May Plant of the Month

Veronica / Speedwell

Veronica is a member of the Scrophulariaceae or figwort family. The name Veronica has an interesting biblical background. Saint Veronica is the maiden credited with wiping the brow of Jesus when he stumbled and fell on the road to Calvary. According to the legend, the napkin she used bore the imprint of his face. The church bestowed the name "vera icon" or "true image" as the derivation of the saint's name. Many types of Veronica bear a face-like image, and hence the name.

The common name of speedwell has an equally interesting background, as it was once considered to have many medicinal qualities. It was used to treat many ailments, especially skin conditions.

This is a showy and diverse group of perennials, ranging from low mounding plants suitable for rock gardens, to taller types with upright flower spikes.

Veronica 'Ulster Blue Dwarf'
Veronica spicata 'Rotfuchs'
Veronica longifolia 'Fascination'

Veronica 'Ulster Blue Dwarf'
This profusely blooming perennial produces masses of bright blue, purple flower spikes 10 to 12 inches tall. It is ideal for many locations, including perennial borders or as a groundcover. It is also suitable for growing in containers or patio pots. The bright color is especially accented in mass plantings. 'Ulster Blue Dwarf' blooms all summer and into fall, and is attractive to hummingbirds and butterflies. Regular dead heading promotes continued bloom throughout the season.


Veronica spicata 'Rotfuchs'
Also listed as V. spicata 'Red Fox'
This Veronica is unusual in that it features bright rose-red flower spikes throughout the summer. This is an easy to grow perennial and a makes a good cut flower. Because of its shorter height, 'Rotfuchs' is perfect at the front of a border or in a rock garden. The 4"-6" bloom spikes appear from late spring to midsummer.


Veronica spicata 'Heidekind'
'Heidekind' produces short spikes of raspberry pink flowers and grows to a maximum height of 12 inches with leaves in silver-gray. This species needs good drainage, moisture and full sun, making it ideal for sunny borders and rock gardens. Regular dead heading will help to extend the flowering period. Blooms throughout the summer. Good air circulation is always important for all Veronica spicata.


Veronica longifolia 'Fascination'
Also listed as Veronicastrum viginicum 'Fascination'
This long-blooming perennial features multi-branched bottle-brush spikes of lilac flowers with pink tones, providing a two-tine effect. Grows to a maximum height of 40". This is an easy-to-grow cultivar, but does best in full sun to some shade in moist soils. Great for any garden spot requiring some late summer color.


Veronica longifolia 'Blauriesin'
Also listed as V. longifolia 'Foerster's Blue'
This long leaf cultivar is a tall, upright, clump-forming perennial which features dense 3' - 4' tall spikes of small, lavender-blue flowers. Bloom period is from May to July. This is an easy to grow perennial that prefers rich, moist, well drained soils and full sun. Regular dead heading will help to extend the flowering period. Tall spikes may need staking, especially if planted in less than full sun conditions. Good as a cut flower.