Long leaf speedwell (Veronica longifolia 'Blue John')

Overview

Veronica longifolia ‘Blue John’, or Long leaf speedwell, is a stellar choice for adding vertical punctuation and reliable summer color to perennial borders. This compact cultivar of Veronica longifolia features dense, upright spikes loaded with small, funnel-shaped, pale blue flowers that offer excellent visual texture. Gardeners value this plant for its low maintenance needs and its ability to perform reliably throughout the warmest months.

Reaching a modest height under 2 feet, this clump-forming perennial provides structure without overwhelming surrounding plantings. The deep green, lance-shaped foliage remains attractive even when the plant is not in flower, making Veronica longifolia ‘Blue John’ a sound structural element in the garden design. Its tolerance for moderate garden pests adds to its overall ease of care.

Providing clear, vibrant color from early summer well into autumn, this Long leaf speedwell is a powerhouse for mid-sized garden spaces. Whether used in mass plantings or as an accent in mixed borders, the blooms of Veronica longifolia ‘Blue John’ are highly sought after by florists and home arrangers alike.

Fast Facts

• Plant Family: Plantaginaceae
• Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial
• Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 4-8
• Size at Maturity:
  • Height: 1-1.5 ft
  • Spread: 0.5-0.75 ft
• Bloom Time: June to September
• Bloom Description: Pale blue
• Sun Exposure: Full sun
• Water Needs: Medium
• Maintenance Level: Low

How to Grow

For optimal performance, plant Veronica longifolia ‘Blue John’ in the spring or fall after the danger of hard frost has passed. Select a location that receives full sun, though it will tolerate periods of light shade. The most critical factor for success is the soil: ensure it is rich in organic matter, evenly moist, and, crucially, very well-drained. This cultivar is intolerant of dry spells once established.

Watering should be consistent, aiming to keep the soil moist, especially during establishment and peak summer heat. While the plant prefers rich loams, be cautious not to over-fertilize or use overly rich soil mixes, as this can lead to weak, floppy growth, negating the compact nature of the ‘Blue John’ cultivar.

Maintenance for Long leaf speedwell is generally low. Deadheading spent flower spikes promptly will encourage sporadic reblooming well into September. To maintain vigor and size management, plan to lift and divide the clumps every three years, incorporating compost or manure into the soil during replanting.

Landscape Uses

Veronica longifolia ‘Blue John’ is perfectly scaled for defining the middle or front of perennial borders where its strong vertical lines are appreciated. Use this Long leaf speedwell in structured cottage gardens where its disciplined habit contrasts beautifully with looser filling plants like ornamental grasses or dome-shaped peonies. Massing these plants together creates a stunning ribbon of pale blue color throughout the season.

Designers often place Veronica longifolia ‘Blue John’ near structures or paths to guide the eye, or use it to edge formal beds. Due to its upright form, it serves as an excellent vertical element among lower-growing groundcovers or complementing silvery foliage plants. Its use in meadow settings is possible, provided the area receives adequate moisture.

As a good cut flower, consider planting blocks of it near a cutting garden entrance for easy access. When grouping, pair the cool blue tones of this cultivar with warm yellows or clear whites for high visual interest.

Standout Features

Flower Qualities

• Showy
• Good Cut

Noteworthy Characteristics

Veronica longifolia, commonly known as long-leaf speedwell, is a clump-forming herbaceous perennial that typically grows to 2-4’ tall with a 1-2’ spread on stems clad with short-stalked, lanceolate to pointed ovate, toothed, medium green leaves (to 3” long). The specific cultivar ‘Blue John’ features dense, erect, terminal spikes (racemes) of tiny pale blue flowers atop upright stems rising to about 20” tall and is highly valued as a good fresh cut flower. Sporadic rebloom to September typically occurs, extending the visual appeal.

Tolerances

• Rabbit
• Deer

Potential Problems

This variety typically encounters no serious insect or disease issues under optimal growing conditions. The primary cultural concern is managing plant structure; taller plants, or those stressed by too much shade or overly rich soil, may exhibit weak, floppy growth requiring staking for support. Gardeners should monitor for powdery mildew, particularly if air circulation is poor or humidity is high, ensuring adequate spacing during planting.

Frequently Asked Questions

What hardiness zones is Long leaf speedwell suitable for?

This specific cultivar, Veronica longifolia ‘Blue John’, is suitable for planting across USDA Hardiness Zones 4 through 8.

How large does Veronica longifolia ‘Blue John’ grow?

This plant reaches a mature height between 1 and 1.5 feet, with a modest spread ranging from 0.5 to 0.75 feet wide.

What sun exposure does Long leaf speedwell need?

Veronica longifolia ‘Blue John’ requires full sun to maintain its compact habit and robust flowering schedule.

When does Veronica longifolia ‘Blue John’ bloom?

This Long leaf speedwell variety produces its striking pale blue flowers throughout the primary bloom time of June to September.

Conclusion

The compact, upright nature and reliable mid-summer flowering make Veronica longifolia ‘Blue John’ an indispensable perennial for structure and color. Its low maintenance needs, combined with deer and rabbit resistance, ensure it remains a garden favorite, requiring only consistent moisture and ample sunlight. Before planting, confirm your location falls within USDA Zones 4-8 to guarantee the best performance from your new Long leaf speedwell.

Propagation Tips

Propagating Veronica longifolia ‘Blue John’ is straightforward, offering gardeners several avenues to increase their stock. The most common method for established clumps is division, which should be performed every third year during the spring or fall to maintain plant health and vigor. When dividing, ensure each new section has sufficient roots and foliage.

Cuttings are another successful method, particularly for propagating this specific cultivar to maintain its precise characteristics. Take basal cuttings early in the growing season and treat them according to standard herbaceous perennial propagation protocols to root them successfully.

While division and cuttings are preferred, Veronica longifolia can also be grown from seed. Note that flowering time or flower color may vary when starting this way, as seeds may revert slightly from the exact characteristics of the ‘Blue John’ cultivar.

Design Ideas

When incorporating Veronica longifolia ‘Blue John’ into a landscape plan, consider using its vertical accents to create rhythm along a pathway or border edge. Because of its defined structure, it pairs exceptionally well with rounded or mounding companions, creating a pleasing textural contrast. For a cool-toned tapestry, combine it with Nepeta (Catmint) or silver-leaved Stachys byzantina at the front.

To achieve a classic cottage garden aesthetic, intersperse the spikes of pale blue with soft pink or white roses, allowing the height difference to provide depth. This plant’s easygoing nature means it integrates seamlessly into informal settings, whereas its sharp lines allow precise edging in more formal settings.

Since it performs best in moist, rich soil, place it near water features or in areas where supplemental irrigation is easily applied, ensuring the medium remains well-drained regardless of proximity to water sources.