Preferences:

European perennial; 12" to 18" Tall; erect habit

Veronica prefers full sun with partial shade being tolerated but will lengthen and become decumbent. Soil should be moderately fertile and well drained.

Cultural Practices:

Propagation: sow seeds at 16 - 21C for up to 30 days although may take up to 90 days, under light conditions. Clump division is done in spring and fall.

Culture: This plant needs staking. Often in mid summer we will get extremely strong winds that blow straight down and this causes the plant to donut. Extremely difficult the get the plant to grow back up once it donuts. You should cut back the stems when they have finished flowering.

Landscape Value:

Common Plants:

Veronica allionii (Alpine Speedwell) very compact spikes of violet-blue

Veronica austriaca 'Crater Lake Blue' (Hungarian Speedwell) has gentian-blue flowers early blooming

Veronica dabneyi (Pink Speedwell)

Veronica filifolia (Fernleaved Speedwell) rock garden low carpet

Veronica gentianoides (Broad-leaved Speedwells) light blue flowers, fairly new in introduction but becoming more available. I like this one a very different kind of icy blue.

Veronica longifolia 'Blue Giant' Tall speedwell with thick lavender spikes

Veronica prostrata 'Heavenly Blue' (Creeping speedwell) sapphire blue

Veronica spicata 'Blue Carpet' the more commonly available species and most hardy

Veronica incana (Wholly Speedwell) a dwarf variety with white leaves and soft blue flowers