Botanical name: Veronicastrum virginicum.

Botanical name: Veronicastrum virginicum.
Attributes: The flowers on this sturdy, native perennial mimic tall, architectural spires. The foliage is arranged in beautiful whorls along the stem, accentuating the spirelike quality. The flowers are rich in nectar and attract an array of beneficial insects. It's tolerant of heat and drought and is native through much of the eastern and central United States.
Bloom color: White.
Bloom time: July and August.
Culture: Plant container-grown Culver's root any time the soil is workable, from spring through fall. It prefers moist, well drained soil and full sun but will do well in average soil and part shade. Water plants regularly until they are established; deep watering during dry spells prevents leaf scorch. Do not deadhead (remove) the spent flowers because the spires of small seed pods add to the plant's interest through winter. Cut back stalks in late winter or early spring.
Landscape tips: Plant in the middle or back of a perennial border for a striking contrast or backdrop to other perennials. They look particularly bold with coarse-foliaged plants like cup plant, compass plant or prairie dock, and with plants with contrasting flat masses of flowers like Joe Pyeweed, rattlesnake masters and ironweed. Or create a color echo with white flowering/foliage plants like variegated Miscanthus grasses, white roses, white daylilies or mountain mint.
Cost: About $5 for a 4-inch potted plant, $8 for a gallon-sized plant.
Source: Powell Gardens (www.powellgardens.org)