Veronica Very Van Gogh (Spike Speedwell)
Valued for its long bloom time, Veronica ‘Very Van Gogh’ (Spike Speedwell) is a bushy, upright, clump-forming perennial producing long spikes of purple flowers from mid to late summer. Attractive to butterflies and hummingbirds, the flowers open from the base upward and create an eye-catching display for weeks.
Valued for its long bloom time, Veronica 'Very Van Gogh' (Spike Speedwell) is a bushy, upright, clump-forming perennial producing long spikes of purple flowers from mid to late summer. Attractive to butterflies and hummingbirds, the flowers open from the base upward and create an eye-catching display for weeks. Each main flower spike is surrounded by up to a dozen secondary flower spikes, resulting in a prolonged season of bloom. They sway above the healthy foliage mound of lance-shaped, bright green leaves, which may take on some red hues in fall. Featuring a beautifully rounded habit, this Spike Speedwell is ideal for the middle of the border or for containers where it will create a charming impact.
- Grows up to 18-20 in. tall (45-50 cm) and 20-24 in. wide (50-60 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 or containers. Exceptional as cut flowers.
- Easy to grow, Speedwell requires very low care and is fairly pest and disease-free (some susceptibility to mildew). It is attractive to butterflies and hummingbirds, but resistant to deer.
- Remove spent flowers to promote additional blooms. Shear back the foliage if it becomes worn-looking after flowering.
Requirements
Hardiness | 4 – 8 |
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Heat Zones | 1 – 8 |
Climate Zones | 1, 1A, 1B, 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, A2, A3 |
Plant Type | Perennials |
Plant Family | Veronica – Speedwells |
Exposure | Full Sun, Partial Sun |
Season of Interest | Summer (Mid,Late) |
Height | 1' – 2' (30cm – 60cm) |
Spread | 1' – 2' (30cm – 60cm) |
Spacing | 20″ – 24″ (50cm – 60cm) |
Water Needs | Average |
Maintenance | Low |
Soil Type | Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Cut Flowers, Showy |
Tolerance | Deer |
Attracts | Butterflies, Hummingbirds |
Garden Uses | Beds and Borders, Patio and Containers |
Garden Styles | Informal and Cottage |