How to Plant and Grow Veronica

Veronica, also known as speedwell, is a genus that comprises 250 species. Its colorful spires of flowers grace the garden from spring through fall, depending on the species, with some reblooming for an extended show.

Veronica comes in many sizes and colors. Many of the spring-blooming types form mats of low-growing flowers. Some grow silver foliage that contrasts with the rich blue flowers. Summer-blooming types may soar to higher heights and are more generous rebloomers. These taller species feature a broad spectrum of colors, including pinks, purples, blues, and whites. 

Most veronica varieties you’ll find in the nursery trade are introduced species from other continents or hybrids. The popular spiked speedwell (Veronica spicata) is native to Europe and Asia. Plant scientists are working to improve disease resistance and enhance reblooming potential to further extend the veronica season. Some new veronica flowers have heads that are short and branched, creating almost ball-shaped blossom clusters. You can also find varieties with lovely gold and silver foliage for added visual interest.

Where to Plant Veronica

These versatile plants tolerate a variety of conditions but do best in a sunny site with rich, well-draining soil. Low-growing types that do well in dry conditions are well-suited for rock gardens. Veronica varieties that grow only a few inches tall make excellent groundcovers while tall varieties add strong vertical accents to garden beds.

How and When to Plant Veronica

Plant nursery transplants in the spring or early fall. Dig a hole twice the diameter of the container and place the plant in the hole so that the top of the root ball is even with the soil level. Press down on the soil to remove air pockets and water well.

Spacing ranges between 3 and 6 feet depending on the variety.

Veronica Care Tips

Veronica is an easy-to-grow perennial if its growing conditions are met.

Light

Plant veronica in full sun for best results. Although it will tolerate some shade, flower production may suffer. Without full sun, the plants may be affected by foliar diseases such as powdery mildew and leaf spot.

Soil and Water

Veronica plants prefer well-drained, loamy soil with plenty of organic matter. They grow in slightly acidic, neutral, and slightly alkaline soil (pH between 6.0 and 8.0). Once established, the plants tolerate drought and need little supplemental watering. During peak bloom, however, they
appreciate some water if conditions are exceptionally dry.

Temperature and Humidity

Veronica does best in areas with moderate humidity. The plant is cold-hardy in USDA Zones 3–11. In areas with harsh winters, cutting the plants back to 2 inches above the ground and adding a covering of mulch provides protection.

Fertilizer

Veronica is not a heavy feeder and doesn't require regular applications of fertilizer when planted in fertile soil. If the soil is poor, fertilize once in the spring with a balanced, all-purpose fertilizer, following the label instructions.

Pruning

Veronica benefits from deadheading. Trim spent blossoms back just below the base of the flower to encourage a second flush. Many tall species of veronica flowers are branched; if you cut these too low, you may sacrifice the next round of blossoms.

Pests and Problems

Veronica plants attract aphids and whiteflies. These can be controlled with a blast of water from a garden hose, an application of insecticidal soap, or neem oil.

Veronica is susceptible to foliar diseases such as powdery mildew and leaf spot, which are best prevented by allowing for good air circulation.

How to Propagate Veronica

The most common, easiest, and fastest way to propagate veronica is by division. Dividing the plan is also helpful to reinvigorate mat-forming types that die out in the middle as they mature.

Divide the plants in spring or late summer to early fall. Lift the entire root ball with a shovel and use a sharp spade to divide it into sections that have both roots and top growth. Replant the divisions in the garden or containers at the same depth as the original plant and keep them well-watered until established.

Types of Veronica

'Christy' Veronica

One of the lower-growing blue dwarf veronicas, 'Christy' is a late spring bloomer. This hybrid forms a mat of vibrant flowers that occasionally rebloom throughout the season. Zone 6-8

'Crater Lake Blue' Veronica

Veronica austriaca subsp. teucrium ‘Crater Lake Blue' produces deep blue flowers in early summer on 18-inch-tall plants. Zone 6-8

'Georgia Blue' Veronica

Veronica peduncularis ‘Georgia Blue’ develops large mats of toothed, purple-tinged foliage. Clusters of small, saucer-shaped flowers bloom from early spring into summer, flaunting a deep blue color with white eyes on 12-inch-tall plants. Zone 6-8

'Giles Van Hees' Veronica

Veronica spicata 'Giles Van Hees' has lance-shaped foliage and dense spikes of bright pink flowers in summer. It grows 6 inches tall. Zone 4-8

'Icicle' Veronica

This striking Veronica spicata variety demands attention with its pure white flowers on spikes, towering up to 2 feet tall. Zone 3-8

'Purpleicious' Veronica

'Purpleicious' is a hybrid with rich lavender-purple flowers throughout the summer and into fall. It grows 2 feet tall. Zone 4-8

'Sunny Border Blue' Veronica

As its name suggests, this hybrid is one of the best upright veronicas for sunny gardens. With glossy, dark green crumpled leaves and 7-inch-long spires of violet flowers from early summer on, the 'Sunny Border Blue' is truly a showstopper. It grows to 2 feet tall. Zone 4-8

'Waterperry Blue' Veronica

Veronica peduncularis 'Waterperry Blue' is a groundcover with sweet sky-blue flowers in spring. It grows 6 inches tall. Zone 4-8

Veronica Companion Plants

Coreopsis

One of the longest bloomers in the garden, coreopsis typically produces sunny yellow daisy-like flowers that attract butterflies, although some varieties feature golden-yellow, pale yellow, pink, or bicolor flowers. It flaunts its color from early to midsummer—or even longer if it's deadheaded. Zone 3-9

Lady's Mantle

Lady's mantle looks gorgeous whether growing in a garden or arranged in a vase. Its scalloped leaves catch rain or dewdrops, making them look dusted with jewels, while the chartreuse flowers form playful, frothy clusters above the foliage. This perennial is ideal for softening the edge of a shaded path or creating a groundcover in dappled shade. Zone 3-8

Salvia

There are hundreds of different types of salvias, commonly called sage. What they almost all have in common are beautiful, tall flower spikes and attractive, often gray-green leaves. Countless varieties (including the herb used in cooking) are available to decorate ornamental gardens. Featuring square stems clothed with often-aromatic leaves, sages show off spires of tubular flowers in bright blues, violets, yellow, pinks, and reds that mix well with other perennials in beds and borders. They're valued for their very long season of bloom, right up until frost. Zone 3-10