Spiked Speedwell (Veronica spicata)

Spiked Speedwell

(Veronica spicata)

janet graham

CC BY 2.0

Image By: janet graham

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Copyright Notice: Photo by: janet graham | License Type: CC BY 2.0 | License URL: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/ | Uploader: janetgraham84new | Publisher: Flickr

Estimated Native Range

Summary

Veronica spicata, commonly known as Spiked Speedwell, is a deciduous perennial herb native to a variety of habitats including open woodlands, grasslands, and alpine meadows in Europe, Central Asia, and Siberia. It typically grows 1–3 feet (0.30–0.91 m) tall and produces showy spikes up to 1 foot long adorned with flowers in shades of blue, pink, purple, and white. The flowering season extends from late spring to late summer, providing a long period of visual interest. Spiked Speedwell is the county flower of Montgomeryshire in the United Kingdom, reflecting its cultural significance.

In cultivation, Spiked Speedwell is valued for its vertical accent in borders and its ability to attract pollinators. It thrives in full sun to part shade and prefers well-drained soil with moderate moisture. While it is relatively low maintenance, deadheading can encourage a second bloom. ’Royal Candles’ is noted for its vivid blue flowers, ’Red Fox’ for its reddish-pink blooms, and ’Noah Williams’ for its white flowers. Veronica spicata can be invasive in some regions outside its native range, so gardeners should consult local guidelines before planting.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

Plant Type: Herb
Height: 2-3 feet
Width: 2-2.5 feet
Growth Rate: Moderate
Flower Color: Blue, Pink, Purple, White
Flowering Season: Summer, Spring
Leaf Retention: Deciduous

Growth Requirements

Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
Water: Medium
Drainage: Medium

Common Uses

Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Border Plant, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Groundcover, Hummingbird Garden, Low Maintenance, Rabbit Resistant, Rock Garden, Showy Flowers, Street Planting

Natural Habitat

Open woodlands, grasslands, and alpine meadows in Europe, Central Asia, and Siberia

Other Names

Common Names: Aks-Ærenpris, Ähriger Ehrenpreis, Tähkätädyke, Aksveronika, Aarereprijs, Axveronika, Verônica-De-Espiga

Scientific Names: , Veronica spicata, Veronica spicata var. minor, Veronica spicata var. setulosa, Veronica longibracteata, Veronica spicata subsp. hybrida, Veronica spicata var. alpina, Eustachya oppositifolia, Pseudolysimachium spicatum, Veronica clusii

GBIF Accepted Name: Veronica spicata L.