Veronica, also known as Speedwell, is prized for its slender flower spikes and consistent summer color. Ranging in shades of blue, purple, pink, or white, this perennial brings vertical texture and vibrancy to New Jersey landscapes. Its dense, mounding growth habit and long bloom season make it a reliable choice for both residential gardens and larger landscape designs.
Veronica performs best in full sun with well-drained soil and moderate moisture. It’s excellent for borders, mixed beds, and pollinator gardens, pairing beautifully with coreopsis, salvia, and ornamental grasses. Deadheading spent blooms encourages a second round of flowers later in the season, and its tidy foliage keeps beds looking neat well into fall. Deer-resistant and drought-tolerant once established, Veronica is a durable performer that balances color with low maintenance.
Did You Know?
The name Speedwell comes from the old expression “speed you well,” a wish for good fortune and health.
Other Fun Facts About Veronica
- Bees and butterflies flock to Veronica’s nectar-rich blooms, especially during midsummer when other flowers fade.
- Veronica was once used in traditional European herbal medicine as a tea for coughs and colds, though today it’s grown purely for ornament.
- Some groundcover varieties, such as Veronica repens and Veronica umbrosa, spread to form dense mats ideal for edging walkways and rock gardens.
- Veronica’s flowers last unusually long when cut, making them a favorite for fresh arrangements.
- Over 500 species exist worldwide, offering gardeners endless options for height, color, and bloom time.
