Why is veronica called speedwell?
Veronica longifolia and Veronica spicata are both commonly called garden or spike speedwell because of their large and attractive flower spikes.
Is veronica a speedwell salvia?
Both salvia (a member of the mint family, Lamiaceae) and Veronica – also known as Speedwell, Scrophulariaceae, in the same family as snapdragons – are old-fashioned perennial garden bedding plants. They're terrific mid-height plants that have long-blooming blue or purple spikes of flowers.
Does Veronica Speedwell bloom all summer?
Veronica Speedwell Info The plant has a long blooming season, from June to August, and is fairly pest and disease resistant as well, with the exception of some issues like powdery mildew, spider mites, and thrips.
What plant looks like speedwell?
Veronica (aka Speedwell) Flowers: Veronica and Salvia are similar in color, dark purple to rose pink to white dense blooms. Veronica blooms mature from the bottom up, so sometimes the tips of the blooms appear green while the lower flowers are blooming.
What's the difference between veronica and speedwell?
Veronica, also called Speedwell, is a carefree and easy-to-grow perennial with long spikes of small petals in purple, blue, pink, or white. Here's how to grow veronica in your garden! This attractive plant grows in clusters from 1 to 3 feet tall, and blooms from spring to autumn.
Should you cut back veronica?
Caring for veronica Little maintenance is required. Cut back herbaceous perennial and moisture-loving varieties from late autumn to late winter, once growth has died back to the ground.
Will Veronica rebloom if deadheaded?
Veronica spicata Deadhead spent flowers by cutting them off at their base after they bloom. This will encourage the plant to continue producing more flowers.
Should I deadhead Veronica Speedwell?
Speedwell, or veronica, is typically a low-maintenance plant, but deadheading to remove the flower spikes in summer and pruning the plant back to the ground in autumn help keep it looking good and growing well in the garden for years.
Is Veronica Speedwell invasive?
Plant Profile It's also known as gypsyweed or veronica. Generally, this invasive plant features four-petaled white, blue, or purplish small flowers; heart-shaped seed pods; and numerous small lobed leaves. Slender branched stems creep low to the ground and take root at the nodes, eventually forming a dense mat.
Is creeping Veronica invasive?
Warning. Because of its hardy nature and rapid spread, creeping speedwell is considered invasive in some areas. For example, according to the Center for Invasive Species and Ecosystem Health, Veronica filiformis is considered invasive in the state of West Virginia.
Do hummingbirds like speedwell?
Speedwell Veronica – Perennial veronica is a plant which begins blooming in early summer and will repeat bloom as the season progresses. Spiked blooms can come in pink, white or purple. A best pick for any butterfly and hummingbird garden design.
Should I cut back speedwell in the fall?
Speedwell (Veronica spicata) As blooms fade in fall, this perennial can be cut back to the ground. If left until spring, the black foliage will uglify your gardens.
Is Veronica Speedwell invasive?
Plant Profile It's also known as gypsyweed or veronica. Generally, this invasive plant features four-petaled white, blue, or purplish small flowers; heart-shaped seed pods; and numerous small lobed leaves. Slender branched stems creep low to the ground and take root at the nodes, eventually forming a dense mat.
Do Veronica plants spread?
Veronica spicata is rarely grown from seed, but it can be sown directly in the garden in spring through mid-summer. Germination can take two or three weeks. These plants sometimes spread by self-seeding in the garden, or you can collect the seed heads and plant the seeds where you want.
How do you prune Veronica Speedwell?
Pruning Speedwell The PennState Extension recommends waiting until after several hard frosts have killed off the above-ground portions of the plant. Cut back the entire plant to roughly 2 inches above the surface of the soil with hedge trimmers or sharp, sturdy pruning shears.
Will Veronica rebloom if deadheaded?
Veronica spicata Deadhead spent flowers by cutting them off at their base after they bloom. This will encourage the plant to continue producing more flowers.
What is the name of the flower that opens from the base upward and sway above the bushy foliage?
