Design Ideas

Veronica

A genus of very attractive temperate region perennial garden plants that are easy to grow on any well drained soil. They are generally NOT eaten by deer but DO attract butterflies. Most should be sheared or at least deadheaded after blooming.
Pests and disease are rare, mildew sometimes occurs.
Propagation is from seed or division every 2 to 3 years during fall or spring.

* photos of unknown internet source



* photo taken on June 23 2013 in Columbia, MD


Veronica allioni ( Alpine Speedwell )
A mat forming perennial, reaching up to 1 foot x 15 inches, that is native to the European Alps. Alpine Speedwell roots as it spreads. It is an excellent plant for edging and rock gardens.
The deep blue flowers are borne on spikes up to 4 inches in length, during early summer though continuing sporadically for the remainder of summer.
Hardy zones 3 to 8 in full sun to partial shade

Veronica alpina
Forms a low perennial clump, up to 1 x 2 feet, that is native to northern Eurasia.
The lightly-toothed, lance-shaped to pointed oval leaves, up to 1 inch in length. The foliage is luxuriant mid green.
The bllue flowers, up to 0.25 inches across, are borne on short erect spikes from early to late summer.
Hardy zones 2 to 8 in full sun to partial shade

Alba
Forms a low perennial clump, up to 1 x 2 feet.
The lance-shaped leaves are luxuriant mid green.
The white flowers are borne from early to late summer.

* photos taken on June 7 2012 in Columbia, MD

Goodness Grows
Forms a perennial clump, up to 2 x 1.5 feet.
The violet-blue flowers are borne from late spring until first fall frost, as long as old flower spikes are removed.

Veronica angustifolia
46 x 38 inches

Veronica armena
A creeping prostrate perennial, reaching up to 4 x 8 inches, that is native to Armenia.
The deeply cut feathery foliage is mid-green.
The deep blue flowers are borne on erect stems during early summer.
Hardy zones 3 to 8 in full sun to partial shade

Veronica austriaca ( Hungerian Speedwell )
Formerly called Veronica teucrium. A low growing perennial, forming a clump reaching a maximum size of 2 x 4 feet, that is native to Europe.
The narrow, lance-shaped leaves, up to 0.5 inches in length, are mid-green.
The blue flowers are borne in short upright spikes during late spring to mid summer.
Hardy zones 3 to 8 in full sun to partial shade. Shear back plants after flowering.

Blue Fountain
Rich blue flowers

Crater Lake Blue
Reaches up to 2 x 4 feet with brilliant intense blue flower spikes during early summer.
* photo taken by Milan Havlis, owner of central Europes premier plant nursery


Shirley Blue
A compact, mat forming perennial, reaching up to 10 inches x 4 feet, with brilliant mid blue flowers.

Trehane
A compact, mat forming perennial, reaching up to 10 inches x 4 feet.
The attractive foliage is bright golden-yellow and flowers are deep blue.

Veronica beccabunga ( Brooklime )
A low, spreading perennial, reaching up to 6 x 20 inches, that is native to Eurasia.
The finely-toothed, oval leaves, up to 1.7 inches in length, are green.
The tiny, lilac to purple flowers are borne in small clusters during summer.
Hardy zones 5 to 9 in full sun to partial shade.

Veronica Bergen Blue
A mat forming perennial with green foliage and blue flower spikes up to 8 inches in height.

Veronica Blue Reflection
A fast growing, low, tight, mat-forming, evergreen, groundcover perennial, reaching up to 4 inches x 2 feet. It is the hybrid between Veronica liwanensis & V. pectinata.
The tiny, oval leaves are deep green, The sky-blue flowers are borne during mid-spring.
Hardy zones 4 to 9 in full sun to partial shade on very well drained soil. Mulch with pine needles during winter if there is severe cold with no snow cover. Pest or disease problems are very rare, other than root rot on very wet soil.

Veronica bombycina ( Woolly Turkish Veronica )
A low, mat-forming groundcover perennial, reaching up to 2 x 10 inches, that is native to Turkey. It makes great filler between stones and pavers. The furry white foliage is attractive. Profuse bright blue flowers smother the plant during mid spring. Hardy zones 5 to 8 in full sun to partial shade on sandy or gravelly, well drained soil. It is tough, easy to grow and thrives in dry climates in the western U.S. Shear after flowering.

Veronica caucasica ( Caucasian Speedwell )
A groundcover perennial, reaching up to 6 inches x 1.5 feet.

