Veronica plants
Veronica (Speedwell) plants are tough, low-maintenance, long-lived, carefree perennials, ranging from low-growing, mat-forming varieties to upright specimens with flower spikes reaching over a metre tall. Their long, compact, sometimes wavy spikes of saucer-shaped flowers are produced in soft shades of pink, purple, blue and white above green, gold or silvery foliage. Low growing Veronica plants are effective in the rock garden, containers and as border edging, whilst taller varieties are a valuable addition to flower beds and mix borders. Mat-forming varieties tend to flower in spring with upright forms flowering throughout the summer. Native to Europe, their flowers are attractive to butterflies, pollinating insects and hummingbirds and make a beautiful naturalistic display in a container or as cut flowers. Stake tall-growing varieties in exposed conditions and cut stems back to ground level after the first frost.