Fascinating Fasciation

The perennial Veronicastrum growing in the herbaceous border is producing some very odd shaped flower spikes. The flowers are usually long and slender but have been contorted by a process known as 'Fasciation' resulting in flattened, misshapen racemes. No two are the same which makes it quite a bizarre but interesting display.

There are a number of theories as to what causes Fasciation, from random genetic mutation and bacteria to damage caused by insects and hoeing but Ali likes to think it is just the plants wanting to be a little flamboyant!