Veronica longifolia ‘First Memory’ (Speedwell)

Veronica longifolia ‘First Memory’ is a popular perennial in garden landscapes due to its stunning floral display and resilience in a variety of growing conditions. This cultivar is prized for its long spikes of periwinkle-blue flowers, which bloom from early to late summer. The flower spikes can reach up to 2 feet (60 cm) tall, making it a wonderful choice for adding vertical interest to your garden. The foliage of narrow, lance-shaped, toothed, dark green leaves nicely complements the blossoms.

• Growing in a bushy, upright clump, up to 22-24 inches high (55-60 cm) and 20-22 inches wide (50-55 cm), this Veronica is a perfect choice for borders, cottage gardens, prairies, rock gardens, or meadows. Exceptional as cut flowers and great as an edging plant too! Best when planted in groups.
• Performs best in full sun, in average, evenly moist, well-drained soils. Will thrive in rich loamy soils. Tolerates light shade
• Easy to grow, Speedwell requires very low care and is fairly pest and disease-free (some susceptibility to mildew). It is attractive to butterflies and hummingbirds but resistant to rabbits and deer.
• Remove spent flowers to promote additional blooms. Midsummer shearing after the first flowering encourages healthy new basal foliage and late summer flowering. It may require staking, specifically if your Veronica is grown in less than full sun conditions or if the soil is overly moist or fertile.
• Propagate by division, cuttings, or seed. Lift, divide, and replant every third year.
• Veronica longifolia is native from central and northeastern Europe to southwest Asia, Korea, and China.

Noted for their graceful and bountiful flowers, Speedwells (Veronica Longifolia) are long-blooming, easy-care perennials prized for the distinctive vertical lines they bring to the landscape. Their spiky flowers, in shades of white, blue, pink, purple, or violet, rise like slender wands which enliven the garden with color and clouds of butterflies.