Veronica spicata Blue – Planting & Care Guide

About Veronica spicata Blue

Veronica spicata Blue, commonly known as Spike Speedwell, is a compact, clump-forming perennial that produces striking upright spikes of rich violet-blue flowers above neat mounds of dark green foliage. Flowering from early summer through late summer, this reliable perennial adds height, colour and structure to borders while attracting a wide range of pollinating insects.

Growing to approximately 40–60cm tall with a spread of 30–45cm, Veronica spicata Blue is ideal for cottage gardens, prairie-style planting, gravel gardens and patio containers. Its long-lasting blooms also make excellent cut flowers, bringing colour indoors as well as outdoors.

Planting Guide

• Plant in full sun for the best flowering display.
• Will tolerate light partial shade, although flowering is more prolific in full sun.
• Prefers fertile, well-drained soil.
• Suitable for loam, sandy and chalky soils.
• Improve poor soils by adding compost or well-rotted organic matter before planting.
• Dig a planting hole twice the width of the root ball and the same depth.
• Carefully remove the plant from its container and gently loosen any circling roots.
• Position the crown level with the surrounding soil.
• Backfill with soil, firm gently and water thoroughly.
• Apply a light layer of organic mulch around the base, keeping it clear of the stems.
• Space plants approximately 35–45cm apart to allow for healthy growth and good air circulation.

Care & Maintenance

Veronica spicata Blue is a hardy, low-maintenance perennial that performs well with minimal care.

• Water regularly during the first growing season.
• Once established, water during prolonged dry spells.
• Keep the soil moist but avoid waterlogging.
• Feed in early spring with a balanced slow-release fertiliser.
• Refresh mulch each spring to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
• Remove weeds regularly from around the base.
• Deadhead faded flower spikes to encourage a second flush of blooms.
• Divide mature clumps every 3–4 years to maintain healthy growth and flowering.
• Avoid excessive feeding, as this can encourage leafy growth at the expense of flowers.

Pruning

Very little pruning is required to keep the plant looking its best.

• Remove faded flower spikes after flowering to encourage repeat blooms.
• Cut stems back to ground level in late autumn or early spring.
• Remove any dead, damaged or diseased growth as needed.
• Divide overcrowded clumps every few years to rejuvenate the plant.
• Leave seed heads over winter if you wish to add seasonal texture to the garden.

Growing Conditions

• Botanical Name: Veronica spicata Blue
• Common Name: Blue Spike Speedwell
• Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial
• Mature Height: 40–60cm
• Spread: 30–45cm
• Flower Colour: Violet-blue
• Flowering Period: June to August
• Foliage: Rich green
• Growth Rate: Moderate
• Hardiness: Fully hardy throughout Ireland and the UK

Ideal Uses in the Garden

Veronica spicata Blue is a versatile perennial suitable for a wide range of garden styles.

• Cottage gardens
• Mixed perennial borders
• Front and middle of borders
• Pollinator-friendly gardens
• Wildlife gardens
• Gravel gardens
• Patio containers
• Raised beds
• Prairie-style planting
• Cut flower gardens

It combines beautifully with Salvia, Nepeta, Lavender, Echinacea, Rudbeckia, Coreopsis, Achillea and ornamental grasses.

Seasonal Interest

• Fresh green foliage emerges in spring.
• Upright flower spikes develop in early summer.
• Rich blue flowers provide weeks of colour throughout summer.
• Flowers attract bees, butterflies and other beneficial pollinators.
• Seed heads can provide autumn and winter interest if left in place.
• Foliage dies back in winter before fresh new growth emerges in spring.

Common Problems

Veronica spicata Blue is generally healthy and easy to grow.

• Poor drainage can lead to root rot.
• Powdery mildew may occasionally occur during dry weather with poor air circulation.
• Slugs and snails may feed on young spring shoots.
• Aphids may occasionally appear on fresh growth.
• Ensure good spacing between plants to promote airflow and maintain healthy foliage.

With its elegant blue flower spikes, compact growth and long flowering season, Veronica spicata Blue is an excellent perennial for gardens throughout Ireland. Easy to grow and highly attractive to pollinators, it provides reliable colour and vertical interest in borders, containers and wildlife-friendly planting schemes while also producing excellent cut flowers for the home

• Size
  P13

Kindly be aware when mix/ mixed/ assorted/ varieties is mention you will receive ONLY ONE plant/ item, which will be selected for delivery, photos may show different varieties available - which may also vary 

 
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Live Plant delivery charges are not calculated on weight but on the space required per package to ensure safe delivery, so delivery charges may vary as some plants require more space than others when packed.
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