It’s easy to give ho-hum plantings an exciting new look when you add speedwell to the mix. Long spikes of purple, lavender, blue, pink or white last for several weeks starting in late spring or early summer.
SPEEDWELL LOVE Bees and butterflies are frequent visitors to the dozens of tiny individual flowers on each stem. Groups of five or more speedwell make it easier for pollinators to spot and provide a splashy focal point for your borders.
Everyone takes note of the sweep of ‘Red Fox’ at right when they pass by. This old favorite is a variety known for its 15-inch-long deep pink to rosy-red spikes and compact size. But there are a lot more speedwells that are worth growing in your garden. Let’s take a look at what you’ll find at the garden center and discover some tips for growing great-looking plants.
Speedwell
Veronica spp.
and hybrids
Perennial
Blooms Spike-shaped flowers in purple, lavender, blue, pink or white bloom from late spring to early fall
Light Full sun to part shade
Soil Well-drained
Pests None serious
Size 6 to 48 in. tall, 6 to 24 in. wide
Cold hardy USDA zones 3 to 8
