Spiked speedwell (Veronica spicata 'Blue Bouquet')

Overview

Veronica spicata ‘Blue Bouquet’, known commonly as Spiked speedwell, is a highly valued herbaceous perennial celebrated for its dense, upright spikes of violet-blue flowers that provide excellent vertical texture in the garden. This cultivar brings reliable summer color, flowering consistently from June into August. It forms an attractive clump of medium green foliage, setting the stage for the showy flower spikes that rise above the leaves.

The structural beauty and low maintenance requirements make Spiked speedwell an essential component for defined perennial borders and sunny landscape accents. It performs best when established in well-drained soil conditions, though it is quite hardy across a wide range of climates. Gardeners appreciate the long bloom window and the fact that Veronica spicata ‘Blue Bouquet’ attracts beneficial pollinators.

This specific cultivar, ‘Blue Bouquet’, typically grows 12 to 18 inches tall, keeping an upright and tidy habit throughout the growing season. Its tolerance to both rabbits and deer adds to its practical appeal, ensuring its attractive summer display remains largely untouched by common garden pests. Planting Veronica spicata ‘Blue Bouquet’ promises long-lasting color without demanding excessive care.

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: Purple-blue
• Sun Exposure: Full sun
• Water Needs: Medium
• Maintenance Level: Low

How to Grow

For optimal performance of Veronica spicata ‘Blue Bouquet’, establish new plants in the spring or fall when conditions are cooler. Choose a location receiving full sun, although this Spiked speedwell can tolerate light afternoon shade, especially in hotter climates. The most critical factor is soil; ensure the planting site offers sharp drainage. Plants have shallow roots, making them sensitive to prolonged dry spells, so aim for consistency.

Watering needs are medium. While established Spiked speedwell is reasonably tough, consistent moisture is key during the summer bloom period to maintain vigor. Avoid soggy winter conditions at all costs, as the roots are intolerant of wet, poorly-drained soils, which can lead to root rot problems. Fertilization is rarely necessary if the soil is reasonably fertile.

General maintenance for Veronica spicata ‘Blue Bouquet’ is low. Deadheading spent flower spikes promptly by cutting them back to the basal foliage encourages the plant to produce subsequent flushes of blooms throughout the summer season. After the main bloom period ends, the entire plant can be sheared back significantly to maintain a neat appearance going into fall.

Landscape Uses

The reliable height and vibrant color of Veronica spicata ‘Blue Bouquet’ make it an excellent choice for structuring perennial borders, adding mid-level texture exactly where needed. Their upright, spiky habit contrasts beautifully against mounding plants like hostas or low-growing salvias, creating dynamic layering in foundation plantings. Consider using several of these clumps en masse for a powerful wave of purple-blue color.

Spiked speedwell is perfectly suited for rock gardens, where excellent drainage mimics its preferred native habitat conditions. They also work well tucked near foundations where they benefit from the stored warmth of the structure but still receive appropriate overhead sunlight. Because they are attractive to bees and butterflies, integrating Veronica spicata ‘Blue Bouquet’ near seating areas enhances wildlife viewing opportunities. Ensure companions share the full sun and medium water needs for cohesive gardening.

Standout Features

Flower Qualities

• Showy

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). Flowers are attractive to bees and butterflies. The cultivar ‘Blue Bouquet’ is an erect, clump-forming, spiked speedwell showing deep purple-blue flower spikes that bloom from late spring well into summer, offering fantastic vertical accents.

Tolerances

• Rabbit
• Deer

Potential Problems

Veronica spicata ‘Blue Bouquet’ generally exhibits strong resistance to most common insect pests and diseases, contributing significantly to its low-maintenance profile. The primary risk gardeners face involves hydrological stress. Root rot is the most serious potential issue, occurring exclusively when the plant sits in overly saturated or poorly drained soil, especially over winter. Planting in sharp, gritty soil and avoiding overwatering will prevent this common failure point.

Frequently Asked Questions

What hardiness zones is Spiked speedwell suitable for?

Veronica spicata ‘Blue Bouquet’ is suitable for USDA Hardiness Zones 3 through 8, offering reliability across a broad range of northern and temperate climates.

How large does Spiked speedwell grow?

This Spiked speedwell cultivar typically reaches a mature height between 1 and 1.5 feet, with a similar spread of 1 to 1.5 feet, forming a neat, manageable clump.

What sun exposure does Veronica spicata ‘Blue Bouquet’ need?

Veronica spicata ‘Blue Bouquet’ requires full sun for the most vigorous blooming; however, it will tolerate light shade if necessary, though performance may decrease slightly.

When does Veronica spicata ‘Blue Bouquet’ bloom?

This plant offers its best performance during the summer months, generally blooming from June through August with distinctive purple-blue flower spikes.

Conclusion

Veronica spicata ‘Blue Bouquet’ is an outstanding choice for adding upright texture and reliable summer color to sunny borders, largely due to its striking purple-blue flower spikes and low-maintenance nature. This Spiked speedwell is resistant to deer and rabbits, making it a practical selection for diverse landscapes. Before planting this summer performer, confirm your garden site offers consistent moisture coupled with genuinely sharp soil drainage to ensure its long-term success.

Companion Planting

When designing drifts with Veronica spicata ‘Blue Bouquet’, consider integrating plants that share its love for full sun and well-drained soil, while offering contrasting textures. Pair the fine, spiky vertical lines of the Spiked speedwell with the broader texture of Daylilies (Hemerocallis) or the rounded globe shapes of ornamental Alliums that have finished blooming. Alternatively, silver-foliaged plants or gray-leaved Artemisia cultivars make the deep purple-blue flowers of the Spiked speedwell pop dramatically under the intense summer sun.

Wildlife Benefits

The dense flower racemes of Veronica spicata ‘Blue Bouquet’ are highly attractive to a variety of beneficial insects, significantly boosting the garden’s ecosystem health. Bees, including honeybees and bumblebees, are frequently observed working the tiny flowers throughout the bloom season in mid-summer. Planting this cultivar provides a reliable nectar source when many other spring bloomers are fading, offering continuous support for local pollinator populations right into the peak of summer heat.