Long leaf speedwell (Veronica longifolia 'Blauriesin' BLUE GIANTESS)
Veronica longifolia 'Blauriesin' BLUE GIANTESS offers towering spikes of lavender-blue flowers from June to September, perfect for cottage gardens.
Complete Plant Information
Overview
Veronica longifolia ‘Blauriesin’ BLUE GIANTESS, known widely as Long leaf speedwell, is a commanding herbaceous perennial valued for its strong vertical accent in the garden. This cultivar, readily identifiable by its trade name BLUE GIANTESS, delivers dense, erect terminal spikes densely packed with striking lavender-blue flowers throughout the summer months. Growing robustly between three and four feet tall, this plant provides excellent late-season color and structure.
As a clump-forming perennial, Long leaf speedwell forms an attractive basal mound of medium green, lance-shaped leaves from which the flower stalks ascend. It thrives best when situated where it receives diligent care, preferring evenly moist, rich soils coupled with full sun exposure. Gardeners appreciate the hardiness and relatively low susceptibility to major pests that Veronica longifolia ‘Blauriesin’ BLUE GIANTESS offers.
This tall speedwell brings significant aesthetic value, particularly when massed or used in cottage garden settings where its showy blooms can attract attention. Its upright habit contrasts beautifully with mounding or spreading perennials, establishing a reliable vertical element that blooms reliably from early summer well into September.
Fast Facts
- Plant Family: Plantaginaceae
- Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial
- Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 4-8
- Size at Maturity:
- Height: 3-4 ft
- Spread: 1-2 ft
- Bloom Time: June to September
- Bloom Description: Lavender-blue
- Sun Exposure: Full sun
- Water Needs: Medium
- Maintenance Level: Medium
How to Grow
For optimal performance, plant Long leaf speedwell in spring or early fall when conditions are favorable for establishment. Locate Veronica longifolia ‘Blauriesin’ BLUE GIANTESS in a site receiving full sun, though it will tolerate light shade. The key to success is the soil; ensure it is well-drained while remaining consistently moist. This plant strongly prefers rich loams and will suffer or exhibit weak, floppy growth if subjected to drying soils or overly rich conditions that lack aeration.
Routine care involves maintaining adequate soil moisture, as the plant is intolerant of dry conditions. Deadheading spent flower spikes promptly is highly recommended; this practice encourages sporadic rebloom extending the display duration through September. If growth becomes congested, lift and divide the clumps every three years, revitalizing the soil at the same time with fresh compost and manure additions.
If taller stems become top-heavy, especially in shadier spots, they may require staking for support throughout the blooming season. Propagation is straightforward via division, cuttings, or seed, offering gardeners multiple ways to increase their stock of this excellent specimen.
Landscape Uses
Veronica longifolia ‘Blauriesin’ BLUE GIANTESS is brilliantly suited for adding height and color to traditional garden designs. Its impressive stature makes it an ideal candidate for borders, where it can serve as a mid-to-back-of-the-border element alongside shorter perennials. Grouping or mass planting this Long leaf speedwell creates the strongest visual impact, transforming edges and cottage gardens into vibrant tapestries of blue.
Consider pairing the lavender-blue spikes with contrasting colors and textures, such as the silvery foliage of Artemisia or the rounded forms of peonies and hostas. Its vertical lines also work well in meadow settings, integrating seamlessly with ornamental grasses to provide structure. Because it is good for cut flowers, planting near kitchen garden entrances ensures easy access for bouquets.
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). Stems are topped in late spring to early summer by a showy bloom of small but abundant funnel-shaped, lilac-blue flowers in slender, crowded, spike-like terminal racemes. The cultivar ‘Blauriesin’, sold by the trade name BLUE GIANTESS, is noted for its tall, upright habit, featuring dense, erect spikes of tiny, lavender-blue flowers rising 3-4’ high, offering dense color from May into July.
Tolerances
- Rabbit
- Deer
Potential Problems
This Long leaf speedwell generally remains free from serious insect or disease issues, which contributes to its relatively medium maintenance rating. Gardeners should remain vigilant for powdery mildew, particularly if air circulation is poor or if the plant is grown in somewhat heavy shade. The primary structural concern relates to height; taller plants, especially Veronica longifolia ‘Blauriesin’ BLUE GIANTESS when grown in less than optimal full sun, may require staking to prevent stems from flopping over, particularly after heavy rain.
Frequently Asked Questions
What hardiness zones is Long leaf speedwell suitable for?
This dependable herbaceous perennial is suitable for USDA Hardiness Zones 4 through 8.
How large does Veronica longifolia ‘Blauriesin’ BLUE GIANTESS grow?
This cultivar typically reaches a mature height between 3 and 4 feet, with a spread averaging 1 to 2 feet wide.
When does Veronica longifolia ‘Blauriesin’ BLUE GIANTESS bloom?
The primary bloom time for this variety is June to September, producing striking lavender-blue flower spikes.
What sun exposure does Long leaf speedwell need?
For the best upright structure and most prolific flowering, Veronica longifolia ‘Blauriesin’ BLUE GIANTESS requires full sun exposure.
Conclusion
The towering, dense spikes of bloom make Veronica longifolia ‘Blauriesin’ BLUE GIANTESS an indispensable choice for adding late-season vertical interest to perennial borders. This reliable Long leaf speedwell offers beauty with manageable maintenance, provided it receives consistent moisture and ample sunlight. Review your USDA zone compatibility to ensure this magnificent BLUE GIANTESS variety thrives in your garden next season.
Companion Planting
When designing a space that complements the cultural needs of Veronica longifolia ‘Blauriesin’ BLUE GIANTESS, focus on plants that also require medium water and rich soil. Companion selections should vary in height and form to highlight the speedwell’s vertical habit. Consider pairing it with airy counterparts that maintain interest as the speedwell finishes blooming, such as Asters or tall Sedums like ‘Autumn Joy’. Plants with contrasting golden or dark foliage work exceptionally well against the cool, slender blue flowers of the Long leaf speedwell.
Design Ideas for Vertical Interest
Utilize the 3-4 foot height of Veronica longifolia ‘Blauriesin’ BLUE GIANTESS to create dynamic shifts in a mixed border. Instead of solitary plantings, use groups of odd numbers (threes or fives) to maximize the effect of the dense flower spikes. In contemporary designs, it can be used near architectural features or dark-colored fences where its light, clear lavender-blue hue pops dramatically against the backdrop. Remember that because it is known as a good cut flower, positioning this plant near service entrances makes harvesting easy.
