Veronica (Speedwell) Care: Growing Spiky Blue Flowers
Veronica, commonly known as Speedwell, is a large and diverse genus of perennials offering garden value in various forms. Most popular are the upright, clump-forming types that produce attractive spikes of small, typically blue or purple flowers (also pink and white) in summer, adding vertical interest to borders. There are also excellent low-growing, mat-forming species perfect for groundcover, rock gardens, or spilling over walls. Most Veronicas are easy to grow, relatively pest-free, and attractive to pollinators.
Common Types of Garden Veronica
Veronicas range significantly in habit:
Spiked Speedwells (Upright Types)
- Clump-forming perennials with upright flower spikes.
- Bloom late spring through summer, often reblooming if deadheaded.
- Prefer full sun and average, well-draining soil. Excellent border plants.
- Examples include V. spicata & hybrids ('Royal Candles', 'Red Fox', 'Icicle' - dense spikes, 1-2 ft tall, Zones 3-8) and V. longifolia & hybrids ('Blue Giantess' - taller, 2-3 ft, looser spikes, Zones 4-8).
Creeping Speedwells (Groundcover Types)
- Low-growing, mat-forming plants, often blooming profusely in spring.
- Ideal for rock gardens, path edges, between stepping stones.
- Most require full sun and excellent drainage.
- Examples include V. prostrata ('Georgia Blue' - sapphire-blue, semi-evergreen, Zones 4-8), V. liwanensis (Turkish Speedwell - very flat, blue flowers, Zones 4-9), V. 'Waterperry Blue' (hybrid, blue flowers spring/fall, Zones 4-8), and V. peduncularis (often includes 'Georgia Blue').
Planting Veronica
Easy to plant in the right conditions.
When to Plant
- Spring or Fall: Good times for planting.
Ideal Growing Conditions
- Light: Full sun (6+ hours) is best for most Veronicas, especially the spiked types, for sturdy stems and maximum flowering. Some groundcover types tolerate very light shade.
- Soil: Average, well-draining soil is key. They dislike heavy, wet clay or constantly soggy conditions. Groundcover types often prefer leaner soil with sharper drainage.
- Spacing: Upright types: 12-18 inches apart. Groundcover types: 12-18 inches apart, depending on spread rate. Ensure good air circulation.
Planting Technique
Sun and drainage are important for most types.
Loosen the soil. Amend heavy clay primarily for drainage (add compost/grit). Avoid overly rich soil.
Dig a hole roughly the same size as the root ball.
Gently remove Veronica from its pot. Place it in the hole so the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil surface.
Fill the hole with soil, firming gently. Water thoroughly.
Watering Veronica
- Water regularly after planting until established.
- Established plants prefer average moisture levels. Water when the top inch or two of soil feels dry, especially during bloom or hot weather.
- Many groundcover types are quite drought-tolerant once established. Upright types perform better with consistent moisture but still need good drainage.
- Avoid overwatering, which can lead to root or crown rot.
Fertilizing Veronica
- Veronica generally does not require heavy fertilization.
- A light application of compost or balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring is usually sufficient, especially if soil is poor.
- Avoid excessive feeding, which can lead to leggy growth.
Maintenance and Care
Deadheading / Shearing
- Upright Types: Removing spent flower spikes promptly often encourages a second flush of blooms later in the summer. Cut the stem back to just above a set of leaves or side shoots.
- Groundcover Types: Shear the plants back lightly after their main spring bloom flush. This tidies them up, encourages dense growth, and may stimulate sporadic later blooms.
Division
- Divide clumps every 3-4 years in spring or fall if they become overcrowded, the center dies out, or flowering diminishes.
- Dig up the clump and use a spade or sharp knife to separate it into sections, each with roots and growing points. Replant immediately.
Cleanup
- Cut back dead stems of upright types in late fall or early spring. Groundcover types often have semi-evergreen or evergreen foliage and need minimal cleanup, just removing any winter-damaged parts in spring.
Troubleshooting Common Problems
Veronica is generally quite pest and disease resistant.
Powdery Mildew / Leaf Spot
Symptoms and Management
- Can occasionally occur, especially in humid conditions or if plants are stressed or overcrowded.
- Prevention/Control: Ensure full sun and good air circulation (spacing, division). Water at the base. Remove affected foliage. Choose resistant varieties if mildew is common in your area.
Root Rot
Symptoms and Management
- Wilting, yellowing, collapse of the plant due to mushy roots/crown.
- Cause: Poor drainage, overwatering.
- Prevention: Plant in well-draining soil. Avoid overwatering.
Leggy Growth / Poor Flowering
Possible Causes and Solutions
- Insufficient Sun: Needs full sun for best performance.
- Overly Rich Soil / Too Much Fertilizer: Can cause floppy growth.
- Needs Division: Overcrowded clumps may flower less.
Conclusion
Veronica (Speedwell) offers reliable performance and attractive flowers for sunny gardens. Whether you choose the upright spiky types for border height or the low-growing groundcovers for edges and rockeries, they are generally easy-care perennials. Providing good drainage, adequate sun, and timely deadheading or shearing will ensure a long season of enjoyment from these versatile plants.