Veronica chamaedrys Miffy Brute ( Germander Speedwell )
A low growing, prostrate perennial, reaching up to 20 x 20 inches, that is native to Europe and northern Asia.
The serrated, oval leaves, up to 1.7 inches in length, are deep green with bold splashes of pure white towards the tips.
The blue flowers are borne in spikes, up to 5 inches in length, during spring.
The flowers are borne in sprays of up to 30.
Hardy zones 3 to 8 in full sun to partial shade

Veronica cinerea
A dense, prostrate mat forming perennial, reaching up to 8 x 16 inches, that is native to Greece.
The narrow leaves up to 4 inches in length, are gray-green.
The profuse blue flowers are borne all summer long.
A great plant for the rock garden.
Hardy zones 5 to 8 in full sun to partial shade.

Veronica dabneyi ( Pink Speedwell )
A low, clump forming perennial, reaching up to 6 inches x 1 foot, with bright green foliage and light pink flowers borne in short spikes during late spring into early summer. Excellent for edging and rock gardens.
Hardy zones 2 to 8 in full sun to partial shade.

Veronica exaltata
A perennial, reaching up to 5 x 4 feet, that is native to Siberia.
The lance-shaped leaves are up to 6 inches in length.
The pale blue flowers are borne on spikes during late summer.
Hardy zone 3 to 8 in full sun to partial shade

Veronica filifolia ( Fernleaved Speedwell )
A very fast spreading, low carpet-forming, groundcover perennial, reaching up to 4 inches x 1.5 feet, with ferny mid-green foliage and large, mid blue flowers borne late spring into early summer.
Great for use in edging, rock gardens and trailing over walls.
Hardy zones 4 to 8 in full sun to partial shade.

Veronica fruticans
A low, sub-shrubby perennial, reaching up to 8 inches x 1 foot, that is native to north and central Europe. The flowers are deep blue with a red eye.
Hardy zones 2 to 8 in full sun to partial shade.

Veronica fruticulosa
A low, sub-shrubby perennial, reaching up to 8 inches x 1 foot, that is native to north and central Europe. The flowers are pink or blue with a red eye.
It is very similar to Veronica fruticans but hardier.
Hardy zones 3 to 8 in full sun to partial shade.

Veronica gentianides ( Broad-Leaved Speedwell )
An upright, dense, clumping perennial reaching up to 3 x 3 feet, however with much lower foliage forming a mat, that is native to western Asia and the Caucasus.
The toothed, pointed, oval leaves, up to 6 inches in length, are glossy bright to deep green.
The profuse, bright blue flowers are borne in upright spikes, up to 12 inches in length, during late spring.
Hardy zones 2 to 8 in full sun to partial shade.

Tissington White
White flowers.

Variegata
Foliage is glossy green and boldly splashed and edged in white. The pale blue flowers are borne in spikes, up to 10 inches in length, during spring.

Veronica incana - see Veronica spicata subsp incana

Veronica liwanensis ( Turkish Speedwell )
A fast growing, low, thick, carpet-forming, evergreen, groundcover perennial, reaching up to 2 inches x 1.5 feet. The stems self root as they creep along the ground. It makes an excellent lawn substitute in dry climates, it also looks great between stepping stones.
The tiny, oval leaves are glossy deep green.
The intense, mid-blue flowers are borne mid spring to early summer.
Hardy zones 2 to 8 in full sun to partial shade ( partial shade preferred in hot summer climates ) on moderately moist, well drained soil. Very drought tolerant.

Veronica longifolia
Upright in habit, forming a clump up to 5 x 3.4 feet ( rarely over 4 feet ), that is native to much of Europe but has also naturalized over much of northeast North America.
The double-toothed, lance-shaped leaves, up to 5 inches in length, are bold and mid green. The leaves are borne in whorls along the stems.
The deep blue flowers are borne in long clusters during summer into autumn. Attracts butterflies.
Hardy zones 3 to 8 ( possibly 2 on protected sites ) in full sun to partial shade. Propagation is from division during spring and fall.

Alba
Reaches up to 3 feet in height, with pure white flowers.

* photo taken on June 10 2013 in Columbia, MD


Blue Charm
The attractive, lance-shaped leaves, up to 2 inches in length, are glossy deep green.
The mildew resistant foliage remains healthy all season long.
The intense lavender-blue flowers are borne on long, dense, upright spikes during early summer and continuing if deadheaded.
Hardy zones 4 to 9 in full sun to partial shade.

