Veronica spicata (spiked speedwell) — Bushy, Matforming, Clump forming

Overview

Veronica spicata is a bushy, matforming, clump forming perennial in the genus Veronica, part of the Plantaginaceae family, with deciduous, semi-evergreen foliage. Veronica spicata grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates well-drained soils and neutral and alkaline pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include borders, rock gardens and cut flowers. It is native to Europe and Asia.

About

Veronica spicata is a perennial in the Plantaginaceae valued for its summer flowering display from June to September. It originates from Europe and Asia and is grown in gardens for its long flowering season. Plants suit full sun to partial shade on well-drained, neutral to alkaline soils with moderate moisture. Hardiness rating H5 means it is hardy across most of the UK when given a sheltered, south-facing position.

Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Veronica spicata

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 spicata is a perennial member of the Plantaginaceae native to Europe and Asia, prized for its extended summer flowering from June to September. As a garden perennial it fits into a temperate planting schedule and is treated as a hardy species (H5) in the UK, tolerating winter conditions across much of the country. Give Veronica spicata a sunny to part-shaded position, ideally south-facing and sheltered from the coldest exposure. It prefers well-drained soils that are neutral to alkaline and kept at moderate moisture; avoid waterlogged sites. These conditions support steady growth without forcing extra intervention in winter. Use spiked speedwell in mixed borders where a steady run of summer flowers is needed, in rock gardens where drainage is good, or for cutting to bring summer stems indoors. Flowering from June to September provides a reliable sequence of stems suitable for summer bouquets and repeated cutting through the season.

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Veronica

Sunlight: full sun, partial shade
Soil type: well-drained
Soil pH: neutral, alkaline
Soil moisture: moderate
Aspect: south-facing
Exposure: sheltered
UK hardiness: H5

Plant details

Veronica spicata size, habit and characteristics

Plant type: perennial
Habit: Bushy, Matforming, Clump forming
Foliage: Deciduous, Semi-evergreen
Suggested uses: borders, rock gardens, cut flowers
Native to: Europe, Asia

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Veronica spicata

Cultivation: Prefers well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade. Avoid waterlogged conditions.
Pruning: Cut back after flowering to encourage bushier growth and prevent legginess.
Propagation: seed,division,cuttings
Pest resistance: Aphids
Disease resistance: Downy mildews, Fungal leaf spot, Fungal rot, Phytophthora, Honey fungus

Frequently asked questions

How do I grow Veronica spicata?

Prefers well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade. Avoid waterlogged conditions.

Where is the best place to plant Veronica spicata?

Veronica spicata prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.

What soil does Veronica spicata need?

Veronica spicata grows best in well-drained soil. It prefers neutral and alkaline soil. Aim for soil that stays moderate.

How do I prune Veronica spicata?

Cut back after flowering to encourage bushier growth and prevent legginess.

Is Veronica spicata hardy in the UK?

Veronica spicata has an RHS hardiness rating of H5, meaning it is hardy in most of the UK, tolerating -15 to -10°C.

How do I propagate Veronica spicata?

Seed,division,cuttings.

More in the Veronica genus

Browse all Veronica →