Veronicastrum 'Fascination'

Charm and elegance! These are two words to describe this hardy perennial. Veronicastrum 'Fascination' is aptly named too, as, in mid-summer, its long spikes of pink-mauve flowers are held on upright stems—and these stems are much darker than the flowers, so there is a wonderful colour contrast. Another good word to describe this plant is tall, because a young plant can easily achieve 120cm in its first year, but thereafter could reach 180cm, which makes it suitable for placing towards the rear of a border.

The deep green leaves have an attractive reddish tinge. But this plant is deciduous, so the leaves will drop in autumn; then, against the sky, its leafless silhouette – especially with dried seedheads—remains a fascination well into winter! Veronicastrum 'Fascination' loves an open, sunny position, but it will accept part shade as well. As the flower spikes go over, cutting back the stems will help prolong the flowering season.

Finally, if you are a flower arranger, the dried seedheads can be most impressive in indoor arrangements.