Veronica spicata, also known as Spiked Speedwell, is a perennial flowering plant native to Europe and Asia. It has become a popular garden plant worldwide due to its beautiful, upright flower spikes and hardiness!

Veronica spicata hails from temperate regions in Europe and Asia, where it grows in meadows, grasslands, and open woodland edges. This hardy plant has adapted well to gardens in a range of climates, including Australia’s varied environments.

Appearance

Flowers: Veronica spicata produces striking, spiky flower clusters that range from vibrant shades of blue and purple to white and pink, depending on the variety. The flowers grow on tall, upright stems that reach between 30 and 60 cm in height.

Foliage: The plant has lance-shaped, dark green leaves that form a compact mound at the base, providing an attractive, low-growing cover.

Bloom Time: It blooms in summer, and its colourful flowers attract pollinators, including bees and butterflies, making it a fantastic addition to wildlife-friendly gardens.

How to Grow Veronica Spicata from Seed:

Sowing the Seeds Indoors

You can start seeds indoors (in trays or pots under shelter) in late winter or early spring to give them a head start or plant direct into your garden Spring or early Summer. Fill seed trays or small pots with a high-quality seed-raising mix.

Sowing Depth: Scatter seeds on the surface and lightly press them into the soil, as they need some light to germinate. Don’t bury the seeds too deep.

Temperature: Keep the soil at about 18–21°C for optimal germination.
Moisture: Mist the soil gently to keep it moist but not waterlogged. Cover the trays with a clear plastic lid or plastic wrap to retain moisture.

Germination and Transplanting

Veronica spicata seeds typically take 2–3 weeks to germinate. Once the seedlings are large enough to handle (about 5 cm tall), transplant them into individual pots or directly outdoors if frost risk has passed.

Spacing: Plant seedlings at least 30 cm apart to allow room for them to spread as they grow.

Hardening Off: Gradually expose young plants to outdoor conditions over a week to help them adjust.

Outdoor Growing Conditions Veronica spicata is low-maintenance once established, and it thrives in most Australian climates, especially temperate zones.

Sunlight: Choose a location with full sun to light shade. In hotter areas, afternoon shade can prevent the leaves from scorching.

Soil: It prefers well-draining soil, ideally with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5. Adding compost or organic matter can improve soil quality and drainage.

Watering: Water regularly until established. Once mature, Veronica spicata is drought-tolerant but will benefit from moderate watering during hot spells.

Mulching: Mulch around the base to retain soil moisture and control weeds.

Maintenance and Care

Pruning: Deadhead spent flowers throughout the growing season to encourage prolonged blooming. After flowering ends, cut back the stems to near ground level to tidy up the plant and prepare it for new growth in the following season.

Fertilising: Apply a balanced, slow-release fertiliser in spring to boost growth, but avoid over-fertilising, which can lead to weak, leggy growth.

Pests and Diseases: Veronica spicata is generally pest-resistant. Watch for mildew in humid climates, and treat with a fungicide or by improving airflow around the plant.

Picture by Dmitriy Konstantinov, CC BY-SA 3.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0>, via Wikimedia Commons