Overview
Veronica longifolia 'First Match' is a herbaceous perennial perennial in the genus Veronica, part of the Plantaginaceae family, with deciduous foliage. It typically grows around 1.0 m tall. Veronica longifolia 'First Match' grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. Suggested uses include borders 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 pH
- Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing
- Exposure
- Full sun
- UK hardiness
- H7
Plant details
Veronica longifolia 'First Match' size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Perennial
- Habit
- Herbaceous perennial
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- 1.0 m
- Suggested uses
- Borders, Cut flowers
- Native to
- Europe, Western Asia
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Veronica longifolia 'First Match'
- Cultivation
- Prefers moist, well-drained soil; avoid waterlogging
- Pruning
- Deadhead spent flowers to encourage reblooming
- Propagation
- Division, Cuttings
- Pest resistance
- Slugs, Snails, Aphids
- Disease resistance
- Powdery mildew, Downy mildew
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Veronica longifolia 'First Match'?
Prefers moist, well-drained soil; avoid waterlogging.
Where is the best place to plant Veronica longifolia 'First Match'?
Veronica longifolia 'First Match' prefers full sun. It suits full sun positions.
What soil does Veronica longifolia 'First Match' need?
Veronica longifolia 'First Match' is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including sandy, loamy and clay. It prefers neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
How do I prune Veronica longifolia 'First Match'?
Deadhead spent flowers to encourage reblooming.
How big does Veronica longifolia 'First Match' grow?
Veronica longifolia 'First Match' reaches a height of 1.0 m.
Is Veronica longifolia 'First Match' hardy in the UK?
Veronica longifolia 'First Match' 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 Match'?
Division, Cuttings.
From the Fenn Plants journal
- Notes on DaffodilsWhen to plant daffodil bulbs in the UK, how deep, how to naturalise them in grass, why daffodils stop flowering (“blindness”), and why you should never mix cut daffodils with other flowers.
- Keeping Your NerveHow to garden through a heatwave — the best time to water, why deep soaks beat daily sprinkles, caring for pots and vulnerable plants, and why you can let the lawn go brown.
- Made to LastHow to clean, store and protect garden pots and planters — the frost-proof vs frost-resistant difference, winter care for terracotta and ceramic, and how to reuse a broken pot.
More in the Veronica genus
- Veronica 'Silver Swallow' (H)
- Veronica exaltataSpeedwell
- Veronica gentianoides 'Variegata'Speedwell
- Veronica incanasilver speedwell
- Veronica incana 'Wendy'Silver Speedwell
- Veronica longifoliagarden speedwell
- Veronica perfoliataDigger's speedwell
- Veronica spicataspiked speedwell
