Veronica longifolia
garden speedwell
A clump-forming, upright perennial to 1.2m with narrow leaves in pairs or threes up the stem and densely packed spikes of tiny, tubular, purplish-blue flowers in late summer and early autumn
Size
Ultimate height
1–1.5 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
Spring | Green | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Summer | Blue | Green | ||
Autumn | Blue | Green | ||
Winter |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H7Botanical details
- Family
- Plantaginaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Columnar upright
- Genus
Veronica can be annuals, perennials or sub-shrubs with paired leaves and small flowers usually in terminal or axillary racemes or spikes
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- Europe
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in loamy, moderately fertile, moist but well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade
Propagation
Propagate by division in autumn or spring
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Cottage and informal garden
- Wildlife gardens
- Flower borders and beds
Pruning
Cut down once flowering finished
Pests
May be susceptible to aphids
Diseases
May be susceptible to downy mildews, fungal leaf spot, fungal rot, Phytophthora and sometimes honey fungus
Get involved
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