Vancouveria hexandra  AMERICAN BARRENWORT  A native relative of the Epimediums sharing the same family Berberidaceae.  Vancouveria is one of those plants that no natural woodland garden should be without, that being said it is a hard plant to procure and is not readily available in the trade in great quantities like a Rudbeckia or a Coreopsis, which probably adds to its charm.  The flowers color is white and their size is small but numerous being up to 45 individual flowers on one inflorescence.  They prefer bright shade.  One of our gardening friends had Vancouveria planted in the shade of an old tree where it languished and never really got going.  The tree was damaged in a storm and had to be removed, which increased the amount of light to that area of the garden and prompted her little Vancouveria to spread and flower, as it never had before.

Verbascum When one thinks of Verbascum or Mullein, the intrepid species V. thapsus comes to mind.  Often seen growing in rocky outcrops and other seemingly inhospitable areas along the highway. Many garden worthy species and hybrids are available to the gardener, some are perennial while others are best considered annual or biennial.  All plants flower along racemes or spikes, which rise from rosettes of often-hairy leaves.  Flower color is variable ranging from whites and yellows to red.  Plants tolerate varied soil conditions but all generally prefer full sun in lean soils.  V. chaixii is a short lived perennial.  V. bombyciferum is a biennial.  Many Verbascum hybrids should be considered a short lived perennial due to the biennial nature of their parents.

Verbena bonariensis VERVAIN A tall upright perennial growing to 5 feet. Clusters of small, ¼ inch, purple flowers form in summer on top of open wiry stems.  Although plants are only hardy to zone 7, by allowing some flowers to set seed you can enjoy this Verbena the following season in zone 6.  Most of the plant height is attributed to the flowering stems, which has a wispy open habit creating a see through effect.

Vernonia IRON WEED These native perennials are popular for late season color. The tall yet sturdy plants make a fine backdrop in a garden. Ironweeds are happy growing in damp soils in nature but adapt well to average garden conditions. Plants may be pruned in spring to produce shorter plants or to stagger bloom time.Vernonia glauca- UPLAND IRONWEED.

Veronica spicata 'Red Fox', V. spicata 'Goodness Grows' SPEEDWELL Both are low, long blooming plants with glossy dark green leaves of medium size. They prefer moderately fertile, well drained soil demanding average moisture only. The taller V. 'Sunny Border Blue' has vivid violet blue flowers, with the same cultivation requirements, but have larger lighter green crumply leaves. Veronica's deserve representation in all borders. They associate well with other plants and are easy to grow, with neat and colorful flower spikes. Veronica p. 'Georgia Blue' and Veronica 'Waterperry' are excellent carpeting plants well used at a garden edge spilling over a walkway or wall. Veronica 'Royal Candles' is a compact plant with clean, lasting foliage and a long bloom season.

Veronicastrum virginicum CULVER'S ROOT, BLACKROOT Prefers wet conditions and needs full sun to maintain its tall and sturdy upright habit. Branching stems hold many dark green leaves, which grow out like the spokes of a wheel. In late summer branches end in white flower spikes that are neatly and firmly upright occasionally attaining a pale pink tint. The vertical and horizontal structure and durable heights of this plant make it valuable for design. Native to woodlands and meadows of our Northeast.

Vinca minor PERIWINKLE This trailing evergreen subshrub has dark green glossy leaves. Appearing in spring are blue-violet flowers that are five petaled and rounded. Prefers part shade and moist areas. Longlived and will tolerate less than ideal growing conditions once established. Vinca minor 'Illumination' a stunning new sport of Vinca minor, has brilliant yellow leaves with a dark green edge and is more restrained in growth.

Viola labradorica LABRADOR VIOLET The appealing dark green foliage tinged with purple brings interest all season. Likes a cool open position where drainage is good. Can tolerate more sun with adequate moisture and increased light will deepen the purplish foliage color. After the spring flush, partial flowering continues throughout the growing season. Self sows. Viola 'Purple Showers' SWEET VIOLET This true purple performer comes back for an extended encore. Happy when growing in bright shade and average to rich moist soil. After bloom cut off the spent flowers to encourage rebloom.