Veronica (Speedwell): Blue Spikes for Gardens and Bouquets

Veronica, or speedwell, is a perennial with slender spikes of blue, purple, pink or white flowers that rise above the plant like candles. It grows wild in Ukrainian meadows and woodland edges, decorates mixed borders in gardens, and florists add its spikes to bouquets for vertical rhythm. Here is what species exist, how to grow veronica and how to use it in a bouquet.

What Is Veronica

Veronica is one of the largest genera of the plantain family, with several hundred species of herbaceous plants and small shrubs. Most have tiny four-petalled flowers in spikes or racemes, usually blue. The name is commonly linked to Saint Veronica. Dozens of wild species grow in Ukraine — from the tiny germander speedwell with sky-blue flowers to the tall long-leaved speedwell.

Veronica Species for Gardens and Bouquets

• Long-leaved speedwell (V. longifolia) — tall (60–120 cm) with long dense spikes; its varieties are the ones most often grown for cutting.
• Spiked speedwell (V. spicata) — shorter (30–50 cm), drought-tolerant, with dense blue, pink or white spikes; it also grows wild in the steppe.
• Austrian speedwell (V. austriaca) — bright blue racemes in late spring, lovely in rock gardens.
• Creeping speedwells — low, mat-forming species for edging and alpine beds.

Do not confuse veronica with veronicastrum, a separate genus of tall plants with similar but longer spikes.

Planting and Care

Veronica needs sun or light shade and ordinary garden soil without standing water. Plant in spring or early autumn 30–40 cm apart. Water in dry spells and cut off faded spikes after the first flush to encourage repeat flowering. Tall varieties sometimes need staking. Divide every 3–4 years in spring to keep plants vigorous. Veronica is hardy and usually needs no winter cover.

Veronica in Bouquets

Veronica spikes add vertical lines and lightness, especially to garden and wildflower bouquets. They go with roses, peonies, lisianthus, daisies, gentian and sea holly in blue palettes. For cutting, choose stems with the lower third of the spike open. Veronica lasts about a week in a vase; change the water and trim the stems every 2–3 days. More blue flowers are in blue flowers.

FAQ

When does veronica bloom?

Depending on species, from May to September; long-leaved and spiked speedwell mainly flower in June–August.

How long does veronica last in a vase?

About a week if cut with the spike partly open and with regular water changes.

Should I cut back veronica?

Yes, removing faded spikes encourages repeat flowering; in autumn you can cut stems to the ground.

How is veronica different from lavender?

Lavender is a fragrant subshrub of the mint family, while veronica is a herbaceous perennial with little scent.

Author: Maria Svitlovir

Graduated from Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, Institute of Biology and Medicine (2001). BSc in Biology, MSc in Horticulture. Writes about plants, works at a garden centre selecting and repotting plants, and contributes to plant reference guides.

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