Veronica 'Wizard of Ahhs' (Spike Speedwell) Veronica 'Wizard of Ahhs' (Spike Speedwell) is a clump-forming perennial producing thick spikes of violet blue flowers from early to midsummer. Extremely showy, the flowers open from the base upward and sway above the bushy foliage mound of lance-shaped, toothed, green leaves. Read More.
What is a purple illusion?
Veronica 'Purple Illusion' (Spike Speedwell) Veronica 'Purple Illusion' (Spike Speedwell) is a clump-forming perennial producing thick spikes of rosy purple flowers from early to midsummer. Extremely showy, the flowers open from the base upward and sway above the bushy foliage mound of dark green, glossy linear leaves. Read More.
What is a pink potions?
Veronica 'Pink Potion' (Spike Speedwell) Veronica 'Pink Potion' (Spike Speedwell) is a clump-forming perennial producing thick spikes of baby pink flowers from early to midsummer. Extremely showy, the flowers open from the base upward and sway above the bushy foliage mound of lance-shaped, toothed, green leaves. Read More.
What is a spike speedwell?
Veronica 'Hocus Pocus' (Spike Speedwell) Noted for its incredibly long purple wands, Veronica 'Hocus Pocus' (Spike Speedwell) is a clump-forming perennial producing narrow, violet purple flower spikes from early to midsummer. Extremely showy, the flowers open from the base upward and sway above the bushy foliage mound of lance-shaped, toothed, ...
How tall does a speedwell grow?
Speedwells come in a rich variety of sizes, from low-spreading speedwells such as Veronica prostrata which grows to 10 inches tall to upright Veronica spicata whose brightly colored flower spikes reach 3 ft. in height. Speedwells thrive in full sun and moist, well-drained soil and are butterfly friendly. Compare All Veronica - Speedwells.
What is a speedwell Veronica?
Veronica - Speedwells. Veronica (Speedwell) is a low-care and easy-to-grow perennial with long spikes of tiny flowers in shades of purple, blue, pink, or white from spring to fall. Superb in bouquets, they also look lovely in the perennial border.
What is perfectly Picasso?
Veronica 'Perfectly Picasso' (Spike Speedwell) is a bushy, upright, clump-forming perennial producing elegant spikes of star-shaped, medium pink flowers from mid to late summer. Opening from white buds, the flowers open from the base upward and create an eye-catching bicolor floral display for weeks.
How to grow a perennial garden?
There are many ways to incorporate this reliable perennial into any landscape. Here’s how: 1 Use groundcover or dwarf types in a rock garden in combination with alpine plants such as columbine, sedum, dianthus, thyme and creeping phlox. 2 Alternate groundcover and dwarf varieties with different bloom times along the edge of a border or path for months of extended color. 3 To create a living pathway, place stepping stones 6 to 9 inches apart and plant the spaces in between with groundcover veronica and other low growers such as creeping thyme, ajuga, creeping Jenny, and Corsican mint. 4 Use trailing varieties in a container, window box, or hanging basket in combination with other plants with colored foliage or summer-blooming flowers for season-long color. 5 White forms make an elegant addition to an all-white garden for a magical illuminating effect on warm summer evenings. 6 Veronica combines well with many other perennials. Possible companions include tickseed, daylily, yarrow, lady’s mantle, salvia, campanula, Shasta daisy, and coral bells. For early-flowering types, combine with spring blooming bulbs such as tulips and daffodils.
How much sun does Veronica need?
Veronica blooms best with at least 6 hours of full sun, but can tolerate partial shade.
How many species of Veronica are there?
There are more than 500 species of Veronica, with origins mainly in Europe. Nearly all are long-lived perennials, particularly those grown by home gardeners, though a small percentage are annuals. Veronica flowers are attractive to hummingbirds, butterflies and pollinating insects, making them eco-friendly, too.
What soil do veronicas like?
Most veronicas do best in amended, well-draining soil. They are tolerant of clay or sand, as well as neutral, alkaline, or acidic pH.
