Veronica (Speedwell): Planting, Growing, and Care for Easy Perennials

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 feet tall, blooming spring to autumn.

A bushy ground cover variety (Prostrate speedwell) features dense flower clusters and grows to ~10 inches tall.

Planting Veronica

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

Care

• Water in summer if rainfall <1 inch/week.
• Stake tall varieties.
• Maintain thin compost layer + 2-inch mulch for moisture retention.
• Deadhead to extend bloom time.
• After first killing frost, cut stems to 1–2 inches above soil.
• Divide perennials in 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 flowers early summer to late autumn.
• 'Red Fox' — deep pink flowers on narrow spike, mat-forming to 12 inches, early to late summer bloom.
• 'Dick's Wine' — ground cover to ~10 inches, abundant rose-wine blooms hiding dark-green foliage.