Spiked speedwell (Veronica spicata 'Rotfuchs' RED FOX)

Overview

Veronica spicata ‘Rotfuchs’ RED FOX, commonly known as Spiked speedwell, is a robust, upright herbaceous perennial highly valued for its season-long floral display. This cultivar distinguishes itself with dense, terminal spikes of vibrant deep rose-red flowers that sit neatly above its foliage mound throughout the summer months. Gardeners appreciate the manageable, compact stature of Veronica spicata ‘Rotfuchs’ RED FOX, which brings essential vertical accents to mixed plantings without overwhelming the space.

This variety is exceptionally easy to integrate into most garden designs due to its low maintenance requirements and adaptability. It thrives best when provided with consistently moist, well-drained soil and plenty of direct sun exposure. While being generally robust, attention to soil drainage, particularly during winter, ensures the longevity of this lovely Spiked speedwell variety.

Providing reliable color from mid-summer onwards, Veronica spicata ‘Rotfuchs’ RED FOX attracts beneficial pollinators like bees and butterflies, enhancing garden biodiversity. Its deep rose-red blooms also make it a superb choice when seeking material for fresh floral arrangements, solidifying its reputation as both an excellent landscape performer and a high-quality cut flower.

Fast Facts

• Plant Family: Plantaginaceae
• Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial
• Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 3-8
• Size at Maturity:
  • Height: 1-1.5 ft
  • Spread: 1-1.5 ft
• Bloom Time: June to August
• Bloom Description: Pink, red
• Sun Exposure: Full sun
• Water Needs: Medium
• Maintenance Level: Low

How to Grow

Plant Veronica spicata ‘Rotfuchs’ RED FOX in the spring or fall in a location that receives full sun for the best performance and most prolific blooming. The most critical soil requirement is sharpness; ensure the soil offers excellent drainage, even when providing average, medium moisture. Because this Spiked speedwell has shallow roots, regular moisture is necessary, and it will struggle in overly dry conditions.

Day-to-day care involves maintaining consistent soil moisture without allowing the plant to sit in soggy conditions, which can lead to root rot. Fertilization is rarely necessary if the soil is reasonably average. To maximize the bloom period of Veronica spicata ‘Rotfuchs’ RED FOX, promptly remove spent flower spikes after they fade.

Pruning promotes further flowering; plants can be cut back hard to the basal foliage mound immediately after the main summer bloom concludes. This rejuvenation technique encourages a fresh flush of healthy growth and potentially a second wave of color before the season ends. Protect the plant during harsh winters by ensuring sharp soil drainage around the crown.

Landscape Uses

Veronica spicata ‘Rotfuchs’ RED FOX excels in traditional garden settings where its upright spikes provide necessary contrast to mounding or spreading plants. It is perfectly sized for defining the middle or back rows of perennial borders, creating vibrant drifts of deep rose-red color along property lines or walkways. Utilize its manageable height in foundation plantings where it won’t obscure architectural features.

Given its tolerance to deer and rabbits, this Spiked speedwell is a safe and reliable choice for transitional areas bridging manicured gardens and naturalized landscapes. Plant companions that share similar full-sun and medium-water needs; silvery foliage plants or those with golden or white blooms create a striking complementary effect against the deep red spires of Veronica spicata ‘Rotfuchs’ RED FOX.

Beyond traditional beds, this cultivar is excellent for introducing vertical structure into rock gardens or cottage-style plantings. Because it is a good fresh cut flower, locate clumps near the kitchen or potting shed for easy harvesting throughout its long blooming season.

Standout Features

Flower Qualities

• Showy
• Good Cut

Noteworthy Characteristics

Veronica spicata, commonly known as spike speedwell, is an upright, clump-forming, herbaceous perennial that typically produces a summer-long bloom of tiny, star-shaped, violet-blue flowers in dense, long-flowering, tapered-at-the-top, spike-like terminal racemes atop stems rising well above a foliage mound to 24-30” tall. Foliage consists of toothed, narrow, linear to lanceolate, medium green leaves (each to 2” long). This species is native to northern Europe and Asia. Flowers typically bloom from mid-June to August. Flowers are attractive to bees and butterflies. Cultivars with blue, violet-blue, pink and white flowers are available in commerce.Genus name honors Saint Veronica who reportedly gave a handkerchief to Jesus so he could wipe sweat from his face on the way to Calvary, with some genus plants having markings that resemble the markings on the sacred handkerchief.Specific epithet from Latin means spiked in reference to the flower spikes on this plant.‘Rotfuchs’, commonly sold as RED FOX, is a compact, bushy plant which features dense, upright, terminal spikes (racemes) of tiny, deep rose-red flowers which bloom most of the summer. Flower spikes typically rise to 15” tall. Lance-shaped, glossy green leaves (to 2” long). Good cut flower.

Tolerances

• Rabbit
• Deer

Potential Problems

Veronica spicata ‘Rotfuchs’ RED FOX is generally regarded as tough and resistant to serious insect or disease issues, making it a low-stress addition to the garden. The primary threat arises from poor cultural conditions, specifically overly wet or poorly drained soils. In these persistently soggy environments, the plant becomes susceptible to root rot. To mitigate this risk, always amend heavy garden soil with compost or grit before planting and avoid low spots where water naturally collects.

Frequently Asked Questions

What hardiness zones is Spiked speedwell suitable for?

Veronica spicata ‘Rotfuchs’ RED FOX is adaptable across a wide range, thriving in USDA Zones 3 through 8.

How large does Veronica spicata ‘Rotfuchs’ RED FOX grow?

This compact cultivar typically reaches a mature height between 1 and 1.5 feet tall and spreads consistently between 1 and 1.5 feet wide.

What sun exposure does Spiked speedwell need?

For optimal growth and the most vibrant bloom display, Veronica spicata ‘Rotfuchs’ RED FOX requires full sun, though it can tolerate light shade.

When does Veronica spicata ‘Rotfuchs’ RED FOX bloom?

This Spiked speedwell variety commences blooming in June and continues to put on a show through August, displaying flowers described as pink, red.

Companion Planting

Due to its need for full sun and well-drained soil, Spiked speedwell pairs beautifully with Mediterranean herbs like Lavender (Lavandula) or Thyme (Thymus), which share similar drainage preferences. Contrast its vertical form with mounding companions such as varieties of Hardy Geranium (Geranium spp.) or low-growing Sedum. For a unified color palette in a perennial border, combine Veronica spicata ‘Rotfuchs’ RED FOX with plants featuring white or soft yellow blooms, which allow the deep rose-red spikes to truly stand out.

Wildlife Benefits

The plentiful, small, star-shaped flowers characteristic of Veronica spicata ‘Rotfuchs’ RED FOX make them excellent sources of nectar. Flowers are consistently attractive to both native bees and butterflies seeking summer sustenance. Planting this Spiked speedwell encourages biodiversity and provides essential forage in mid-summer when landscape interest can sometimes wane. Its dense, low foliage also provides minimal ground cover for small beneficial insects.

Conclusion

Veronica spicata ‘Rotfuchs’ RED FOX is an outstanding, versatile perennial that provides reliable, low-maintenance color intensity when many gardens need a boost. The striking deep rose-red spikes of this Spiked speedwell are valuable for structure, pollinator support, and cutting gardens alike. Before planting, confirm your location is within USDA Zones 3-8 and ensure sharp soil drainage to secure years of vibrant summer performance.