Also known as garden speedwell, this herbaceous perennial is native to Europe and Asia where it grows in grassy areas, meadows, steppes and woodland edges. It is a member of the plantain family, Plantaginaceae, that also includes snapdragon, foxglove and bacopa. The plants form bushy clumps 2-4′ tall and 1-2′ wide and have lance-shaped green leaves that are up to 3″ long and have toothed margins. Lower leaves are typically opposite but leaves just below the flower spike may be whorled. From late spring to early summer, densely packed terminal racemes of 1/4″ wide, blue, star-shaped flowers appear. The racemes are up to 12″ long and the flowers open from bottom to top. Cultivars are available with white and pink flowers. Flowering stems are good cut flowers. Longleaf speedwell is a good choice for borders, edgings, and meadow gardens. The genus name, Veronica, honors St. Veronica who is said to have given her veil to Christ to wipe his face as he carried his cross to Calvary. The specific epithet, longafolia, are from the Latin words longus meaning long, and folius, meaning leaf and refers to the relative size of the leaves.
Type: Herbaceous perennial
Bloom: Densely packed terminal racemes up to 12″ long of small blue star-shaped flowers from late spring for a long bloom time
Size: 2-4′ H x 1-2′ W
Light: Full sun; tolerates some shade but may be become floppy
Soil: Average, consistently moist, well-drained; may become floppy in overly rich soil
USDA Hardiness: Zones 4-8
Care: Deadhead to prolong bloom; divide every 3 years
Pests and Diseases: None of significance but powdery mildew can be a problem
Propagation: Division, cuttings, seed
Companion Plants: Coneflower, daylily, grasses, cranesbill
Outstanding Selections:
‘Blue Giant’ (blue flowers, 3-4′ tall)
‘Charlotte’ (white flowers, 2-3′ tall)
‘Pink Eveline’ (ping flowers, 1-2′ tall)
Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons
Karen