Veronica spicata 'Giles van Hees'
Common Name(s):
Speedwell
Synonym:
Flower:
Pink
Blooms :
May
to:
Jun
Dense, vertical terminal spikes of tiny reddish-pink flowers.
Botanical Description
Fragrant?
NO
Family:
Plantaginaceae
Herbaceous Plant, Perennial
Foliage:
Green
Small lance shaped green leaves
Fall Color?
NO
Deciduous
Photo by:
Heading 6
Oregon Native?
NO
West State Native?
NO
Origins:
Veronica is a genus of about 250 species of annuals, perennials and some sub-shrubs mainly from Europe.
Genus name honors Saint Veronica who reportedly gave a handkerchief to Jesus so he could wipe sweat from his face on the way to Calvary, with some gen
Site Selection
Minimum USDA Hardiness Zone:
4
Water Needs:
L
Sun Needs:
Partial Sun
Deer Resistant?
YES
Firewise?
YES
Height:
3-6"
Spread:
8-10"
Growth Rate:
Medium
Native Habitat:
Limestone rock and dry grasslands
Soil:
Easily grown in average, medium moisture, well-drained soil
Care Recommendations
Maintenance Level:
Medium
Fertilizer:
Use a balanced slow-release or layer of compost in spring
Mulch:
Finely shredded bark, or compost
Plant in full sun, well-drained soil, water deeply when top 2-4" of soil is dry, snip off faded flower stalks to base, cut back dead foliage in fall after plant goes dormant, divide every 2 years in early spring or fall
Long Term:
Winter:
Ensure soil drains well, cut back watering, apply layer of mulch, avoid heavy pruning
Spring:
Remove sold winter foliage, apply balanced fertilizer or compost, well drained soil, divide if needed
Summer:
Cut tall varieties of speedwell back to about 6 inches in height if the plants look tired and leggy in midsummer. The plants will appear bare for a few days but soon will develop healthy, more compact growth and renew blooming.
Fall:
Prune speedwell plants down to 2 to 3 inches in height in late autumn or in early spring before new growth appears. Pruning in autumn is best if you prefer a tidy wintertime garden; however, leaving the plants intact until spring adds interest to the garden
General Care Comments:
Pinch the tips and first set of leaves of young speedwell plants as soon as you plant them as bedding plants or seedlings in spring. Removing the tips, using scissors or your fingernails, forces the plants to branch out and create bushy, compact growth.
Common Problems
Waterlogged soil, poor air circulation, intense summer heat
Diseases:
Downy mildew, Powdery mildew (https://pnwhandbooks.org/plantdisease/host-and-disease-descriptions?title=veronic)
Insects:
Nine
Environmental Problems:
Root rot may occur in wet, poorly-drained soils.
Pests:
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