Veronica ‘Vernique™ Dark Blue’

Veronica longifolia ‘Vernique^™ Dark Blue’

Characteristics

Culture

Veronica ‘Vernique™ Dark Blue’ has abundant, full spikes of violet-blue flowers that bloom continuously throughout summer on a compact plant. Excellent mildew resistance makes this delightful perennial even easier to grow and appreciate.  Easily grown in evenly moist, well-drained soil in full sun. Tolerates light shade. Prefers rich loams. Intolerant of dry soils. Weak floppy growth occurs in too much shade or with overly rich soils. Remove spent flower spikes to encourage additional bloom.  Keep Veronica ‘Vernique™ Dark Blue’ well-watered when the plant is getting established, when the plant is setting up buds and blooming, and during dry spells. Shearing back spent flowers will encourage more blossoms.

Noteworthy Characteristics

Veronica longifolia, commonly known as speedwell. A clump-forming perennial grows easily in average, moist, loamy, fast-draining soils; avoid soggy, poorly drained soils. Water deeply, regularly in first growing season to establish root system. Remove spent flower spikes to encourage additional bloom. Feed Veronica ‘Vernique™ Dark Blue’ monthly during growing season. Remove old, faded foliage before new foliage emerges in early spring.

Common name of speedwell probably is in reference to an ancient herbal medicinal use of plant parts in curing aliments in a rapid or speedy fashion.

Problems

No serious insect or disease problems. Taller plants may need support, particularly if plants are grown in less than full sun conditions. Watch for powdery mildew.

Garden Uses

Perennial Beds, pollinator gardens, cottage gardens, borders, meadows. or edging. Best in groups or massed. Outdoor pots and containers.