Veronica longifolia (Longleaf Speedwell)
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.
What is Longleaf Speedwell?
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.
Why Should I Grow Longleaf Speedwell?
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.
Guide Information
| 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 |
| Garden Styles | City and Courtyard, Gravel and Rock Garden, Informal and Cottage, Prairie and Meadow |
Beautiful Speedwell Varieties
Garden Design with Longleaf Speedwell
Veronica longifolia, or Longleaf Speedwell, is a versatile plant that fits well in various garden designs due to its upright growth habit, vibrant blooms, and attractiveness to pollinators. Here are a few ways you could use Longleaf Speedwell in your garden design:
Mixed Borders: Because of its height and the vertical interest it provides, Longleaf Speedwell works well in mixed borders. It can serve as a “thriller” or focal point among other perennials. Consider partnering it with plants that contrast its tall, narrow form, like mound-forming plants such as Geraniums or Hostas.
Cottage Gardens: The loose, colorful, and slightly wild feel of a cottage garden suits Longleaf Speedwell perfectly. Combine it with other classic cottage garden plants like Roses, Peonies, or Delphiniums.
Cut Flower Gardens: If you enjoy bringing fresh flowers indoors, consider including Longleaf Speedwell in a cut flower garden. Its long, sturdy flower spikes hold up well in arrangements.
Pollinator Gardens: As it’s a favorite with bees and butterflies, Longleaf Speedwell is an excellent choice for a pollinator garden. Combine it with other pollinator-friendly plants like Echinacea, Salvia, and Monarda.
Mass Planting: Consider mass planting Longleaf Speedwell for a bold visual impact. A large group of these plants in bloom can be quite stunning.
Remember to consider the needs of Longleaf Speedwell when deciding where to plant it. It prefers full sun to part shade and performs best in well-draining soil. Also, consider the heights of different Veronica longifolia cultivars when deciding where in your borders to place them.
Companion Plants
Choosing companion plants for Veronica longifolia, or Longleaf Speedwell, involves considering the plant’s growth habits, bloom time, and color. Ideally, companion plants should have similar sun, soil, and moisture requirements. Here are some plants that could complement Longleaf Speedwell in the garden:
Ornamental Grasses: The fine texture and waving habit of ornamental grasses like Panicum virgatum (Switchgrass) or Miscanthus sinensis (Maiden Grass) can provide a beautiful contrast to the upright form of Veronica longifolia.
Echinacea (Coneflowers): Echinacea’s daisy-like blooms and sturdy, upright stems can pair well with the vertical flower spikes of Veronica longifolia.
Salvia (Sage): The flower spikes of Salvia species mirror the form of Veronica and can create a rhythm in the garden when planted together. The varieties with blue or purple flowers would particularly complement the typical blue of Longleaf Speedwell.
Geranium (Cranesbill): The mounding habit and delicately cut foliage of hardy geraniums can provide a contrasting shape at the feet of Veronica longifolia.
Nepeta (Catmint): Nepeta’s grey-green foliage and lavender-blue flowers would complement the color and form of Veronica longifolia.
Astilbe: With its feathery plumes and preference for similar growing conditions, Astilbe can be an excellent companion for Longleaf Speedwell.
Hemerocallis (Daylilies): The bold, strappy foliage and large flowers of Daylilies can create an attractive contrast with the slender, upright spikes of Veronica.
Heuchera (Coral Bells): Heuchera’s mounding form, and colorful leaves can provide great contrast and year-round interest.
Remember, your garden’s specific conditions and the specific needs of your plants can influence how well certain companions will work. Always consider your garden’s conditions and the individual needs of your plants when choosing companions.
Companion Plants for Longleaf Speedwell
Growing Tips
Growing Veronica longifolia, or Longleaf Speedwell, is relatively straightforward, as it’s a robust and low-maintenance plant. Here are some general steps to get you started:
Choose the Right Location: Veronica longifolia prefers a location in full sun to partial shade. It grows best in well-drained soil and is quite adaptable to different soil types, although it prefers rich, moist soils.
Planting: Dig a hole that’s twice the width of your plant’s root ball and just as deep. Gently place your plant in the hole, ensuring it’s level with the surrounding soil surface. Backfill the hole, firming the soil gently around the root ball. Water thoroughly.
Watering: Water your plant regularly, especially during dry spells.
4. Fertilizing: Feed your plant with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in the spring to promote vigorous growth and prolific blooming.
5. Pruning: After the first flush of flowers starts to fade, trim the flower spikes back to just above a set of leaves to encourage a second round of blooming.
6. Winter Care: In colder regions, you may want to apply a layer of mulch around the base of the plant in the fall for extra winter protection.
Pest and Disease Control: While Veronica longifolia is generally resistant to most pests and diseases, keep an eye out for common issues like powdery mildew and leaf spot. Implementing a regular watering and feeding schedule can help keep your plant healthy and more resistant to diseases.
8. Propagation: If you want to create more plants, Veronica longifolia can be divided in the early spring or fall. This is also a good way to rejuvenate older plants losing vigor in the center.
With proper care, Veronica longifolia can add height and color to your garden for many years.
Botanik Foto
Guide Information
| 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 |
| Garden Styles | City and Courtyard, Gravel and Rock Garden, Informal and Cottage, Prairie and Meadow |
