Spiked speedwell Veronica spicata
Spiked speedwell (Veronica spicata) is a deciduous perennial flowering plant in the Plantaginaceae family, native to Dry grasslands of Europe to Central Asia. It grows 30–60 cm (12–24 in) tall and 30–45 cm (12–18 in) wide, wants full sun and moderate water, and is hardy to about -35 °C (-31 °F). Space plants about 35 cm (14 in) apart.
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Spiked speedwell at a glance
| Type | Perennial flowering plant, deciduous |
|---|---|
| Family | Plantaginaceae |
| Mature height | 30–60 cm (12–24 in) |
| Mature spread | 30–45 cm (12–18 in) |
| Spacing | 35 cm (14 in) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 6 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Moderate; drought tolerance moderate, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 6–8 |
| Cold hardiness | About -35 °C (-31 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 3) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 32 °C (90 °F) |
| Flowering | from about June for 6–10 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | High |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | Dry grasslands of Europe to Central Asia |
| Common in gardens of | 🇵🇱 Poland, 🇩🇪 Germany, 🇸🇪 Sweden, 🇺🇸 United States, 🇬🇧 United Kingdom, 🇳🇱 Netherlands, 🇷🇺 Russia |
Is Spiked speedwell toxic?
- People: not known to be toxic
- Cats: not known to be toxic
- Dogs: not known to be toxic
Listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs by the ASPCA.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Spiked speedwell
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and moderate water.
Questions about Spiked speedwell
- How far apart should I plant Spiked speedwell?
- About 35 cm (14 in) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 30–45 cm (12–18 in).
- Does Spiked speedwell need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 6 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Spiked speedwell need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is moderate and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Spiked speedwell?
- It tolerates about -35 °C (-31 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 3.
- When does Spiked speedwell flower?
- From about June for 6–10 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Spiked speedwell poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not known to be toxic; for dogs not known to be toxic; for people not known to be toxic. Listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs by the ASPCA.
- What grows well with Spiked speedwell?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Spiked speedwell. Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (moderate).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade A (A: strong evidence).
- RHS Plant Finder, Royal Horticultural Society
- Euro+Med PlantBase, Botanic Garden and Botanical Museum Berlin
Notes and assumptions
- Tapering spikes of violet-blue (or pink, white) in summer; deadhead for repeat flowers. Front of the border.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Foxglove Digitalis purpurea
- Snapdragon Antirrhinum majus
- Penstemon (beardtongue) Penstemon digitalis
- Hebe Veronica speciosa
- Fairy foxglove Erinus alpinus
- Parry's penstemon Penstemon parryi
- Rice paddy herb (ngò om) Limnophila aromatica
- Angelonia (summer snapdragon) Angelonia angustifolia