Blue Giant
Reaching up to 5 x 3 feet, with coarse green foliage and thick spikes of lavender-blue flowers borne all summer long.

Eveline
Compact and upright in habit, only reaching up to 21 inchs x 1.5 feet. The flowers are purplish-red.

* photo taken on Sep 26 2013 in Baltimore Co., MD


First Love

Compact in habit, reaching up to 16 x 20 inches.
The foliage is deep green.
The abundant flower spikes are intense medium-pink, borne early to mid-summer.

* photo taken on June 20 2013 in Columbia, MD


Foersters Blue
Reaches up to 32 inches in height, with deep blue flowers.

Rosea
Reaches up to 3 feet in height with large foliage and pink flowers early to late summer.

Sonja
Reaches up to 2.5 x 2.5 feet, with intense red-purple flowers borne on profuse, upright spikes during early to mid summer.
The attractive foliage is glossy deep green.

Subsessilis
Reaches up to 3 feet with lightly serrated, long glossy green leaves.
The deep blue flowers are borne over a long season.

White Giant
Reaching up to 5 x 3 feet, with coarse green foliage and thick spikes of pure white flowers borne all summer long.

Veronica Manns Variety
A low, mat forming perennial, reaching up to 10 inches x 1 foot, with lance-shaped leaves up to 2 inches in length.
The rounded blue flowers, up to 4 inches in width, are borne late spring through summer.
Hardy zones 3 to 8 in full sun to partial shade.

Veronica montana
A fast growing, groundcover perennial, reaching up to 1 x 2 feet, bearing intense blue flowers borne in short spikes during spring.
Hardy zones 3 to 8 in full sun to partial shade.

Corinne Tremaine
Foliage is variegated with a creamy-white edge, otherwise very similar.

Veronica multifida
A compact low growing perennial, reaching up to 1 foot, with deep green foliage and blue or pink flowers borne during spring.
Hardy zones 3 to 8 in full sun to partial shade.

Veronica New Century
The hybrid between Veronica liwanensis & V. pectinata, that is an attractive dense groundcover perennial, with deep green foliage and deep blue flowers borne durng spring.
Hardy zones 3 to 8 in full sun to partial shade.

Veronica nummularia ( Pyrenean Speedwell )
An evergreen, groundcover perennial, reaching up to 2 inches in height.
The foliage is fleshy.
The blue or pink flowers are borne in clusters.

Veronica oltensis
A miniature creeping Veronica, reaching just 1 x 8 inches in size.
It is great for the rock garden or used between pavers.
The thick leaves are verdant mid-green.
The violet-blue flowers are borne late spring into early summer.
Hardy zones 4 to 9 in full sun to partial shade on very well drained soil of moderate moisture. It is deer resistant.

Veronica ornata
A perennial native to Honshu Island in Japan that is similar to Veronica spicata but is larger leaves and more showy blooms.
It reaches up to 2 feet in height with oppositely arranged, silvery-green foliage.
The profuse intense mid blue flowers are borne in spikes up to 10 inches in length, lasting from mid August to sometimes as late as December. It is among the best of all fall blooming perennials.
Hardy zone 6b to 9 in full sun. Drought tolerant.

Veronica pectinata ( Comb Speedwell )
A dense, mat-forming, evergreen shrubby perennial, native to Asia Minor, forming a dense mat, up to 8 x 16 inches, rooting as it spreads.
The very hairy, deeply toothed leaves, up to 1 inches in length, are hairy and gray. The profuse, deep blue ( with white eye ), saucer shaped flowers, are borne over a period lasting around a month during late spring.
Hardy zones 3 to 7 in full sun to partial shade. Drought tolerant.

Rubra
Woolly foliage and pink flowers borne late spring.

Veronica peduncularis Georgia Blue
A low growing, bushy, groundcover perennial, reaching up to 1 x 5 feet, that is native to the country of Georgia in central Asia. It is an excellent plant for mixing with Daffodils to give multi-season interest. It also looks great used as edging or trailing over walls.
It is deciduous in cold climates, however from zone 7 and south, it is evergreen with its foliage transitioning from deep green to deep red during the cooler months. North of zone 7 it may become deciduous during severe winters.
The rounded, true blue flowers are borne during mid to late spring.
Hardy zones 3 to 8.

