Veronica longifolia var. subsessilis (garden speedwell) — Perennial

Overview

Veronica longifolia var. subsessilis is a perennial in the genus Veronica, part of the Plantaginaceae family. It typically grows around 1.0 m tall. Veronica longifolia var. subsessilis grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. It is native to Europe.

About

Veronica longifolia var. subsessilis is a perennial in the Plantaginaceae that reaches about 1.0 m and flowers from June to September. It produces lilac to purple summer blooms. The plant prefers full sun and tolerates sandy, loamy or clay soils so long as they remain moist but well‑drained. Rated H7, it is fully hardy in UK gardens and originates from Europe.

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)

In the garden

Veronica longifolia var. subsessilis is a perennial member of the Plantaginaceae, native to Europe and typically forming upright growth to around 1.0 m. It brings sustained summer colour, flowering from June to September with lilac to purple blooms. Its stature provides clear vertical presence without requiring shrub-level space. Place it in a sunny spot: the species prefers full sun and will tolerate a range of soils — sandy, loamy or clay — provided they drain yet remain on the moist side. The H7 hardiness rating means it is fully hardy across the UK; its USDA range of 4–10 indicates suitability well beyond British gardens where winters are colder or milder. Use it where a metre of summer height is useful, for example mid to rear positions in mixed herbaceous borders or alongside paths where flowering stems can be seen at eye level. Maintenance is straightforward if soil moisture is checked through dry spells and space is allowed for its mature height. Expect reliable flowering from June to September, offering a clear block of lilac to purple colour through summer at roughly 1.0 m tall.

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Veronica

Sunlight: Full sun
Soil type: Sandy, Loamy, Clay
Soil moisture: Moist but well-drained
UK hardiness: H7

Plant details

Veronica longifolia var. subsessilis size, habit and characteristics

Plant type: Perennial
Height: 1.0 m
Native to: Europe

Frequently asked questions

Where is the best place to plant Veronica longifolia var. subsessilis?

Veronica longifolia var. subsessilis prefers full sun.

What soil does Veronica longifolia var. subsessilis need?

Veronica longifolia var. subsessilis is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including sandy, loamy and clay. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.

How big does Veronica longifolia var. subsessilis grow?

Veronica longifolia var. subsessilis reaches a height of 1.0 m.

Is Veronica longifolia var. subsessilis hardy in the UK?

Veronica longifolia var. subsessilis has an RHS hardiness rating of H7, meaning it is fully hardy throughout the UK, tolerating temperatures below -20°C.

More in the Veronica genus

Browse all Veronica →