I have planted a variety of veronica over the years. Mostly because they are always grateful for very vertical plants that contrast beautifully with larger leaves such as stachie and Bergenia, or they play well with other vertical plants such as linarius. However, despite being familiar with the plant, I never wondered why it was named Veronica. After all, Veronica is more than just a pretty flower.
Read more about the story behind the name and how to find the perfect Veronica for your garden.
With over 500 species of Veronica, you’re almost guaranteed to find at least something that can be easily integrated into your garden. Veronica comes in a variety of heights, colors and shapes. Some grow as creeping ground covers like shorter flower spikes (Veronica Pedun Clarice “Georgia Blue”, a low-growth evergreen with blue and white flowers in the shape of small saucers, while others have distinctly vertical habits (I have blook high spikes blood high high spikes, including one of my favorites, Veronica spicata ‘Novaversky’). Their flowers can appear blue, purple, pink, or white, almost all have long lifespans, easy to care for, and attractive to pollinators.
Ground cover types tend to bloom in spring, making them the perfect partner for spring-haired branches like daffodils and tulips. On the other hand, tall ones bloom mostly in the summer and are often combined with salbias, yarrow and gaura. These tall upright species are very mixed in beds, boundaries, or containers. I like to add a white version to the entire white garden and add something tall and colorful to cut the garden next to Zinnias and Dahlias.
The biggest problem I had with Veronicus is that without proper airflow and soil drainage, they are susceptible to mold that appears as white talcum-like spots on the stems and leaves. To prevent disease, do not congested plants or pass through the water. Also, avoid watering overhead. If the plant is affected, try spraying it with yogurt/water mix. But don’t discourage this from planting Veronica. Several varieties, such as the “Vernique” series and “Marietta” are known for their mold resistance.
Now, about the name: One popular theory is that the genus name was inspired by St. Veronica. St. Veronica is believed to have provided Jesus with her veil to wipe his face in the middle of his crucifixion, and when it was returned to her, an image of his face was engraved on the veil. The markings on plants in particular, white varieties were thought to resemble “Veronica Veil.” This plant is commonly referred to as a speedwell due to its historical relationship between success and good fortune.
Cheat sheet
Depending on the variety, some are great for cutting, cottages, or rock gardens, while some mound types are great as stunning fillers for spilling containers or as attractive fillers between pavements. Tall seeds last longer and produce amazing cut flowers. The flowers attract hummingbirds, bees and butterflies, and are added to the pollinator-friendly garden. Veronica is not considered toxic to humans or pets. Some report that Veronica is not particularly tasty for deer and rabbits. (I have never planted them in the deer country, so I cannot guarantee this claim.)
Please stay alive
Hardy from USDA zone 3 to 9. Too much colour will reduce flower luggage and create floppy stems, so full sun is best. Oh, and shaded places without good airflow also increase the risk of funky fungal diseases. To prevent root rot, you need soil that is often excreted. For best growth, normal water is preferred. Promote reblooming to pruned flower stems.
Note: Veronicas is different from Veronicastum.
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