* photo taken on April 10 2012 in Columbia, MD
* photo taken on June 10 2013 in Columbia, MD

* photo taken on May 4 2013 in Columbia, MD



Veronica prostrata ( Sprawling Speedwell )
An evergreen groundcover perennial reaching up to 1 x 3.5+ feet. It is a very tough groundcover and can tolerate being walked on almost as much as grass. Great for edging and in the rock garden.
The leaves, up to 4 inches in length, are mid-green.
The profuse pale to deep blue flowers are borne on dense spikes during mid to late spring.
Hardy zones 3 to 8, very easy to grow on any well drained site. These plants should be sheared after blooming to encourage growth.

Aztec Gold
Forms a foliage clump up to 5 inches x 2.3 feet, with flower spikes up to 1 foot.
The foliage is bright golden-yellow. The bright blue flowers are borne during the spring.
The best foliage color is in full sun.

Heavenly Blue
Forms an emerald green carpet, up to 6 inches x 3 feet, with very profuse, intense mid-blue flowers in late spring.

Ice Blue
Forms a low carpet of mid green foliage, with pale blue flowers during late spring into early summer.

Spode Blue
Deep blue flowers.

Veronica repens ( Creeping Speedwell )
A rapid growing, flat, mat forming perennial, reaching up to 4 inches x 1.5 feet.
Great for a rock garden or the front of a border. It can also be used between patio stones.
The small mossy leaves are glossy green. The sky blue flowers are borne late spring into early summer.
Hardy zones 2 to 8 in full sun to partial shade on well drained soil.

Sunshine
Even lower growing, reaching up to 2 inches x 2 feet, with bright yellowish-green foliage and blue flowers.

Veronica Royal Candles
A hybrid forming a low growing clump, reaching up to 1.5 x 3 feet, that is the hybrid between Veronica spicata & Veronica Sunny Border Blue.
The rich glossy deep green leaves, up to 2 inches in length, are resistant to pests and diseases, remaining luxuriant green all summer long.
The rich blue flowers are borne in spikes all summer long.
The flowers attract butterflies.
Hardy zones 2 to 8 in full sun to partial shade.

* photo of unknown internet source

* photo taken on June 20 2013 in Columbia, MD


Veronica saturejoides
A low mat forming perennial, reaching up to 3 inches x 1.5 feet with glossy deep green foliage and deep blue flowers with red markings.
Hardy zones 5 to 8

Veronica spicata ( Spiked Speedwell )
A bushy perennial, reaching up to 4 x 3 feet, that is native to Europe.
The finely-toothed, lance-shaped leaves, up to 3 inches in length, are mid-green.
The violet-blue flowers, up to 0.25 inches across, are borne on dense upright spikes up to 12 inches in length, during most of summer.
The flowers attract butterflies.
Hardy zones 2 to 8 in full sun to partial shade.

* photo taken on June 17 2011 in Ellicott City, MD

* photo of unknown internet source


Alba
Reaches up to 4 x 3 feet with white flower spikes during early to mid summer.


* photo taken on annual Horticultural Society of Maryland Garden Tour


Baby Doll
17 x 18 inches

Blue Carpet
A compact perennial, reaching up to 10 inches x 2 feet ( typically under 5 inches ), with intense mid-blue flowers.

Blue Indigo
2 x 4 feet

Darwins Blue
* photo taken on 4th of July @ U.S. National Arboretum, D.C.


Discolor
Very ornamental with silvery-gray foliage and violet-blue flowers, borne in dense spikes, up to 8 inches in length, during early summer.

Fairytale
28 x 13 inches

Giles van Hees
A mat forming perennial, up to 8 inches x 2 feet, with deep pink flowers borne over a long season from summer until autumn frosts.
Hardy zones 3 to 8 in full sun to partial shade

Heidekind
A low mat forming perennial up to 1 foot in height with green foliage topped by rose-pink flower spikes late spring until fall frost if deadheaded.

Icicle
Reaches up to 2.5 x 3 feet with glossy deep green leaves and pure white flower spikes borne over a long season from early summer to early autumn.


* photo taken on August 3 2010 @ University of Guelph Arboretum, Ontario

* photos taken on June 14 2012 in Columbia, MD

subsp incana ( Woolly Speedwell )
A spreading perennial, reaching a maximum size of 2 x 3 feet, with semi-evergreen woolly silvery-gray leaves, up to 2 inches in length and violet-blue flowers borne in spikes up to 10 inches in length. Great for massing and edging.
Remove old flower spikes.

