Speedwell (Veronica 'Mann's Variety')

Overview

Veronica ‘Mann’s Variety’, a highly desirable cultivar of Speedwell, establishes itself quickly as a dependable, low-growing perennial for sunny borders. It is prized for its dense, mat-forming habit which effectively suppresses weeds while providing textural contrast with its silvery to grayish-green foliage. This variety offers exceptional performance with minimal gardener intervention, fitting perfectly into low-maintenance landscapes.

The hallmark feature of Veronica ‘Mann’s Variety’ is the summer display of dense, vertical racemes packed with tiny, intense blue flowers. These flowers typically emerge from June right through August, providing reliable mid-season color above the foliage mat. Its compact structure, rarely exceeding 10 inches when in bloom, makes this Speedwell an excellent choice for edging and foreground planting.

Gardeners appreciate the straightforward cultural needs of Veronica ‘Mann’s Variety’. Providing it with full sun and consistent, well-drained soil moisture will ensure robust growth and flowering. As a sturdy herbaceous perennial, it offers lasting structure and reliably avoids common garden pests, making it a truly valuable component for sunny landscape applications.

Fast Facts

• Plant Family: Plantaginaceae
• Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial
• Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 5-8
• Size at Maturity:
  • Height: 0.5-0.75 ft
  • Spread: 0.5-1 ft
• Bloom Time: June to August
• Bloom Description: Blue
• Sun Exposure: Full sun
• Water Needs: Medium
• Maintenance Level: Low

How to Grow

Start Veronica ‘Mann’s Variety’ in the spring after the last frost, or in early fall if your summers are extremely hot. The optimal location requires full sun, though this Speedwell tolerates light shade. Success hinges on soil quality; ensure the planting medium is average, well-drained, and capable of holding medium moisture, as sharp drainage—especially during winter dormancy—is crucial to prevent root issues.

Watering should be consistent, particularly when the plant is establishing or during dry spells. While it prefers medium moisture, avoid soggy spots. Fertilization is rarely necessary if the soil is reasonably fertile; focus instead on applying a thin layer of organic mulch annually to help stabilize soil temperature and retain moisture levels without impeding drainage.

Maintenance for Veronica ‘Mann’s Variety’ is notably low. To encourage a second flush of bloom throughout the summer, deadhead spent flower spikes promptly. After the main flowering period concludes, plants can be sheared back to the basal foliage to maintain a tidy appearance moving into autumn.

Landscape Uses

The low-growing habit and vibrant blue blooms make Veronica ‘Mann’s Variety’ a fantastic choice for defining sunny borders and foundation plantings. Its ability to form a tight mat fits perfectly within the “Ground Cover” category, slowly spreading to fill gaps and suppress undesirable weeds. Use this Speedwell as an excellent edging plant along walkways where its height of under one foot will not obstruct views.

Consider massing Veronica ‘Mann’s Variety’ in drifts for the most significant visual impact, especially in rock gardens where its texture complements coarse stone elements. It also performs admirably in containers, either as a spill-over element or as a short, dense filler surrounded by taller specimens. Because it resists deer and rabbits, it is a reliable choice for high-visibility areas near seating or entryways.

Standout Features

Flower Qualities

• Showy

Noteworthy Characteristics

Veronica is a genus of about 250 species of annuals, perennials and some sub-shrubs mainly from Europe. ‘Mann’s Variety’ is a dwarf, low-growing, slowly-spreading speedwell which typically forms a mat of foliage to 4-5” tall. Dense, vertical terminal spikes (racemes) of tiny, intense blue flowers appear above the foliage mat to a height of 8-10” from early to late summer, set against toothed, silvery to grayish-green, lance-shaped leaves.

Tolerances

• Rabbit
• Deer

Potential Problems

Fortunately, Veronica ‘Mann’s Variety’ suffers from no serious insect or disease problems under proper growing conditions. The primary cultural risk involves root rot, which can develop if the plant is situated in wet, poorly-drained soils, particularly over winter. Careful selection of a sunny, well-draining site mitigates this concern entirely. Furthermore, deer and rabbits generally avoid grazing on this type of Speedwell.

Frequently Asked Questions

What hardiness zones is Speedwell suitable for?

Veronica ‘Mann’s Variety’ performs best when grown in USDA hardiness zones 5 through 8. Ensure adequate winter drainage if planting near the colder edge of this range.

How large does Veronica ‘Mann’s Variety’ grow?

This dwarf Speedwell typically forms a foliage mat between 0.5 to 0.75 feet tall. The flower spikes can lift the overall height up to about 10 inches during its bloom period in summer.

When does Speedwell bloom?

This variety offers dependable color from June through August, showcasing masses of blue flowers above its low foliage carpet.

What sun exposure does Veronica ‘Mann’s Variety’ need?

For the most prolific bloom display, Veronica ‘Mann’s Variety’ requires full sun, although it can tolerate partial or light shade if necessary.

Conclusion

Veronica ‘Mann’s Variety’ Speedwell is a gardener favorite due to its reliable low maintenance, compact size, and vibrant summer blue color. This sturdy herbaceous perennial offers excellent ground cover benefits while resisting common browsing wildlife. Check your garden zone compatibility, ensure sharp drainage, and plant this reliable selection in a sunny spot for season-long performance.

Companion Planting

Selecting plants with similar moisture and sun needs ensures a healthier, unified planting scheme around your Veronica ‘Mann’s Variety’. Low-growing ornamental grasses provide excellent textural contrast to the fine foliage and mound habit of the Speedwell. Consider pairing it with mid-sized perennials that bloom earlier or later in the season to extend the overall landscape interest.

For example, dusty miller (Senecio cineraria) placed nearby can echo the silvery tones in the Speedwell’s leaves, while bearded iris placed behind it will provide early summer height and large contrasting flowers. Because this Speedwell prefers well-drained conditions, avoid pairing it with bog-loving plants.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Spring preparation involves cutting back any remaining dead foliage from the previous season to encourage fresh growth from the basal crown of the Veronica ‘Mann’s Variety’. Applying a light application of balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring can support summer flowering, though often unnecessary.

Summer attention should focus on deadheading. Removing spent flower spikes immediately after they fade encourages the plant to produce more blooms throughout the hot months. Monitor moisture levels during hot, dry periods, ensuring that the medium remains consistently moist but never saturated.

In autumn, no heavy work is required for this tough perennial. You may choose to lightly shear the plants back after blooming ceases to tidy them for winter. Veronica ‘Mann’s Variety’ offers excellent cold tolerance, provided the soil is not waterlogged entering winter dormancy.