Veronica incana (silver speedwell) — perennial

Overview

Veronica incana is a perennial in the genus Veronica, part of the Plantaginaceae family. Veronica incana grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates well-drained soils. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. It is native to Eastern Europe, Russia, Siberia, Mongolia and northern China.

About

Veronica incana is a perennial in the Plantaginaceae, commonly known as silver speedwell. It is native across Eastern Europe and into Siberia, Mongolia and northern China. Flowering occurs from June to September. Plant in full sun or partial shade on well-drained soil kept at moderate moisture.

Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Veronica incana

About the genus

Veronica is the largest genus in the flowering plant family Plantaginaceae, with about 500 species. It was formerly classified in the family Scrophulariaceae. Common names include speedwell, bird's eye, and gypsyweed.

Wikipedia contributors, "Veronica (plant)", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Veronica (plant)

In the garden

Veronica incana is a perennial member of the Plantaginaceae native to Eastern Europe, Russia and stretches of Siberia into Mongolia and northern China. Its distribution across cold continental regions aligns with its UK hardiness rating of H5, classed as hardy, and explains why it tolerates cooler seasons better than many tender perennials. Give plants a sunny or lightly shaded position and a free-draining soil with steady, moderate moisture rather than waterlogging. The species prefers well-drained conditions and will not thrive where soils remain saturated; in heavier soils improve drainage with grit or in raised beds. In the UK a sheltered spot against a warmer wall is not required but can bring earlier onset of growth. Veronica incana flowers from June to September and suits mixed sun borders and gravel or rock beds where drainage is naturally good. Use it where a hardy perennial that flowers through summer is wanted, and expect reliable seasonal display provided plants are not kept in overly wet ground.