Veronica, also known as Speedwell, is a old-fashioned plant that deserves a place in everyone’s garden. Originating from Northern Europe, they tend to be vigorous, carefree and long-lived perennials that attract butterflies, bees and hummingbirds as well as admiring gazes from humans.
Veronicas have an interesting history. According to the Missouri Botanical Garden website, “the genus name honors Saint Veronica who reportedly gave a handkerchief to Jesus so he could wipe the sweat from his face on the way to Calvary, with some genus plants having markings that resemble the markings on the sacred handkerchief.” In addition, parts of the plant were once commonly used in herbal medicine; hence, the common name of Speedwell may refer to its ability to speed healing and feeling well.
When I first started gardening, I came across a pot of Veronica longifolia at a local nursery. The long, soft blue flower spikes caught my eye and soon it was keeping company with my pink June roses. What surprised me was not only how tall this plant grew in one summer but also how willing it was to keep flowering when I deadheaded the spent blooms; and it’s this ability to repeat bloom over a long season that makes Veronicas with flower spikes such valuable garden plants!
Not all Veronicas are in the big and tall department, however. Some varieties can be grown as groundcovers or used to soften a garden’s edge while others remain a tame 12″ to 20″ in height. In fact, the array of Veronicas available to gardeners today is quite impressive and that makes them easy to fit into any garden space, design or patio planter.
Veronicas are extremely robust and grow best in USDA Hardiness Zones 4 to 8. They generally have a long bloom season from spring to fall, especially when you remove the spent flowers which will encourage repeat performances. Colors tend towards blues, purples, pinks and white but the foliage can sometimes be silvery or golden, especially in the ground-hugging varieties. Perfectly suited to cottage gardens, companions include Foxglove, Daylilies, Roses, Daisies, Yarrow and Lady’s Mantle as well as late blooming spring bulbs. Although they prefer full sun, Veronicas will tolerate afternoon shade in areas with hot summers. Best of all, Veronicas are deer and rabbit resistant!
Some popular Veronica varieties:
SUNSHINE – Small yellow leaves cover a low 1 to 2″ tall ground-hugging plant. Blooming briefly with tiny white flowers in spring, this Veronica is grown primarily for its bright foliage. Great in rock gardens, combined with succulents or tucked between stepping stones.
WATERPERRY BLUE – A creeping groundcover growing 4 to 6″ tall and spreading about 12″ wide. This cottage garden classic blooms repeatedly in soft blue flushes from spring to fall when the foliage takes on an autumnal burgundy hue.
GOODNESS GROWS – Medium sized at 12 to 15″ tall with a slightly wider spread. Striking violet blue flower spikes are produced all season. The compact size makes it a perfect “thriller” for pots and planters.
RED FOX – Another medium sized Veronica but with dazzling rosy-pink flower spikes from mid-spring to late summer. Red Fox is salt resistant and grows well in seaside gardens.
ICICLE – Sparkling white 6″ flower spikes adorn this beauty which grows to about 30″ tall. Excellent for cut flowers and a perfect addition to white or moon gardens.
BLUE GIANTESS – A soft lavender blue, this robust Veronica longifolia grows to 48″ tall with a spread of 1 to 2 feet. Plant with tall roses for a sensational early summer display!
