Spiked Speedwell (Veronica spicata)

Spiked speedwell (Veronica spicata) is a protected plant species native to the United Kingdom. This species is protected under the Conservation of Wild Creatures and Wild Plants Act. Spiked speedwell is the county flower of Montgomeryshire.

Common nameSpeedwell, Spiked Speedwell
Botanical nameVeronica spicata
FamilyPlantaginaceae
Speciesspicata
OriginEurope and Asia
Life cyclePerennial
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
Hardiness zone3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8
SunlightFull Sun
MaintenanceLow
Soil conditionHigh Organic Matter
DrainageWell-Drained
Growth rateMedium
Spacing12 in. – 3 ft.
Flowering periodSummer
Height2 ft. – 3 ft.
Width2 ft. – 3 ft.
Flower colorBlue
Leaf colorGreen
Flower benefitGood Cut
Garden styleButterfly Garden
UsesPond

I. Appearance and Characteristics

Veronica spicata (spiked speedwell; syn. Pseudolysimachion spicatum) is a species of flowering plant in the family Plantaginaceae. It is 1–3 feet (0.30–0.91 m) tall and bears 1 foot long spikes with blue, pink, purple and white flowers.

It is the county flower of Montgomeryshire in the United Kingdom. Cultivated varieties include blue (‘Royal Candles’), red (‘Red Fox’) and white (‘Noah Williams’).

Spiked Speedwell (Veronica spicata)
File:Bombus norvegicus – Veronica spicata – Keila.jpg Ivar Leidus CC BY-SA 4.0

It became a protected species in the UK in 1975 under the Conservation of Wild Creatures and Wild Plants Act.

The best time to plant veronica is in spring after the soil is warm enough to work easily. Spiked speedwell is a fast grower, but is not invasive, and it grows from nearly ground level after being cut back for overwintering to full height before the end of the growing season.

II. How to Grow and Care

Sunlight

Spiked speedwell likes light. It can grow well in full sunshine and is also slightly tolerant to a semi-shade environment. During its growth, more light is needed. Over 14 hours of light per day is conducive to its bloom, and the longer the light duration is, the earlier it blooms. If the sunshine duration is less than 14 hours a day, it is easy to cause the plant to overgrow with difficulty to bloom. When sunshine duration is short, artificial supplemental light is needed.

Temperature and Humidity

Spiked speedwell is tolerant of virtually any climate conditions found within its hardiness range. However, take care to protect the plants from strong winds because they can be easily damaged; plant them near a structure for protection.

Watering

Although they are drought-resistant plants once mature, spiked speedwells must be watered regularly while they are young. Even as mature plants, they will bloom better when given a moderate amount of water. They typically need one inch of water per week.

Soil

Spiked Speedwell (Veronica spicata)
Veronica spicata DK14 Jerzy Opioła CC BY-SA 4.0

Loamy, well-drained soil is the best environment for spiked speedwell. These plants do not tolerate soggy soil, which 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 provide nutrients to give your young plant a good start in your garden.

In the future, occasionally sprinkle a layer of compost around the plant and work it in by irrigating the soil afterward with your garden hose.

Fertilizing

Spiked speedwell does not require much fertilizer, so applying a little is fine. After it enters the growth period, it is necessary to apply a small amount of water-soluble compound fertilizer with nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium at the ratio of 20-10-20. In order to promote the flowering, when spiked speedwell is about to enter the flowering period, it is necessary to apply water-soluble compound fertilizer with nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium at the ratio of 10-30-20, generally 10 to 15 days before the flowering period.

Fertilizer can be reduced after early fall, as its growth speed begins to slow. Fertilization is not required in the recovery period because the nutrient absorbing ability of the injured root system is weak. Too much fertilizer can lead to an injured root system or slow growth.

Planting Instructions

Spiked speedwell can be propagated by its seeds, and the seeds can be sown flowerpots or gardens. If sown in a flowerpot, it can be done in early spring. Fill the flowerpot with cultivable soil, fill a little water in a shallow pan, and place the pan at the bottom of the flowerpot, so that the water permeates the soil thoroughly and makes it moist. Spread the seeds on the soil, cover with another layer of fine soil, and finally cover the flowerpot with cling film or a glass plate. The seeds will germinate in about 20 days at 20 °C. When the seedlings grow up, you can transplant them where you want.

If sown in a garden, it should be done later, from mid-spring to late spring. After sowing, water it once and cover the surface with plastic film. The seeds can germinate in about 30 days. It is best to have appropriate shade after sowing to avoid sun exposure.

Pruning

The withered flowers of spiked speedwell will not fall off from the flowering branches automatically, but still stay on the flowering branches. It is recommended that remnant flowers be removed in time to keep the plant look good, as well as to reduce unnecessary nutrient consumption, promoting the growth of underground parts.

