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When should I plant Veronica

Author

Emma Payne

Published Mar 10, 2026

The best time to plant Veronica is in spring after the soil becomes warm enough to work easily. It’s a fast grower, but not invasive, and will rise from nearly ground level (after being cut back for overwintering) to full height before the end of the growing season.

Do Veronica flowers come back every year?

Veronica, also called Speedwell, is a carefree and easy-to-grow perennial with long spikes of small petals in purple, blue, pink, or white. … (Veronica can be sowed by seed in containers in a cold frame in autumn, but most people start this perennial as a transplant from the nursery.) Loosen the soil and mix in compost.

When should I plant Veronica UK?

How to plant veronica. Plant veronicas at any time of year, although autumn or spring are the most favourable times for plants to establish. Space plants 30cm-60cm apart depending on variety size and keep watered until established.

When should I start Veronica seed?

How To Grow Spike Speedwell: Sow Veronica seeds indoors 4 – 6 weeks prior to last spring frost. Sow Spike Speedwell flower seeds in small containers or starter trays using quality seed starting mix.

Is Veronica a perennial or annual?

There are more than 500 species of Veronica, with origins mainly in Europe. Nearly all are long-lived perennials, particularly those grown by home gardeners, though a small percentage are annuals. Veronica flowers are attractive to hummingbirds, butterflies and pollinating insects, making them eco-friendly, too.

When can I move Veronica?

You can easily propagate Veronica by divison. In late fall or early spring, divide mature plants and repot them in their own containers. When dividing plants, choose the divisions from the outer edges of the plant. The inner portions are less likely to root, and they become less productive over the years.

Is Veronica plant invasive?

This perennial spreads by a creeping rootstock, but is not invasive. Veronica Royal Candles is the most disease-resistant perennial in its family. The distinctive characteristics of Veronica Royal Candles provide multiple choices for use in the garden.

Why is my Veronica dying?

In soggy, overwatered soils, speedwell develops edema. Roots can’t receive oxygen and the plant dies. … Powdery mildew might infect speedwell in late summer in hot, dry weather. This fungal disease causes a white growth to form on the leaves and stems.

Does Veronica bloom all summer?

Planting speedwell (Veronica officinalis) in the garden is a great way to enjoy long-lasting blooms throughout the summer season. These easy-care plants don’t require much upkeep once established, making them ideal for the busy gardener. Keep reading to learn more about growing speedwell flowers.

Will Veronica rebloom if deadheaded?

Deadheading Salvia will promote a long bloom period. Veronica (speedwell) should have the spent flower spike cut back to side branches. Once they are finished flowering, cut the stems down to the ground, which may produce a small rebloom later.

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How do I overwinter Veronica?

Keep the soil around Veronica consistently moist. It does not have to be rich, but the plant will suffer during winter . These plants need about one inch a week, either through rainfall or through regular watering. Cover the ground with a 2-inch layer of mulch.

Should I dead head Veronica?

Deadhead Veronica flowers to extend their blooming season. There are very few pest or disease problems with spiked speedwell, but soggy soils can cause root rot. You can divide the plants every few years to limit the size of the clumps or simply for propagation.

What conditions does Veronica like?

Veronica are best planted in a moist but well-drained, loam-based soil within an acidic, alkaline or neutral PH balance. They are best positioned in an area of full sun or part shade. Veronica are well suited to flower beds and borders within cottage and informal garden settings or can be used as garden edging.

Do you cut back veronica in the fall?

Speedwell, or veronica, is typically a low-maintenance plant, but deadheading to remove the flower spikes in summer and pruning the plant back to the ground in autumn help keep it looking good and growing well in the garden for years.

Is veronica a type of lavender?

Type:PerennialsZones:4-8 Find Your ZoneSoil Condition:Normal, Clay, SandyFlower:LavenderAccent:Lavender

Is Speedwell plant invasive?

Often found in neglected lawns, disturbed soil, and shaded areas, corn or common speedwell (Veronica arvensis) is one to watch. It’s also known as gypsyweed or veronica. Generally, this invasive plant features four-petaled white, blue, or purplish small flowers; heart-shaped seed pods; and numerous small lobed leaves.

What do Veronica flowers symbolize?

Veronica grows quickly and does not require special care, making it a popular flower in landscape design. The meaning and symbolism of Veronica flower is loyalty. In a single-flower bouquet, it represents your devotion to the person or even fidelity in marriage.

Why is Veronica called Speedwell?

Etymology. Speedwells were considered lucky charms, their sight speeding travellers on their way. Veronica, the genus name, probably comes from the Latin adjective vera- meaning true, and -nica meaning image. … One of the other common names for this plant is Bird’s Eye Speedwell.

How do you grow Veronica longifolia?

  1. Cultivation. Grow in loamy, moderately fertile, moist but well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade.
  2. Propagation. Propagate by division in autumn or spring.
  3. Suggested planting locations and garden types. Cottage and informal garden. …
  4. Pruning. Cut down once flowering finished.
  5. Pests. Generally pest free.
  6. Diseases.

How big do Veronica plants get?

genus nameVeronicalightSunplant typePerennialheight6 to 12 inches 1 to 3 feetwidth8 inches to 2 feet

Is Veronica spicata a perennial?

Veronica spicata, commonly known as spike speedwell, is an upright, clump-forming, herbaceous perennial that typically produces a summer-long bloom of tiny, star-shaped, violet-blue flowers in dense, long-flowering, tapered-at-the-top, spike-like terminal racemes atop stems rising well above a foliage mound to 24-30” …

Is Veronica plant drought tolerant?

Veronica | Speedwell Veronica (Speedwell) comes in a wide variety of heights for you to choose from—but they are all easy and undemanding to grow. These perennials prefer full sun and average, well–drained soil. Veronica plants are deer resistant, drought tolerant and attract hummingbirds and butterflies.

Do Geums self seed?

Geums will also self seed easily.

Is Veronica Speedwell deer resistant?

Veronica | Speedwell Veronica (Speedwell) comes in a wide variety of heights for you to choose from—but they are all easy and undemanding to grow. These perennials prefer full sun and average, well–drained soil. Veronica plants are deer resistant, drought tolerant and attract hummingbirds and butterflies.

Are Salvias perennial UK?

Salvia sylvestris is an extremely hardy perennial which can be grown anywhere in the UK. Violet blue flowers appear in early June and last through to late July.

How do you prune Veronica for winter?

After the flower blooms a second time, cut it back to the foliage growing near the ground. Shear low-growing types back to foliage growing on soil after the second flush of bloom. Pinch the faded flowers on all varieties of Veronica, during the blooming season. Pinching encourages reblooming.

Is Veronica an evergreen?

Veronica gentianoides is a floriferous, semi-evergreen, clump-forming perennial, bearing pretty, blue fragrant flowers. It’s a plant of the woodland edge, so is at home in humus-rich soil in dappled shade. … Deadhead regularly to prolong flowering, and split clumps annually to avoid the centre of the plant dying out.