Veronica spicata ‘Giles Van Hees’ (Spike Speedwell)
Spike Speedwell 'Giles Van Hees', Veronica 'Giles Van Hees'
Perfect for small gardens, Veronica spicata ‘Giles Van Hees’ (Spike Speedwell) is a compact, clump-forming perennial producing upright spikes of star-shaped, rose-pink flowers from early to late summer. Attractive to butterflies, the flowers open from the base upward and sway above the bushy foliage mound of lance-shaped, bright green leaves. Compact and bushy, this dwarf speedwell is ideal for the front of the border, as an edging, or in containers where it will create a long-lasting impact. An easy and carefree plant.
- Grows up to 6-8 in. tall (15-20 cm) and 10-12 in. wide (25-30 cm).
- Performs best in full sun, in average, medium moisture, well-drained soils. Tolerates light shade. Best performance occurs with consistent moisture combined with sharp soil drainage.
- Perfect choice for borders, cottage gardens or containers. Good edging plant too. Exceptional as cut flowers. Best when planted in groups.
- Easy to grow, Speedwell requires very low care and is fairly pest and disease-free (some susceptibility to mildew). It is attractive to butterflies, but resistant to rabbit and deer.
- Remove spent flowers to promote additional blooms. Shear back the foliage if it becomes worn-looking after flowering.
Requirements
| Hardiness |
4 - 8 |
|---|---|
| Heat Zones |
1 - 8 |
| Climate Zones | 1, 1A, 1B, 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, A2, A3 |
| Plant Type | Perennials |
| Plant Family | Plantaginaceae |
| Genus | Veronica |
| Exposure | Full Sun |
| Season of Interest |
Summer (Early, Mid, Late) |
| Height |
6" - 8" (20cm - 20cm) |
| Spread |
10" - 1' (30cm - 30cm) |
| Spacing |
10" - 12" (30cm - 30cm) |
| Maintenance | Low |
| Water Needs | Average |
| Soil Type | Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand |
| Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
| Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained |
| Characteristics | Cut Flowers, Showy |
| Tolerance | Deer, Salt, Rabbit |
| Attracts | Butterflies |
| Garden Uses | Beds And Borders, Edging, Patio And Containers, Small Gardens |
| Garden Styles | Informal and Cottage |
Alternative Plants to Consider
Recommended Companion Plants
Find In One of Our Guides or Gardens
Nancy J. Ondra/Shutterstock
While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.
Requirements
| Hardiness |
4 - 8 |
|---|---|
| Heat Zones |
1 - 8 |
| Climate Zones | 1, 1A, 1B, 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, A2, A3 |
| Plant Type | Perennials |
| Plant Family | Plantaginaceae |
| Genus | Veronica |
| Exposure | Full Sun |
| Season of Interest |
Summer (Early, Mid, Late) |
| Height |
6" - 8" (20cm - 20cm) |
| Spread |
10" - 1' (30cm - 30cm) |
| Spacing |
10" - 12" (30cm - 30cm) |
| Maintenance | Low |
| Water Needs | Average |
| Soil Type | Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand |
| Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
| Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained |
| Characteristics | Cut Flowers, Showy |
| Tolerance | Deer, Salt, Rabbit |
| Attracts | Butterflies |
| Garden Uses | Beds And Borders, Edging, Patio And Containers, Small Gardens |
| Garden Styles | Informal and Cottage |
