Overview
Veronica longifolia 'First Love' is a perennial in the genus Veronica, part of the Plantaginaceae family. It typically grows around 1.0 m tall. Veronica longifolia 'First Love' grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. Suggested uses include borders, cottage gardens and cut flowers. It is native to Europe and Western Asia.
About
Veronica longifolia, known as garden speedwell or longleaf speedwell, is a flowering plant in the family Plantaginaceae where many introduced varieties in North America are native to Europe and Western Asia.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Veronica longifolia
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)
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Veronica
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Sandy, Loamy, Clay
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Exposure
- Full sun
- UK hardiness
- H7
Plant details
Veronica longifolia 'First Love' size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Perennial
- Height
- 1.0 m
- Suggested uses
- Borders, Cottage gardens, Cut flowers
- Native to
- Europe, Western Asia
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Veronica longifolia 'First Love'
- Cultivation
- Prefers moist, well-drained soil; avoid waterlogging; deadhead to prolong flowering
- Pruning
- Cut back after flowering to encourage fresh growth
- Propagation
- Division, Cuttings
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Veronica longifolia 'First Love'?
Prefers moist, well-drained soil; avoid waterlogging; deadhead to prolong flowering.
Where is the best place to plant Veronica longifolia 'First Love'?
Veronica longifolia 'First Love' prefers full sun. It suits full sun positions.
What soil does Veronica longifolia 'First Love' need?
Veronica longifolia 'First Love' is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including sandy, loamy and clay. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
How do I prune Veronica longifolia 'First Love'?
Cut back after flowering to encourage fresh growth.
How big does Veronica longifolia 'First Love' grow?
Veronica longifolia 'First Love' reaches a height of 1.0 m.
Is Veronica longifolia 'First Love' hardy in the UK?
Veronica longifolia 'First Love' has an RHS hardiness rating of H7, meaning it is fully hardy throughout the UK, tolerating temperatures below -20°C.
How do I propagate Veronica longifolia 'First Love'?
Division, Cuttings.
More in the Veronica genus
- Veronica 'Silver Swallow' (H)
- Veronica exaltataSpeedwell
- Veronica teucriumSpeedwell
- Veronica teucrium 'Blue Fountain'Speedwell
- Veronica teucrium 'Crater Lake Blue'Speedwell
- Veronica teucrium 'Royal Blue'Speedwell
- Veronica townsonii (H)
- Veronica 'Mrs Adamson'Speedwell