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, green leaves. Gifted with a clean foliage, a uniform habit, showy blossoms over a longer season on well-branched stems, this Veronica is an excellent choice for borders and rock gardens.

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, green leaves. Gifted with a clean foliage, a uniform habit, showy blossoms over a longer season on well-branched stems, this Veronica is an excellent choice for borders and rock gardens.

  • Grows in bushy, upright clumps, up to 16-20 in. high (40-50 cm) and 12 in. wide (30 cm).
  • Performs best in full sun, in average, medium moisture, well-drained soils. Although tolerant of partial shade, it will flower better in full sun.
  • Perfect choice for borders, cottage gardens, coastal gardens, rock gardens, or containers. Good edging plant too. Exceptional as cut flowers. Best when planted in groups.
  • Easy to grow, Speedwell requires very low care and is fairly pest and disease-free (some susceptibility to mildew). It is attractive to butterflies, but resistant to rabbit and deer.
  • Remove spent flowers to promote additional blooms. Shear back the foliage if it becomes worn-looking after flowering.

Requirements

Hardiness 4
– 8

Climate Zones 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21
Plant Type Perennials
Plant Family Veronica – Speedwells
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Summer (Early,Mid)
Height 1'
– 2'
(30cm
– 60cm)
Spread 10"
– 1'
(25cm
– 30cm)
Spacing 12″ (30cm)
Water Needs Average
Maintenance Low
Soil Type Loam
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained
Characteristics Cut Flowers, Showy
Tolerance Deer, Rabbit, Salt
Attracts Butterflies
Garden Uses Beds and Borders, Edging, Patio and Containers
Garden Styles Coastal Garden, Gravel and Rock Garden, Informal and Cottage