Colorful Combinations
With their colorful, blooming spikes, veronica can brighten any full-sun garden and add interesting texture. Many of the spring-blooming types form mats of low-growing flowers. Some grow silver foliage that contrasts with the rich blue flowers. Summer-blooming types may soar to higher heights and are more generous rebloomers. These taller species feature a broad spectrum of colors, including pinks, purples, blues, and white.
Veronica Care Must-Knows
These versatile plants tolerate a variety of conditions. For best results, veronica prefers well-drained, loamy soil with plenty of organic matter. Once established, veronica can tolerate drought well and needs little supplemental watering. During peak bloom, however, they will appreciate some water if conditions have been exceptionally dry. Some species of veronica grow well in rock gardens. These types are usually lower-growing and do well in dry conditions. Plant veronica in full sun for best results. Otherwise, veronica can be susceptible to foliar diseases like powdery mildew and leaf spot. The best solution for these problems is prevention. To care for this low-maintenance perennial, trim spent blossoms back just below the base of the flower to encourage a second flush. Many of the tall species of veronica flowers are branched; if you cut these too low, you may sacrifice the next round of blossoms. As plants mature, consider dividing them. This is particularly helpful for mat-forming types, which can die out in the middle.
New Types of Veronica
Plant scientists are working to improve disease resistance and enhance reblooming potential to further extend veronicas’ season. There are some new veronica flowers that are more novelty than anything, with heads that are short and branched, creating blossom clusters that are almost ball-shaped. You will also find varieties with lovely gold and silver foliage for added visual interest.
More Varieties of Veronica
‘Christy’ veronica
One of the lower-growing blue veronicas, ‘Christy’ is a late spring bloomer. It forms a mat of vibrant flowers that will occasionally rebloom throughout the season. (Zones 6-8)
‘Crater Lake Blue’ veronica
‘Crater Lake Blue’ produces deep blue flowers in early summer on 18-inch-tall plants. (Zones 6-8)
‘Georgia Blue’ veronica
This Veronica variety develops large mats of toothed, purple-tinged foliage. Clusters of small, saucer-shaped flowers bloom from early spring into summer, flaunting a deep blue color with white eyes on 12-inch tall plants. (Zones 6-8)
‘Giles Van Hees’ veronica
‘Giles Van Hees’ has lance-shaped foliage and dense spikes of bright pink flowers in summer. It grows 6 inches tall. (Zones 4-8)
‘Icicle’ veronica
This striking Veronica spicata variety demands attention with its pure white flowers on spikes, towering up to 2 feet tall. (Zones 3-8)
‘Purpleicious’ veronica
‘Purpleicious’ shows off rich lavender-purple flowers throughout the summer and into fall. It grows 2 feet tall. (Zones 4-8)
‘Sunny Border Blue’ veronica
As its name suggests, this variety is one of the best upright veronicas for sunny gardens. With glossy, dark green crumpled leaves and 7-inch-long spires of violet flowers from early summer on, the ‘Sunny Border Blue’ is truly a showstopper. It grows to 2 feet tall. (Zones 4-8)
‘Waterperry Blue’ veronica
‘Waterperry Blue’ is a groundcover with sweet sky-blue flowers in spring. It grows 6 inches tall. (Zones 4-8)
Veronica Companion Plants
Coreopsis
One of the longest bloomers in the garden, coreopsis produces (usually) sunny yellow daisylike flowers that attract butterflies, although some varieties feature golden-yellow, pale yellow, pink, or bicolor flowers. It flaunts its color from early to midsummer— or even longer if it’s deadheaded.
Lady’s Mantle
Lady’s mantle looks gorgeous regardless of whether it’s growing in a garden or arranged in a vase. Its scalloped leaves catch rain or drewdrops, making them look dusted with jewels, while the chartreuse flowers form playful, frothy clusters above the foliage. This perennial is ideal for softening the edge of a shaded path or creating a groundcover in dappled shade.
Salvia
There are hundreds of different types of salvias, commonly called sage. What they almost all have in common are beautiful, tall flower spikes and attractive, often gray-green leaves. Countless varieties (including the herb used in cooking) are available to decorate ornamental gardens. Featuring square stems, clothed with often-aromatic leaves, sages show off spires of tubular flowers in bright blues, violets, yellow, pinks, and red that mix well with other perennials in beds and borders. They’re valued for their very long season of bloom, right up until frost.
