Veronica (speedwell): A low-maintenance perennial for any garden
Most gardeners find it hard to grow perennials in poor soil, with irregular watering, and common garden pests or diseases. Certain plants require care and don’t withstand a cold front. There are plenty of perennials that thrive under different conditions and are easy to care for, but for new gardeners or for those who have little time for gardening, choosing the right perennial can be tricky.
Speedwell or Veronica is a colorful and low-care perennial. It produces tall spikes of blue, purple, pink or white flowers, making for a bright and cheery display. This plant also attract bees and butterflies, which encourage local pollinators. Unlike many other perennials, it does not require much effort to grow, which makes it a well-suited option for the new and seasoned gardener alike.
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Origin and History
Veronica plants are native to Europe, Asia and North America. They flourish in meadows, woodlands, and alpine environments. Their so easy adaptability have made them popular in all gardens in every part of the world.
The name “Speedwell” is thought to refer to the plant’s habit of growing quickly and easily establishing itself. In the past Veronica was appreciated not only for its beauty as an ornamental plant but also for some pharmacological properties. The herbal medicine was used to cure respiratory, digestive, and skin disorders. The plant has been linked with good fortune and protection for ages. In some cultures, if people carried a sprig of Speedwell, they would come back home safely.
Today, Veronica is a staple of perennial gardens, rock gardens and pollinator-friendly plots. As favorite gardener’s flower around the world, it is resilient, long-lived and attracts the attention of bees and butterflies as well. Modern hybrids have been bred for better flower color, size and disease resistance, making it even more attractive for today's landscape.
Botany of Veronica
Veronica (Speedwell) belongs to the Plantaginaceae family that contains a wide diversity of herbaceous plants. This genus has everything from low ground covers to upright perennials. These Plants are also valued for their beautiful tall, blooming crystals and adaptability to garden beds.
1. Roots
- They tend to have a fibrous root system that enables them to really get a start and adapt to changing soil conditions.
- Some spread by rhizomes, so they make good ground covers.
2. Stems
- Species may have upright, creeping or sprawling stems.
- Stems of taller varieties are usually slender, strong, and somewhat hairy.
3. Leaves
- Leaves are generally opposite or alternate by species.
- They are simple, lance-like or ovate structures, with serrated or smooth margins.
- The leaves are typically green to grayish-green and are sometimes covered in fine hairs.
4. Flowers
- Veronica's most identifiable feature is its spiky inflorescence.
- The flowers are small and tubular with four petals, and they grow in tight, upright clusters.
- They bloom from late spring to early fall and are available in shades of blue, purple, pink or white.
- Bees and butterflies attract flowers by their beauty to pollinators.
5. Fruits and Seeds
- The plant bears small, capsule-like fruits that encase tiny seeds.
- Seeds disperse naturally through wind, water, or animals.
Physical Characteristics
Speedwell is a versatile perennial that can be spotted by their magnificent flower spikes and remarkable garden adaptability.
- Plant Size: Depending on species, veronica can be 4 inches to 4 feet tall. And the ground cover varieties stay low and spread outward, and the upright species produce tall flower spikes.
- Bloom Shapes: The flowers are small, tubular and four-petaled, borne in dense, columnar spikes or loose clusters.
- Color Variations: Veronica flowers can be blue, purple, pink, white, and sometimes red. There are also blue and purple, which are the most common colors.
Benefits of Veronica in the Garden
Veronica is a gorgeous and easy to grow perennial, adding color and life into any garden. So, here are a few reasons to consider Veronica for the garden.
- Easy to Grow and Low Maintenance: Veronica is a hardy perennial that doesn't require much care. Once established, it does well with little watering, fertilizing or pruning. This is a great option for gardeners looking for a beautiful plant that doesn’t require much upkeep.
- Long Blooming Season: Veronica blooms all summer long and even for months! The blooms of most perennials are fleeting, while those of Speedwell persist longer in gardens.
- Attracts Pollinators: The flowering foliage of Veronica can attract many pollinators, including bees and butterflies, to the garden. This benefits pollination in the garden, so it is a great plant for someone who wanted to help support the local wildlife.
- Drought Tolerant: Veronica, once its roots are established, can survive on little water. It does well in drier gardens or low-rainfall regions, as it does not need to be watered often.
