Veronica (Speedwell): Easy-Care Perennials for Long-Lasting Spikes of Color

Veronica, also called Speedwell, is a carefree, easy-to-grow perennial with long spikes of small petals in purple, blue, pink, or white. This attractive plant grows in clusters 1–3 ft tall and blooms spring to autumn. A bushy groundcover variety (Prostrate speedwell) features dense flower clusters to ~10 inches tall.

Planting Veronica

• Moderately fertile, well-drained soil in full sun.
• Plant in spring. (Can sow seed in containers in cold frame autumn, but most start as nursery transplants.)
• Loosen soil, mix in compost. Dig hole twice container diameter.
• Set plant with root ball top level with soil surface.
• Water thoroughly.

Care

• Water in summer if rainfall < 1 inch/week.
• Stake tall varieties.
• Thin compost layer + 2-inch mulch to retain moisture.
• Deadhead to extend bloom time.
• After first killing frost, cut stems to 1–2 inches above soil.
• Divide perennials autumn or spring every few years.

Pests and Diseases

• Scale insects, downy mildew, powdery mildew, rust, leaf smut, root rot.

Recommended Varieties

• 'Crater Lake Blue' – Mat-forming, 12–18 inches, deep gentian-blue flowers early summer.
• 'Sunny Border Blue' – Clump-forming, 20 inches, erect sturdy spikes of tubular dark violet-blue from early summer to late autumn.
• 'Red Fox' – Deep pink on narrow spike, mat-forming to 12 inches, early to late summer bloom.
• 'Dick's Wine' – Groundcover to ~10 inches, abundant rose-wine blooms hiding dark-green foliage.