Spiked Speedwell (Veronica spicata)
Veronica spicata 1 Franz Xaver CC BY-SA 3.0

Pruning should be done in the morning on sunny and dry days. When pruning, cut the flowering branch at the base where the last flower is in close proximity to it. Mastering the time of pruning can regulate the flowering period. In general, spiked speedwell will bloom again in 20 days after pruning. After winter, when the ground temperature rises to above 0 ℃, almost early spring, the withered and yellowed parts overground should be pruned, so that it begins its growth in the new year.

Propagation

Spiked speedwell can propagate through many methods like division propagation, sowing and cuttage. The best time for division is in the mid-spring, while the later time will delay the flowering period. While division is carried out, a 2- to 3-year-old plant should be chosen.

Dig out the whole plant, shake off most of the soil from the roots, and separate the plant into clusters with a sharp and clean knife. Keep 6 to 8 buds on each part to ensure the ornamental effect when dividing the plant. After cutting, soak the cut part of the plant in 500-time dilution of carbendazim for 15 to 20 min for disinfection, and then remove it and let it dry slightly in natural light before planting.

Cuttage propagation often takes place in late spring or summer. Cut the shoot off, place it in a flowerpot with cultivable soil and keep the soil moist. After the rooting takes place, it can be replaced in a larger flowerpot. When the seedling grows big enough, it can be transplanted where you want.

Potting and Repotting

Taller varieties of Veronica spicata serve well as a vertical focal point in container gardens. It thrives in a pot with well-draining soil. Tall spiked blooms might need staking, even in a pot. Try not to disturb speedwell’s root system by transplanting too often or the plant can start to decline.

Overwintering

Spiked Speedwell (Veronica spicata)
Veronica spicata sl10 Stefan.lefnaer CC BY-SA 4.0

Reduce watering in the winter. To protect the plant from a wet winter, shelter it with something that will divert or block excessive precipitation. Very moist winter soil can kill the plant. Your best defense is to start with well-drained planting beds to prevent water pooling and soggy soil.

Pests and Diseases

Veronica can be susceptible to snails, slugs, and aphids. Eliminate snails and slugs with bait, and get rid of aphids by spraying with neem oil.

III. Types of Veronica Spicata

  • 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’.
  • V. spicata ‘Giles Van Hees’: This compact variety has reddish-pink flowers; at just six inches tall when in bloom, this is a good choice if you want a short plant for the front of a border.
  • V. spicata ‘Icicle’: This plant bears white flowers and is 2 feet tall when in bloom.
  • V. spicata ‘Sunny Border Blue’: This hybrid grows to 20 inches tall with spikes of dark violet flowers that bloom into late fall.
  • V. spicata ‘Rotfuchs’ (Red Fox): This compact variety has deep rose-red flower spikes growing from mat-forming foliage that grows 12 to 18 inches tall.

Several other Veronica species also make excellent garden plants:

  • 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.
  • V. teucrium ‘Royal Blue’: This plant is similar to V. spicata, but the individual blooms on the flower spikes are bigger.
  • V. umbrosa ‘Georgia Blue’: This creeping form of veronica grows less than 6 inches tall, making it useful as a flowering ground cover.
  • V. repens ‘Sunshine’: Another short creeper, this variety has golden leaves.
  • V. austriaca subsp. teucrium ‘Crater Lake Blue’: This mat-forming perennial grows 12 to 18 inches tall with beautiful, deep gentian blue flowers in early summer.
  • V. prostrata ‘Dick’s Wine’: A low spreader (4 to 6 inches tall, with a spread of 18 inches), this variety produces dense clusters of pink flowers in spring and summer.

IV. Uses and Benefits

Spiked Speedwell (Veronica spicata)
Veronica spicata kz06 Krzysztof Ziarnek, Kenraiz CC BY-SA 4.0

Spiked speedwell is one of the most popular varieties of speedwell due to its bushy growth, deep violet flowers, and long blooming time. This perennial fits perfectly in rock, cottage, and coastal gardens, or simply in a container to add color to a patio or deck. Spiked speedwell’s lowest layer of foliage doesn’t die out, unlike other veronicas, making it suitable as a border or edge plant as well. Daylillies, salvias, or bulbous flowers (tulips & daffodils) are good potential companion plants for spiked speedwell.

V. Harvesting and Storage

If 20%-30% flowers on each spica of spiked speedwell bloom, the spica can be cut off for appreciation. For the cut spica, the vase life is about 8 to 14 days. When harvesting, sharp garden shears are recommended to cut to the base of the flowering branches, and then prune the flowering branches at an angle of 45° to increase the water absorption area. Put the cut branches in a vase with clean water in time to avoid water loss.

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