PerennialsVeronica spicata
Spike Speedwell
Spike Speedwell is a compact perennial with striking, slender flower spikes in blue to purple. The stiffly upright racemes appear from June to August and attract plenty of bees and butterflies. Perfect for the front of borders and combinations with roses.
Characteristics
- Sun
- Full sun
- Water
- Medium
- Height
- 30–60 cm
- Spread
- 30–45 cm
- Hardiness zone
- 3–8
- Family
- Plantaginaceae
- Evergreen
- No
- Flower colors
- blue, purple
- Wildlife value
- bees, butterflies
Bloom period
Care guide
Plant in full sun in well-drained soil. Water regularly but avoid waterlogging. Apply a light dressing of compost in spring. The plant is fully hardy and tolerates frost well.
Pruning tips
Deadhead spent flower spikes to extend blooming and encourage a possible second flush. Cut back old foliage to ground level in late autumn or early spring. Divide overgrown clumps every three to four years.
Good companions
PerennialsSalvia nemorosa
Woodland Sage
Woodland Sage is a compact perennial with striking purple-blue flower spikes blooming from June to August. It attracts plenty of bees and butterflies and works well in sunny borders. Cutting back spent flower stems often triggers a second flush of blooms.
PerennialsGeranium 'Rozanne'
Geranium 'Rozanne'
Geranium 'Rozanne' is one of the longest-flowering perennials, producing bright blue-violet blooms from June until the first frost. It grows as a wide, low mound and makes an outstanding ground cover. Rozanne is tough, disease-free, and fits nearly any garden style.
PerennialsAchillea millefolium
Yarrow
Yarrow is a robust native perennial with finely divided, fern-like foliage and flat flower clusters in yellow, white, or pink. The plant blooms prolifically from June to September, attracting countless pollinators. Yarrow is remarkably drought-resistant and fits almost any garden style, from prairie borders to wildflower meadows.