Speedwell, Garden Speedwell, Long-Leaved Speedwell, Longleaf Speedwell, Long Leaf Speedwell, Long Leaf Veronica
Noted for its graceful and bountiful flowers, Veronica longifolia (Longleaf Speedwell) is a long-blooming, easy-care perennial prized by gardeners for the distinctive vertical lines it brings to the landscape.
Veronica longifolia, also known as Longleaf Speedwell, is a robust, upright perennial native to Europe and Western Asia.
Habit and Size: This plant typically grows in a clump, reaching around 2 to 4 feet (60-120 cm) in height and about 1 to 2 feet (30-60 cm) in width. It exhibits a bushy growth habit.
Flowers: The star feature of this plant is its long, narrow spikes of small, star-shaped flowers. They rise like slender wands which enliven the garden with color and clouds of butterflies. These blooms are usually a vibrant blue to purple but can also be white or pink in some cultivars. The inflorescences can reach up to 10 inches long (25 cm) and provide a strong vertical element in the garden.
Foliage: The foliage consists of lance-shaped, dark green leaves arranged oppositely along the stems.
Blooming Season: Extremely showy, Veronica flower opens from the base upward from early to late summer.
Hardiness: Veronica longifolia is hardy in USDA zones 4 to 8.
Uses: Its upright growth and showy flower spikes make it an excellent choice for the back of perennial borders or cottage gardens. It’s also well-suited for cut flower gardens due to the longevity of its blooms in a vase.
Pollinators: The flowers attract a variety of pollinators, including bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, making it a good choice for a pollinator-friendly garden.
Toxicity: There is no known significant toxicity for humans or pets.
Deer & Rabbit Resistance: This plant is considered deer-resistant. Rabbits may nibble on it, but it’s not usually their first choice.
Key Facts: Veronica longifolia has been cultivated for centuries, and there are numerous cultivars available with varying heights and flower colors. Its carefree nature, long blooming period, and attractiveness to pollinators make it a valuable addition to many garden settings.
There are several reasons why you might consider growing Veronica longifolia, or Longleaf Speedwell, in your garden:
Visual Appeal: Longleaf Speedwell is a highly ornamental plant. Its long, upright spikes of vibrant flowers add an impressive vertical element to garden designs, making them stand out in borders or beds.
Long Blooming Period: The plant has a long blooming period, often from early to late summer, providing continual color in the garden during these months.
Attracts Pollinators: The flowers of Longleaf Speedwell are loved by a variety of pollinators. If you’re aiming to create a pollinator-friendly garden, this plant is a great choice.
Deer Resistance: Longleaf Speedwell is known to be deer-resistant, a significant advantage if deer are a common problem in your area.
Cut Flower Use: The flower spikes make excellent cut flowers. They are long-lasting in a vase and can bring a bit of your garden indoors.
Low Maintenance: Longleaf Speedwell is relatively easy to care for once established.
Versatility: Numerous Veronica longifolia cultivars are available, offering a range of heights and flower colors. This allows you to choose the perfect variety for your specific garden design.
Disease Resistance: This plant is generally resistant to most pests and diseases, making it a sturdy and reliable addition to your garden.
By incorporating Veronica longifolia into your garden, you can enjoy not only its striking visual appeal but also its environmental benefits and low-maintenance nature.
Hardiness |
4 - 8 |
---|---|
Plant Type | Perennials |
Genus | Veronica |
Exposure | Full Sun, Partial Sun |
Season of Interest | Summer (Early, Mid, Late) |
Height | 2' - 4' (60cm - 120cm) |
Spread | 1' - 2' (30cm - 60cm) |
Maintenance | Average |
Water Needs | Average |
Soil Type | Loam |
Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Cut Flowers, Showy |
Tolerance | Deer, Rabbit |
Attracts | Butterflies, Hummingbirds, Bees |
Landscaping Ideas | Beds And Borders, Edging, Ground Covers |
Garden Styles | City and Courtyard, Gravel and Rock Garden, Informal and Cottage, Prairie and Meadow |
Botanik Foto
Hardiness |
4 - 8 |
---|---|
Plant Type | Perennials |
Genus | Veronica |
Exposure | Full Sun, Partial Sun |
Season of Interest | Summer (Early, Mid, Late) |
Height | 2' - 4' (60cm - 120cm) |
Spread | 1' - 2' (30cm - 60cm) |
Maintenance | Average |
Water Needs | Average |
Soil Type | Loam |
Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Cut Flowers, Showy |
Tolerance | Deer, Rabbit |
Attracts | Butterflies, Hummingbirds, Bees |
Landscaping Ideas | Beds And Borders, Edging, Ground Covers |
Garden Styles | City and Courtyard, Gravel and Rock Garden, Informal and Cottage, Prairie and Meadow |
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Create a membership account to save your garden designs and to view them on any device.
Becoming a contributing member of Gardenia is easy and can be done in just a few minutes. If you provide us with your name, email address and the payment of a modest $25 annual membership fee, you will become a full member, enabling you to design and save up to 25 of your garden design ideas.
Join now and start creating your dream garden!