Veronicastrum virginicum f. roseum ‘Pink Glow’

Culver’s Root Plantaginaceae

A statuesque North American perennial that brings a touch of pink fireworks to the back of the border, ‘Pink Glow’ forming a strong, upright clump of whorled, lance-shaped foliage and numerous branching spires of tiny, very pale pink flowers. The flowers open progressively along the spikes, producing a wonderfully airy candelabra effect rather than the solid wall of colour produced by some prairie plants. 

A selection of the rose-flowered form of V. virginicum, with V. virginicum native across much of eastern and central North America, particularly in moist meadows, prairies and open woodland. ‘Pink Glow’ is particularly effective in fertile, moisture-retentive soil, where the stems can reach well over a metre and flower from July into September. 

The older horticultural name _Veronicastrum virginicum var. incarnatum ‘Pink Glow’ is also encountered; RHS currently lists the cultivar as V. virginicum f. roseum ‘Pink Glow’. 

Culver’s Root has a long history of use in Native American medicine, although the roots contain potent compounds and this is very much botanical ethnobotany rather than a recommendation to brew yourself a cup of tea.

• Hardiness: H7 — below -20°C
• Height: 1.2–1.5 m
• Spread: 45–60 cm
• Flowers: July–September
• Flower colour: Pale pink
• Origin of species: Eastern and central North America
• Soil: Moist, fertile, humus-rich, well drained
• Position: Sun or partial shade