How to grow veronica plants
All you need to know about growing veronica, or speedwell, in our Grow Guide.
Veronicas, also known as speedwells, are hardy long-lived garden plants that bloom in late spring or summer with pretty spikes of flowers that are mostly shades of blue, with some whites, reds or pinks. Low maintenance, free from most pests and diseases and attractive to pollinators, they deserve to be more widely grown.
Veronicas can be herbaceous perennials, dwarf plants that are known as alpines or moisture-loving perennials for shallow water or boggy soil. Veronica flowers are mostly individually tiny, with many clustered together to form upright spikes, spires, or clusters. Plant height varies from 10cm to 60cm, and plant spread from 20cm to 60 cm. The taller varieties may need staking in exposed areas.
Herbaceous veronicas look good towards the front of beds and borders and look good in informal or cottage garden schemes, while alpine types look good in raised beds and rockeries. Moisture-loving veronicas are perfect for the edges of ponds or in a bog garden.
The Veronica genus now sometimes includes hebes, known as shrubby veronicas.
How to grow veronicas
Veronicas can be grown in a range of places such as borders, rockeries and raised beds or pond edges, depending on the variety. Veronicas are easy to grow and need little care apart from cutting back herbaceous varieties at the end of the season.
Veronica plants: jump links
- Planting veronica
- Caring for veronica
- Propagating veronica
- Growing veronica: problem-solving
- Buying veronica
- Best veronicas to grow
Where to grow veronica
Grow herbaceous perennial veronicas in borders in fertile, moisture-retentive soil in sun or part shade. Dwarf alpine species do best in sun and are ideal for rockeries, banks or raised beds as they need well-drained soil that is low in nutrients or grow at the edges of borders if the soil is suitable. Grow moisture-loving veronicas in shallow water or boggy soil in sun or part shade.
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.
Caring for veronica
Little maintenance is required. Cut back herbaceous perennial and moisture-loving varieties from late autumn to late winter, once growth has died back to the ground.
How to propagate veronica
Herbaceous perennial veronicas in borders can be propagated by division whilst dormant, in autumn or early spring. Moisture-loving veronicas are best divided during summer. Dwarf alpine veronicas can be propagated by cuttings taken in spring.
Growing veronica: problem solving
Veronicas are easy to grow and trouble-free so long as the right type of plant is matched to the right spot. If the growing conditions are either too wet or too dry for the variety, plants may suffer from downy mildew or powdery mildew.
Advice on buying veronica
- Veronica plants are available at garden centres in spring and summer. For the best selection, visit a specialist nursery or buy online
- Veronicas are listed by plant type. Border veronicas are herbaceous perenials, dwarf varieties are listed as alpines and moisture-loving veronicas are listed as marginal or aquatic plants
- Check that plants are healthy, with no signs of pests or diseases
Where to buy veronica plants online
Best varieties of veronica to grow
- Veronica gentianoides 'Tissington White' – forms a dense mat of thick, dark green foliage, from which tall spires of white/pale blue flowers appear in early summer. It’s a magnet for bees and looks good growing among other perennials at the front of a mixed herbaceous border.
Height x Spread: 60cm x 60cm - Veronica spicata 'Royal Candles' – spires deep blue-purple flowers from June to August. Great for the front of a border.
H x S: 50cm x 30cm - Veronica beccabunga (brooklime) – a British native. This spreading, moisture-loving variety is good for edging a pond.
H x S: 15cm x 100cm - Veronica spicata 'Bubblegum Candles' – a new compact, free-flowering variety with rosy pink spires.
H x S: 20cm x 30cm