Some species are prostrate, only raising their flowers a few inches above the ground while others can reach 120cm (4ft) in height and make excellent cut flowers. Many work well in the rock garden while others are better suited to a moister location in the mixed border. Some are late spring blooming while others display their flowers for the rest of the summer and even up until first frosts.
Veronica spicata ssp. incana is an outstanding silver-leaved perennial often grown for the foliage as much as their flowers.
With a good compact habit the plants grow to around 40cm (16in) tall and form a mound of silvery grey narrow leaves. In early summer the plant bears short spikes of deep violet blue flowers.
Excellent for massing as a groundcover, edging a sunny border or in the rock garden or border, it also does well in containers.
Beloved by bees, butterflies and flower arrangers, trim off faded flower spikes in August, clumps may be easily divided in spring or early autumn.
Sowing: February to June or September to October.
Sow the seeds on the surface of lightly firmed, moist seed compost in pots or trays. Seeds must be sown thinly. Do not cover very small seeds, but tightly press into the compost. Water from the base of the tray, Place in a propagator or warm place, ideally at 13 to 16°C (55 to 60°F). Keep the compost moist but not wet at all times. Germination 30 to 40 days. Keep in cooler conditions after germination occurs.
Seedlings can be slow to grow, prick out each seedling once it has its first set of true leaves and transplant into 7.5cm (3in) pots containing free-draining compost and grow them on in frost free conditions until large enough to plant outside.
Gradually acclimatise to outdoor conditions for 10 to 15 days before planting out after all risk of frost has passed. Overwinter autumn sown plants in frost-free conditions before planting out the following spring. Plant 30 to 60cm apart.
Cultivation:
Veronica prefers full sunshine but can tolerate some shade. If shade is too dense staking will be necessary to hold the plant upright. It likes a rich loamy soil best but most soils are tolerated as long as some organic material has been dug into them. It will tolerate occasional waterlogged soils.
To keep Veronica re-blooming remove the old flower spikes as they fade; this promotes fresh new growth which in turn will provide renewed flowering. After the first killing frost, cut stems back to between 25m and 50mm above the soil line. Divide congested plants every 3 to 4 years as new growth begins in the spring.
Cut Flowers:
Veronica can be a workhorse in the cut flower garden; it will provide a full second crop of stems if cut down completely to the ground after the first harvest. Veronica has a linear type flower that provides movement, action, or life to an arrangement. They are superb in bouquets and long lasting in the vase.
Cut when the flowers are beginning to open but before the oldest flowers on the stem start to show signs of browning. Cut the stems at a 45 degree angle with a sharp knife. Place into a bucket filled with luke warm water. Add flower food and leave over night to condition before using.
To make your own cut flower food mix ½ teaspoon of table sugar to a quart of cold water and mix thoroughly.
Be sure to remove any foliage that may be below the water line to prevent bacteria formation in the water. Re-cut ½in from the base of each stem under water using a sharp knife with each water change. Remove any foliage that may become submerged after re-cutting.
Fresh seeds are packed in ziplock bags!
After payment has been received, the item will be shipped within 2 working days. Usually it takes 1-3 weeks for delivery, depends on the location. Some location may take longer.