- Resistant to Pests and Diseases: Compared to some plants that are prone to pest and disease problems, Veronica is relatively resistant to many common garden ailments. Its popularity and ease of care make it a welcome addition to any landscape.
- Versatile for Different Garden Styles: Veronica can be used in flower or rock gardens, borders, and container gardens. Types that stay low serve as ground covers, while taller ones add height and color to garden beds.
- Improves Soil and Prevents Erosion: Certain types of veronica are great for stabilizing soil, and can prevent erosion, so they may be useful along slopes or areas of loose soil.
Ideal Growing Conditions
Veronica is a tough and adaptable perennial that will do well in all garden situations. These are the required growing conditions for Veronica success:
1. Soil Requirements
Veronica prefers well-drained, loamy soil but will also grow in sandy or rocky conditions. It likes a neutral to mildly acidic pH (5.8 to 7.5). Well-drained, well-working soil is important because the plant is unable to handle soggy soil that often causes root rot. Putting in organic materials like compost, can help to build soil health and fertility.
2. Sunlight and Water Needs
Veronica Perennials prefer full sun, over 6 hours of sun is best! A few varieties will stand partial shade, though too much shade may limit flowering.
Once established, Veronica is drought resistant and requires moderate watering. And while it enjoys having its roots in moisture, it prefers them slightly dry to too wet. Water well but infrequently, letting the soil dry between waterings.
3. Climate Conditions
Most species of Veronica are hardy in USDA zones 3 to 9, although some species may withstand colder or hotter climes. In cooler climates Veronica might die back in winter, but will return again in spring. Applying mulch in late fall protects the roots from frost. Ensuring afternoon shade and deep watering every once in a while in hot places will avoid stress related to high temperatures.
4. Companion Planting
Veronica is a perfect companion for the other sun-loving perennials. Some great companion plants include:
- Echinacea (Coneflower): Offers height and color, and attracts pollinators.
- Salvia: Produces flowers with the same spiky appearance and does well in the same conditions.
- Coreopsis: The Bright yellow flowers contrast beautifully with Veronica’s colors.
- Lavender: Pairs well with Veronica’s flowers, fragrant in the garden.
- Ornamental Grasses: Provide texture and motion to the garden beside Veronica’s vertical flower spikes.
How to Grow Veronica
Veronica can be sown in spring or fall, depending on the climate:
- Spring (After the Last Frost): Best for colder areas where the plant can take root before winter.
- Early Fall: Performs well in warm climates, allowing roots to settle before winter dormancy.
Prepare the Site
Choosing the right site is good for Veronica’s growth. Follow these steps for site preparation:
- Pick a site that gets at least 6 hours of sunlight each day.
- Loosen the compacted soil and add organic matter (compost or aged manure) to improve the drainage and fertility.
- Keep the pH in the 5.8 to 7.5 range. If the soil is overly acid, mix in some lime; if too alkaline, incorporate peat moss or sulfur.
Planting Techniques
Planted correctly, this helps Veronica flourish and achieve healthy flowers:
- Space the plants 12 to 18 inches apart to promote air circulation and avoid overcrowding.
- Excavate a hole that is twice the width and the same depth of the plant’s root ball.
- Set the plant in the hole, with the top of the root ball at soil surface level. Add soil and tap lightly to eliminate air pockets.
- Layer 1 to 2 inches of mulch at the base to help retain moisture in dry weather and deter weeds, but avoid piling mulch against the stem to reduce the risk of rot.
Care and Maintenance
With some specific care, Veronica (Speedwell) will stay healthy and bloom brightly, adapting well to several conditions in the garden. With routine watering, feeding, trimming and insect control, it continues to thrive with little effort on your part.
1. Watering Guidelines
Veronica requires constant watering, particularly when newly planted. Watering every other day helps young plants develop strong roots. Once mature, Veronica is drought tolerant and needs watering no more than once a week in dry conditions.
Be careful not to overwater, since too much moisture can cause the roote to rot. The soil should dry out a bit between waterings. They should be watered deeply at their base so they put down strong roots and prevent leaf diseases that arise from overhead watering.
2. Fertilization Tips
Fertilize Veronica at the starting of the growing time to keep it healthy and blossoming. Organic compost or a balanced fertilizer in the 10-10-10 ratio will supply necessary nutrients. A high phosphorus fertilizer applied mid-season encourages flowers that stay longer.
