White Flower Farm
Veronicastrum virginicum 'Cupid'
Best perennial for gardeners seeking low-maintenance, pollinator-friendly late summer color.
Known colloquially as ‘Cupid’ Culver’s Root, _Veronicastrum virginicum_ 'Cupid' is a flamboyant late summer- and early fall-blooming flower, producing dramatic amethyst spikes resembling arrows, with lanceolate foliage in deep emerald. This long-blooming perennial expands over time, and serves as an important source of nectar for pollinators and butterflies. Bring ‘Cupid’ Culver’s Root indoors and enjoy its saturated color in your cut or dried flower arrangements. _Veronicastrum_ is a genus of two species and differs from _Veronica_ only in the presentation of the leaves, which are borne in whorls rather than opposite each other on the stems. These elegant natives of moist meadows from Massachusetts to Florida are tough and reliable and rarely need staking.
$16.95
Owner Satisfaction
4.5
/ 5
Category Rank
1768
/ 2693
#1768 in Plants
Price vs Category Average
-61%
Below average
Common Name
Culver's Root
/ Culver's Root
Who it's for
- Gardeners seeking sophisticated vertical height and architectural structure
- Eco-conscious gardeners wanting to support local pollinator populations
- Busy gardeners needing low-maintenance, resilient perennial plants
Who should skip it
- Gardeners avoiding the extra labor of staking tall plants
- Owners of dry, shaded, or low-moisture garden environments
- Impatient gardeners looking for immediate, full-scale landscape impact
Performance breakdown
Pollinator Appeal
A magnet for butterflies and bees throughout the late summer season.
Structural Integrity
Sturdy stems eliminate the need for tedious staking in garden beds.
Bloom Longevity
Provides consistent, vibrant color from mid-summer well into early autumn.
Floral Utility
Amethyst spikes offer excellent texture for both fresh and dried arrangements.
Garden Resilience
Tough native perennial that thrives across a wide range of zones.
Visual Impact
Deep emerald foliage creates a striking backdrop for dramatic amethyst blooms.
Key Specs
Common Name
Culver's Root
Hardiness Zone
4-8S/W
Exposure
Sun to Part Shade
Blooms In
Jul-Sep
Mature Height
3-4'
Spacing
18-24"
Ships as
BAREROOT
Features
- Late summer and early fall blooming
- Produces dramatic amethyst spikes
- Lanceolate foliage in deep emerald
- Long-blooming perennial
- Important source of nectar for pollinators and butterflies
- Suitable for cut or dried flower arrangements
- Tough and reliable
- Rarely needs staking
- Attracts pollinators and butterflies
What customers say
Customers consistently praise the exceptional quality and reliable performance of Veronicastrum virginicum 'Cupid' from White Flower Farm. Many reviewers highlight receiving healthy, well established plants that quickly thrive in their gardens. The plant's vigorous growth and stunning, long lasting blooms are frequently mentioned, exceeding expectations for beauty and garden impact. Gardeners appreciate its consistent ability to establish and flourish, providing a dependable display year after year. This cultivar proves to be a robust and rewarding addition, reflecting a high standard of plant health and successful cultivation.
Know before you buy
This plant thrives in locations ranging from full sun to part shade. For the best bloom production and strongest stems, aim for a spot that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight.
No, 'Cupid' is known for its sturdy, reliable habit and rarely requires staking. Its strong stems are designed to support the heavy amethyst spikes even as they reach their mature height of 3 to 4 feet.
While they are closely related, Veronicastrum is distinguished by its leaf arrangement. The leaves of 'Cupid' are borne in whorls around the stem, whereas Veronica leaves grow in opposite pairs.
Yes, it is an excellent addition to a pollinator garden. The late-season blooms provide a vital nectar source for butterflies and other beneficial insects when many other flowers have finished their cycle.
Absolutely. The dramatic amethyst spikes hold their color well and make a striking addition to both fresh-cut bouquets and dried flower arrangements.
The plant is shipped as a bareroot specimen. This is a standard, healthy way to transport perennials, allowing them to establish a strong root system in your garden soil shortly after planting.
Still have a question?
Ask Hayley anything about this product before you decide.
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$17