Veronica Plants

Veronicas come in a variety of sizes from low-growing, mat-forming ground covers (prostrate speedwells) with clusters of small flowers to tall, upright, and bushy plants (spike speedwells) with large, spiky terminal racemes dense with tiny, starry flowers that make great cuts for floral arrangements. Flower color ranges from deep blues and purples through mauves and pinks to pale blues and whites. Both types of flowers attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.

Veronica is a genus of about 250 species native to a wide variety of habitats from alpine meadows, grasslands, and woodlands to dry, rocky hillsides. Many cultivars and new hybrids are available.  Familiar prostrate species include V. alpina (alpine speedwell); V. prostrata (harebell speedwell [syn. V. rupestris]), Royal Horticultural Society Award of Garden Merit; V. repens (creeping speedwell); V. pectinate (comb speedwell); and V. gentianoides (gentian speedwell). Popular spike varieties include V. longifolia (long-leaf speedwell); V. austriaca (Hungarian speedwell); and V. spicata (spiked speedwell). Shown to best effect when grouped or massed, upright speedwells typically form a basal rosette and create an elegant vertical accent, while prostrate speedwells spread along the ground and are lovely trailing over low walls or as edging.

Hardy, easy to grow, and low maintenance, speedwells thrive in full sun to partial shade and average to poor, rocky soil. Good drainage is an absolute must, especially in winter. They are fairly disease and pest free and deer and rabbit resistant.