Be careful not to overdo it with nitrogen, as it encourages leafy growth rather than blooms. Organic alternatives such as compost tea or fish emulsion provide consistent, natural food from season to season.
3. Pruning and Deadheading
Regular pruning and deadheading help keep Veronica tidy and stimulate repeat blooming. Snipping faded flowers just above a leaf node promotes new blooms to develop. Light pruning also shapes the plant and keeps it from growing too tall and leggy.
Cut back Veronica at the end of the growing season to a few inches above the soil surface in preparation for winter. This allows for vigorous regrowth the next spring.
4. Pest and Disease Management
Veronica are generally pest and disease resistant, but there can be the occasional issues:
- Powdery Mildew: Prevent by ensuring good air circulation and avoiding overhead watering. Control with neem oil or a baking soda spray (1 tsp baking soda + 1 quart water).
- Aphids and Spider Mites: Spray with soapy water, or bring ladybugs, their natural predators, indoors.
- Slugs and Snails: Spread diatomaceous earth or crushed eggshells around the base to repel these pests.
5. Seasonal Maintenance
- Spring: Start watering and fertilizer as growth starts. What if some plants have gotten so crowded, they’re reduced to spindly stalks? In that case, divide them.
- Summer: Continue deadheading and watering regularly during hot, dry spells. Mulch to conserve moisture.
- Fall: Reduce watering as the temperatures drop. Remove any finished growth to help prevent disease.
- Winter: If growers are in a cold climate, add a layer of mulch to insulate roots. Veronica dies to the ground in winter, but new shoots will emerge in spring.
Propagation and Division
Depending on the preference of the gardener and the desired speed of growth, Veronica (Speedwell) can be propagated by seeds, cuttings, or division.
- The slowest propagation method is by seed, which will take one year or longer for the plant to grow and bloom. Seeds are planted indoors in early spring or in the garden after the last frost.
- The cuttings are a quicker method for starting new plants. Healthy plants can have soft stem cuttings taken in late spring or early summer, injected with rooting hormone, and then planted in damp soil until their roots take hold.
- The fastest and most popular way is division, which produces new plants at the same time as renewing tired old ones.
Division Techniques
Veronica should be divided in early spring or early fall when moderate temperatures will give the plant enough time to recover before severe weather conditions.
- To divide, dig up the plant carefully, trying to keep the root system intact.
- Using a sharp, clean knife or garden spade, divide the root clump into smaller sections, taking care that each piece includes healthy roots and shoots.
- Replant the divisions 12 to 18 inches apart in soil that has been well prepared, water well, and apply mulch to help retain moisture and minimize transplant shock.
Success Tips
- Successful propagation depends on starting with healthy parent plants that are free from disease and healthy and happy.
- If growing Veronica from seeds, keep the soil moist and warm (65–70°F) for best germination rates.
- If you want to use cuttings, put them in a humid place and out of the sun, as this will stimulate faster rooting.
- Depending on how people divide the plants, it is best to replant immediately to avoid drying out the roots.
- Adding a gentle fertilizer after planting can also encourage growth and help ensure vigorous, healthy new plants.
FAQs
Where is the best place to plant Veronica?
Veronica thrives in full sun and well drained soil. It grows well in garden beds, borders, rock gardens and containers.
Is Veronica a perennial?
Yes, Veronica (Speedwell) is a tough perennial, coming back year after year with little care or attention.
What is Speedwell used for?
Most Speedwell species are grown for ornamental purposes and may prove attractive to pollinators. Certain species have a long history of use in herbal medicine for common complaints.
The Bottom Line
Veronica is a tough and adaptable perennial that adds lasting beauty and the shades of color to the garden. This perennial is an ideal candidate for gardeners of all skill levels, offering attractiveness to pollinators, long season of bloom, and low maintenance. With proper planting, care, and propagation, gardeners can have lovely, lush Veronica plants for many growing seasons to come! Learn more about the best garden grown perennials on Growcycle.
Disclaimer: This material is for informational purposes only and should not be relied on for legal, medical, financial, or any other form of professional advice.
About the Author
Victor Miller 
Environmental Journalist Focused on Sustainable Agriculture
Victor Miller is an environmental journalist at Growcycle, specializing in sustainable agriculture. With a passion for storytelling, he highlights the latest trends, innovations, and practices that promote ecological balance and responsible farming.