What are some good companion plants for Veronica?
Possible companions include tickseed, daylily, yarrow, lady’s mantle, salvia, campanula, Shasta daisy, and coral bells.
What color flowers make a good cut flower?
The tall stature makes a statement in a large-scale landscape when massed in a mixed or cottage-style border. Contrast the clean white flower color with hotter hues, or combine with cooler shades of lavender, pink and blue. The long, elegant flower spikes make good cut flowers.
How long does it take for a sage plant to germinate?
When growing from seed, press seeds gently into the soil but don’t cover, as light will aid in germination. Keep moist until seeds germinate in approximately 14 to 21 days.
Alaska Speedwell (Veronica Alaskensis)
While most flowers struggle in the harsh conditions of cold Alaska, the Alaskan speedwell thrives. It can be distinguished from other flowering speedwell due to the lack of a long stem. In fact, the Alaskan speedwell, which is also found in Yukon, is short and hairy, with small flowers. This has led to another nickname: northern kittentails!
Alpine Speedwell (Veronica Wormskjoldii)
Thriving in a moist alpine habitat, alpine speedwell is a hardy plant.
American Speedwell (Veronica Americana)
Native to Asia and North America, American speedwell grows in streams and low-lying land. Said to have a taste similar to watercress, American speedwell has historically been eaten and used in medicine. When grown in clean water, every part of the plant apart from the roots can be eaten raw.
Azores Speedwell (Veronica Dabneyi)
Once thought to be extinct, the Azores speedwell was rediscovered in 1999 on the warm and damp slopes of the Azores. It likes altitude, often found above 660 feet, and grows purple and white flowers from green foliage.
Banks Peninsula Hebe (Veronica Strictissima)
This type of Veronica, the Banks Peninsula Hebe, is only found in the Banks Peninsula in New Zealand. It was used as a treatment for dysentery, particularly during the Second World War. The Maori also made use of the Banks Peninsula Hebe, as a treatment for headaches and kidney troubles.
Broadleaf Speedwell (Veronica Austriaca)
The broadleaf speedwell is native to Northern Europe, and grows in a flowering mound. Throughout summer, you can see the attractive and bright blue flowers blooming in Austria. You can certainly spot broadleaf speedwell from a distance, as it grows in clusters of flowers up to 35 inches tall, and 24 inches wide.
Brooklime (Veronica Beccabunga)
The Brooklime is a plant native to Europe, Asia, and Africa, preferring to grow in brooks and ditches. Brooklime is very easy to grow, but they do need plenty of water, and can have blue or pink flowers. They were once used alongside scurvy grass and watercress as a potential treatment for scurvy.
What is a speedwell Veronica?
Veronica is a robust genus of flowering plants that includes more than 500 species, several dozen of which are cultivated as landscape flowers. Of these, one of the most popular is Veronica spicata, often known as spiked speedwell, which is often called just speedwell. Speedwell is a clump-forming plant with flowers that grow on stalks ...
How tall is Veronica Spicata?
V. longifolia 'Sunny Border Blue': Not only does it have longer leaves than V. spicata (as the Latin species name longifolia suggests), but it is also a taller plant, reaching 3 feet in height when in bloom.
How much water do spiked speedwells need?
Even as older plants, they will bloom better when given a moderate amount of water. They typically need 1 inch of water per week.
What is the best soil for spiked speedwell?
Loamy, well-drained soil is the best environment for spiked speedwell. These plants do not like to have "wet feet"; soggy soil can kill them and cause root rot. If you have poor or clay soil, amend it with compost before you plant. The compost will also add nutrients to the ground to give your young plant a good start.
How to protect Speedwell from winter?
To protect speedwell outdoors from a potentially wet winter, cover the plants with plastic. Excessively moist winter soil may kill the plant.
When does Veronica spicata bloom?
