. Depending on the climate, it can start blooming as early as June and continue until August, attracting many pollinators.

Veronicastrum virginicum does not spread and maintains its height, which is valuable in the back of a border. 'Erica' can be placed among Foxgloves in the shade of tall trees or behind Japanese Primroses and Siberian Irises near a pond. In a moist border, it will thrive alongside Phlox in various colours. It requires no maintenance except for occasional watering if the heat becomes too intense.