Noah Williams
The variegated form of Icicle; it reaches up to 2 feet in height, with toothed foliage that is blotched creamy-white. The flowers are pure white.

Pure Silver
A long lived perennial, reaching up to 2 feet x 15 inches, with gray foliage and mid-blue flowers borne on abundant, upright spikes.
Hardy zones 4 to 9, it is both drought tolerant as well as more heat and humidity tolerant than other species, thriving in most of the U.S. except the Gulf Coast.

Red Fox
Reaches up to 2 x 3 feet, with reddish-pink flowers all summer long.

* photo taken on June 20 2013 in Columbia, MD


Tickled Pink
Compact in habit, reaching a maximum size of 15 inches x 3.5 feet. The showy clear pink flowers are borne over a long season from mid spring to mid summer.

* photos taken on June 3 2012 in Columbia, MD
* photo taken on June 20 2013 in Columbia, MD


Veronica Sunny Border Blue
Forms a dense bushy perennial, reaching up to 3 x 2 ( rarely over 2 ) feet, with crinkled deep green foliage and intense deep blue flower spikes borne over a very long season from early summer to first hard frost in autumn. The foliage is very resistant to mildew and remains fresh green all season until turning yellow during late autumn. Great for edging and massing.
Hardy zones 3 to 8 in full sun to partial shade.

* photo taken on June 24 2011 in Columbia, MD

* photos taken on June 3 2012 in Columbia, MD



* photos taken on June 20 2013 in Columbia, MD


Veronica thymoides ssp pseudocinerea
A low growing, prostrate perennial, reaching up to 4 inches in height.
The light blue flowers are borne during spring, then sporadically through summer into autumn.
Hardy zones 3 to 8 in full sun to partial shade.

Veronicastrum virginica ( Culver Root )
Also called Veronica virginicum. A perennial, forming an impressive large clump, up to 7 x 4 feet, that is native to northeastern North America ( Manitoba to Ontario to Massachusetts; south to Texas to Florida ). Slow to establish, taking a few years but worth the wait.
The toothed, lance-shaped leaves, up to 6 inches in length, are arranged in whorls of 4 to 7 around the stems. The foliage is deep green.
The small white flowers are borne on long wands from mid summer into early autumn.
The flowers attract butterflies.
Veronicastrum sibiricum is very similar except with blue flowers.
Hardy zones 3 to 8 in full sun to partial shade on moist to wet, fertile, well drained soil. Too much shade will cause plants to be spindly and flop over. Lack of drainage during winter may cause loss of plants.
Pest and disease problems do not normally occur, though rare cases of mildew and leaf spot are known.
Propagation is from seed or division during fall or spring. New plants are best installed during spring before active growth begins.

* photos taken on July 1 2010 in Columbia, MD






Album
Pure white flowers.

* photo of unknown internet source

* photos taken on June 30 2013 @ U.S. National Arboretum, DC


Apollo
Reddish-purple flowers.

Fascination
Reaches up to 6 feet with lilac-pink flowers borne in long racemes up to 15 inches in length.

Lavender
Lavender flowers

Lilac Carina
Lavender-blue flowers.

* photo taken on July 1 2011 in Columbia, MD




Rosea
Reaches a maximum size of 7 x 4 feet with pale pink flowers borne in long spikes form mid summer into early autumn.

Veronica Waterperry
A low, mat forming perennial, reaching up to 1 x 2.5 feet, rooting as it spreads.
The foliage turns to purple during winter. The striking rounded bright blue flowers are borne mid spring into late summer.
Hardy zones 3 to 8 in full sun to partial shade.

* photos taken on May 18 2011 in Columbia, MD



Veronica whitleyi ( Whitleys Speedwell )
A low mat forming perennial, reaching up to 4 inches x 1.5 feet, with small gray-green leaves and very profuse soft blue flowers borne during late spring then sporadically into early autumn. Excellent for use as a dense groundcover and in the rock garden or trailing over walls.
Hardy zones 3 to 8 in full sun to partial shade.

Veronica wormskjoldii ( American Alpine Speedwell )
A rhizome spreading perennial, reaching a maximum size of 1 foot x 20 inches, that is native to far southern Greenland, mountains in Canada and the northern U.S.
The smooth-edged to toothed, pointed, ellptical leaves are up to 2 inches in length.
The blue flowers are borne in terminal heads during mid summer.
Hardy zones 3 to 8 ( should be tested in 2 ) in full sun to partial shade. Surprisingly tolerant of drought and hot humid summers considering its native range.