Veronica spicata 'Glory': This variety has low-growing foliage (about 12 inches tall) from which 10- to 12-inch blue-violet flower racemes rise in late spring through mid-summer. Sometimes this variety is sold under the trade name of 'Royal Candles'.
What is the best way to kill Veronica snails?
Veronica may be susceptible to snails, slugs, and aphids. Eliminate snails and slugs with bait, and get rid of aphids by spraying neem oil .
Veronica Care
Members of the Veronica genus are known for their hardiness, making these perennials an excellent choice for low-maintenance gardens. They are drought-tolerant, deer-resistant, and do not require much pruning or attention once established. They thrive in full sun and rich, well-draining soil.
Types of Veronica
Veronica spicata ‘Giles Van Hees’: This is a shorter growing variety, reaching only 6 inches tall. It is known for its spikes of bright pink flowers and makes a vibrant choice for smaller gardens or for edging.
Pruning
There isn’t much pruning required for plants in the Veronica genus. Throughout the growing season, you should deadhead spent or faded blooms to encourage more flowering. After the first frost arrives and kills the foliage, prune the Veronica plant down to a few inches above the ground.
Propagating Veronica
Propagating speedwell plants can easily be done through division and cuttings. Division is best done every few years to encourage healthy, full growth, especially if the center of the plant begins to thin out. This type of propagation is ideally performed in the spring or fall. Cuttings are best taken in the spring.
How to Grow Veronica From Seed
These plants can also be started from seeds both indoors and outdoors. To start seeds indoors, plant them four to six weeks before the last frost. You will need rich, well-draining soil, small pots, and a sunny location or grow lights. Then follow these instructions:
Potting and Repotting Veronica
Veronica plants, particularly small varieties, make great container plants. It is important to consider the mature size of the variety before planting them in pots. When choosing a pot, be sure to select a container with freely flowing drainage holes, as soggy soil can cause problems for Veronica plants.
Overwintering
When grown in their proper growing zone, Veronica plants are hardy and do not require additional care to survive the winter. Just be sure the soil does not get overly wet during the winter months, as this can lead to problems such as root rot, which can kill the plant.
How many species of Veronica are there?
Veronica has about 250 species that range from low growing to erect with spikey flowers. It prefers regular even moisture in well-drained soils. Cut back to the rosette after bloom as many will rebloom. Many cultivars and hybrids are available. These must be propagated asexually to maintain cultivar characteristics.
What is a creeping speedwell?
Creeping speedwell produces single small light blue flowers in the spring and is a groundcover.
How Long Do Sage and Veronica Last? Perennial or Annual?
Of the 500+ types of veronica, the majority of them are perennial. This means that they last multiple seasons with a long blooming period (from spring to fall).
What is the difference between Veronica and Salvia?
Hence, what are the differences between veronica and Salvia? Veronica is slightly smaller than salvia and presents slightly more elongated and broader leaves. Salvia has a larger flower but with a similar color to veronica. Salvia is often used as a culinary spice, while veronica is mostly used for medicinal purposes.
How much sun do Veronica and Salvia need?
When planting in pots use a mix of garden soil mixed with perlite to ensure rapid drainage; Sunlight: both veronica and salvia require a lot of sunlight, at least 6 hours a day ; Drought tolerant: once established both plants are tolerant of drought, but they will look better with occasional watering.
What are the colors of Veronica leaves?
Leaves. Salvia officinalis (sage) leaves are blue-Green with a velvety texture. They are darker in color. Veronica leaves are bright green, and a bit hairy, and (depending on the variety) slightly glossy. Veronica leaves are slightly more elongated than salvia ones.
How to use Veronica tea?
Veronica is known for its healthy and healing purposes. The most common use is cough remedy tea made from its flowering tops. The simplest recipe here: 1-2 teaspoons of dried herbs in hot water. Then add honey to make it tastier and for its antiseptic properties.
What goes well with salvia?
