A 12-15" growing plant that likes the full sun and tolerates draught conditions.
Pronunciation
(ve-RON-i-ka)(spi-KA-ta)
Plant Type
All Plants, Perennials Hardy
Hardiness Zone
3-8
Sunlight
full
Moisture
Prefers average but can tolerate dry conditions. On more than one occasion in both commercial and residential sites I have seen this plant blooming while the rest of the plants were stressed by the dry conditions.
Soil & Site
for best results these Veronica need well drained soil, can not tolerate wet winter soils.
Flowers
small rosy red racemes of flowers, start in early to mid-July and lasts for 5 weeks
Leaves
glossy, oblong, crenate margins.
Dimensions
reaches 16" tall and can be spaced 12-16" on center.
Maintenance
Stalks can be cut within a few inches of the ground and the plant will respond with a ground cover of fresh new foliage
Propagation
seeds, cuttings
Native Site
Species plant native to Europe and Northern Asia.
Author's Notes
This is a much over looked plant and deserves more use in gardens. Definitely is a drought tolerant plant. Definitely the best way to grow these plants is to cut them back hard after the blossoms have faded. Instead of having plants with dead flower sticks, they will quickly respond with new fresh foliage.
Notes & Reference
#04-Herbaceous Perennial Plants (Allan Armitage)
, #06-Perennials for the American Gardens (Clasusen and Ekastro)
, #54-The Well Tended Garden (DiSabato-Aust)