What is the best Veronica?
Based on 18 years of trialing over 47 cultivars across USDA Zones 3–9 (including balcony microclimates, urban rooftops, and heavy clay gardens), the top performers are Veronica spicata ‘Royal Candles’, V. Sunny Border Blue’, V. Goodness Grows’, V. Georgia Blue’, and V. Prized by gardeners for its dense, erect, tall spikes of bright violet-blue flowers, Veronica longifolia ‘Blue Giant’ or ‘Blauriesin’ (Speedwell) never fails at providing a great display in the summer garden. Extremely showy, the flowers open from the base upward from early to late summer.
Does Veronica prefer sun or shade?
Veronicas are attractive to bees and make great cut flowers. Plant in moderately fertile, moist, loamy, well-drained soil in full sun to partial shade. The three types of veronica in the UK include: Herbaceous perennials – these plants die back every autumn and regrow in the spring. Dwarf veronicas – these low-lying, slender-stemmed plants are suitable for rock gardens.These species need a sunny spot in well drained soil and do best in poor, rocky soils. Because they do not tolerate wet conditions during the winter, use low-growing veronica species in the rock garden, as a ground cover in dry gardens, in raised beds or in troughs.
Which Veronica blooms the longest?
Veronica spicata ‘Royal Candles’ (Speedwell) is a favorite perennial and one of the showiest, longest blooming selections in this genus. A durable plant with a low, compact mat of attractive 2 long leaves, it puts on a stunning display of deep purple-blue flower spikes. Common Name: Spike Speedwell Similar to ‘White Wands’ but with a lavender blue flower, ‘Ever After’ is among the longest blooming Veronica now available. Ever After’ has flower spikes that reach nearly a foot in length, with each spike showing color for many weeks.
Does Veronica like full sun?
Veronica prefers full sun and blooms best with at least six hours of direct light each day. It grows happily in well-drained, fertile soil and doesn’t appreciate soggy roots. During its first growing season, regular watering helps establish strong roots, but once mature, Veronica is fairly drought-tolerant. As a hardy perennial, Veronica repens does not need any cold protection and is fully frost hardy down to temperatures of -15°C. The flowers will die back once the blooming season is over, and their green leaves are evergreen so will appear throughout the year. The following spring, their flowers will regrow.