Salvia goes well with other essential herbs like oregano, rosemary, or thyme. It’s paired well with all sorts of food: meat, cheese, fish, pasta (check the recipe below!), or as a salad dressing, all depending on the region and cuisine. Cappellacci with Sage & Butter Sauce | Gennaro Contaldo - AD.
What flowers have green tips?
Both veronica and salvia form tall spikes but veronica blooms from bottom-up, so you will often see green tips on the top of the bloom, with colorful fully-bloomed flowers below.
What color are Veronica flowers?
Veronica (aka Speedwell) Flowers: Veronica and Salvia are similar in color, dark purple to rose pink to white dense blooms. Veronica blooms mature from the bottom up, so sometimes the tips of the blooms appear green while the lower flowers are blooming.
What family is salvia?
Foliage & Branching Habits: Salvia is in the mint family. It has square stems and opposite blue-green leaves that are round with slight notches. Also, when you rub the leaves of Salvia, there is a noticeable minty aroma.
When does Veronica bloom?
Bloom Time: Veronica usually blooms in early summer and lasts until autumn. Foliage & Branching Habits: Veronica is from the plantain family. It has round stems and glossy, bright green leaves. When rubbed together, it does not produce a minty smell like Russian Sage and Salvia.
How big does a salvia grow?
Size & Growth: Salvia can grow to be 12-24 inches tall.
What flowers do salvias go well with?
Salvia pairs well with Blanket Flower, Black-Eyed Susan, Coneflowers, and more. It is a great plant to fill in space because it gets so big. Prune old flowers of Salvia to encourage continued blooming. Varieties at Bucks Country Gardens: Blue Hill – true blue flowers, tough, perfuse grower.
When does Russian Sage bloom?
Bloom Time: Russian Sage is one month behind Salvia, blooming July through October. Foliage & Branching Habits: Russian Sage is also in the mint family, just like Salvia. It is similar in resemblance, with square stems and opposite blue-green leaves. When you rub the leaves of Russian Sage, you also get a minty aroma.
How big does Russian Sage get?
Size & Growth: Russian Sage is shrub-like, with woody stems, and matures to about 3 feet tall and about 3 or more feet wide!
Description
Cultivation
- Royal Candles speedwell plants grow best in an area with full sun and a loamy, well-drained soil. Although they are drought-resistant plants once mature, you must water them regularly while they are young. Even as older plants, they will bloom better when given a moderate amount of water.
Prevention
- Royal Candles may suffer from root rot in poorly-drained soil that stays overly wet, so it is important to install it in a well-drained soil. To help accomplish this, mix compost into the ground when you plant it. The compost will also add nutrients to the ground to give your young plant a good start. In future years, occasionally sprinkle more compost onto the ground around the plan…
Reproduction
- But Royal Candles speedwell offers a colorful display while asking for relatively little in return in the way of care. Many gardeners do not even fertilize a speedwell plant much (perhaps fertilizing it some years, but not in others); yet it typically blooms well year in and year out in spite of the neglect.
Types
- Royal Candles is one of the hardiest speedwells, but there are many types of Veronica plants. For purposes of gardening, we can divide them into two groups: In addition to Royal Candles speedwell, other kinds of V. spicata are:
Appearance
- For a spiky plant with more height to it than Royal Candles (besides V. longifolia), something ideal to grow at the back of a perennial border, consider Culver's root. Variously classified as Veronica virginica or as a member of the closely related genus, Veronicastrum, Culver's root (grown in planting zones 3 to 8) can reach 6 feet in height and has whorled leaves. But perhaps Culver's …
Uses
- Because of its decent drought-tolerance once established, Royal Candles speedwell is a good choice for use in rock gardens. Many gardeners use it in a perennial flower border where a short or medium-sized plant would fit best.
Name
- The name of \"Veronica\" is a shortened version of two Latin words joined together, vera (meaning \"true\") and iconica (meaning \"image\"). According to legend, a kind woman wiped the blood and sweat from Christ's face with her veil as he was passing her on the way to Calvary. The \"true image\" of his face is said to have been transferred onto this linen in what some regard as a mir…