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

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