Veronica spicata is a perennial plant. Speedwell's spike shaped flowers and oblong, tooth-edged leaves complement the upright habit of this low maintenance plant. Generally, this plant is between 10”- 36” tall with a spread of 18”-24.” Gardeners will find most flowers come in shades of violet and blue; there are some cultivars with white or pink flowers.
Growing Veronica
Veronica plants will grow in zones 3-8. Veronicas flower best in full sun but will tolerate part shade. Plant veronicas where they will get, at least, 4-6 hours of sun. These perennial plants grow well in a wide range of well-draining soils and are drought tolerant. Taller veronica may require staking or grow them near stiff upright plants, such as bearded iris.
Deadhead flowers after blooming; this will encourage veronicas to repeat flowering later in the season. Veronica plants require a shearing down to the basal growth at the end of flowering, as well.
Although veronica is a low maintenance perennial plant, they do require digging and dividing approximately every third year. An indication of this plant requiring digging and dividing is when they flop, creating an open space in the plant’s center.
Low Growing Veronica
Veronica repens is a creeping speedwell that grows well in rock gardens or spills over ledges. This groundcover is mat forming with star shaped flowers on very short spikes.
Try the Proven Winner’s cultivar ‘Big Blue’ with its bright blue flowers. This veronica thrives best in zones 4-8.
Veronica in Butterfly and Cutting Gardens
Veronica blooms in late spring through early summer. They are excellent choices for cutting and butterfly gardens. Blue and violet flowers look good mixed with yellow: try yarrow, coreopsis or yellow daylilies with veronica; all these plants tolerate similar growing conditions. Or plant white flowers nearby to bring out the dark green foliage of most veronicas.
Here are some cultivars to look for:
- ‘Royal Candles’ - a compact upright, 15”-18” tall with blue flowers.
- ‘Icicle’ - 18” tall with white flowers.
- ‘Red Fox’ - no staking, holds its center, long bloomer, 15” tall with rose/pink flowers.
- ‘Goodness Grows’ - lowest growing at 6”-12” tall, longest bloomer, deep blue color.
- ‘Sunny Blue Border’ - has a compact habit, 18”-24” tall with light blue flowers.
Veronica 'Sunny Blue Border' was a 1993 Perennial Plant of the Year winner. The "perennial plant of the year" designation gives gardeners a reliable list of perennials to try growing.
Permission received for all photos used in this article.
Chris Eirschele - Chris writes on plants grown and gardens explored; she is a member of the Garden Writers Association.
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