For glorious summer spikes of purple/blue/deep lilac, look no further than Veronicastrum 'Cupid'. It's a tall, herbaceous perennial to 90-120cm, with twists of narrow, dark green, pointed leaves. Throughout summer and early autumn, long candelabra-like flower spikes are topped by beautiful, richly coloured blooms. Veronicastrum 'Cupid' is a gloriously thick and stocky plant, and the flowers are a magnet for bees and other pollinators. They are also excellent for cutting.

Known as Culver’s root, veronicastrums are outstanding plants from eastern North America. Veronicastrum virginicum 'Cupid' has been refined by breeders, who have created a plant that deserves a special spot in any sunny border. For best results, grow 'Cupid' in moist but well-drained soil in full sun to part shade. If you deadhead the spent blooms, you will encourage flowering for even longer. Mulch with well-rotted manure or compost in autumn. And, even better, after a few years, clumps may be easily divided to give you many more plants; do this in early spring.