Spiked Speedwell
veronica spicata
Also known as: ["Spike Speedwell","Pokedevil"]
Overview
A perennial herbaceous plant with tall spikes of bright blue, pink, or white flowers, native to Europe and Asia.
Benefits & Perks
["long-flowering","deer resistant","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Lamiales |
| Family: | Plantaginaceae |
| Genus: | Veronica |
| Botanical Name: | Veronica spicata |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Flowers
- Suitable Location: garden bed or container in a location with good air circulation
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"5–30°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"3–8"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent root rot.
- Soil Type: Well-draining, loamy soil with organic matter; avoid heavy clay.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: After flowering; light pruning can be done in early spring.
- Pruning Intensity: Light to moderate; avoid heavy pruning unless rejuvenating an older plant.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun (6–8 hours/day) or partial shade; adjust for intense summer sun to prevent scorching.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate plants gradually to intense sunlight; provide afternoon shade in hot climates; avoid direct sun on leaves during peak heat.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
easymoderate
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Morning sun is ideal; use shade cloth if needed; rotate pots for even light exposure.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, reduce in winter
Water thoroughly but infrequently; ensure good drainage; avoid wetting foliage.
Soil
well-draining, fertile, slightly alkaline soil
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Ensure good drainage; amend with organic matter; avoid overwatering.
Temperature
Hardy in USDA zones 3–7; prefers cool to moderate temperatures (60–75°F); tolerates cold but may struggle in extreme heat.
Protect from late spring/early fall frosts; ensure good air circulation in heat; avoid sudden temperature swings.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer
Fertilize sparingly; apply before new growth emerges; stop fertilizing in late summer.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings or division; stem cuttings are more common for home growers.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take 4–6 inch cuttings.
- Remove lower leaves.
- Dip in rooting hormone.
- Plant in medium.
- Keep moist and warm.
Best Time: Early spring or late summer when the plant is not in active bloom.
Environment
Warm, humid conditions with indirect light; maintain consistent moisture.
Medium
Well-draining potting mix with perlite or sand; can also root in water.
Hormone
Rooting hormone is optional but recommended for faster rooting.
Timeline
Roots may develop in 3–6 weeks; establish in new pots within 1–2 months.
Tools Needed
Pruning shears, rooting hormone, small pots, well-draining mix.
Quick Tips
Use healthy, non-flowering stems; maintain humidity with a plastic cover; avoid direct sun.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Deadhead spent flowers; trim leggy stems to just above a leaf node.
Pruning Plan
Prune to maintain shape, encourage bushier growth, and remove spent flowers to prolong blooming.
Tools
Pruning shears, clean scissors.
Checklist
Clean tools; deadhead regularly; trim to shape; remove damaged growth.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before new growth begins.
Pot Size
One size up; ensure the new pot has drainage holes.
Method
Gently remove plant; trim any dead roots; repot in fresh, well-draining soil with a slightly larger pot.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the container; Veronica prefers slightly crowded roots.
Checklist
Choose appropriate pot; prepare fresh soil; handle roots gently; water after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture; water deeply; ensure drainage; avoid overhead watering.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water at the base of the plant, ensuring moisture reaches the root zone without saturating the soil; water early in the day to allow foliage to dry.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once the top inch of soil feels dry; reduce frequency in winter to prevent root rot.
Soil Improvement
Add compost or well-rotted manure; mix in perlite or sand for drainage; avoid compacting the soil.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Wilting, leaf scorch, stunted growth, or premature flowering in excessive heat; leaf drop or dieback in prolonged cold.
Cold Stress
Slows growth; may cause leaf discoloration or dieback in extreme cold; generally hardy but vulnerable to frost in early/late seasons.
Solution: Mulch heavily in fall; protect from frost with row covers; avoid planting in low-lying frost pockets.
Hot Stress
Leaves may wilt, scorch, or drop; flowering may be reduced; growth may become leggy.
Solution: Provide afternoon shade; increase watering; use mulch to retain soil moisture; avoid planting in hot, exposed locations.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use balanced fertilizer; apply in spring; avoid late-season feeding.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring; avoid over-fertilizing, which can reduce flowering.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Non-toxicVeronica spicata is not considered toxic to cats. There are no known adverse effects or physiological impacts from ingestion.
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Non-toxicVeronica spicata is not considered toxic to dogs. There are no known adverse effects or physiological impacts from ingestion.
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Non-toxicVeronica spicata is generally considered non-toxic to humans. There are no significant toxic effects or physiological impacts reported from ingestion.
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How do I propagate Veronica spicata?
A: Propagate by division in spring or fall, or by seed sown in early spring.
Q: What are the ideal growing conditions for Veronica spicata?
A: It thrives in full sun to partial shade with well-drained soil and moderate water.
Q: Does Veronica spicata attract pollinators?
A: Yes, it is highly attractive to bees, butterflies, and other pollinators.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Plantaginaceae |
| Care: | easy |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
Get Expert Care Tips
Download the Plantious app for personalized care reminders and plant identification!
Google Play App Store
