Speedwell (Veronica 'Pink Damask')
Veronica 'Pink Damask' Speedwell offers long-lasting, showy spikes of pastel pink flowers. A low-maintenance perennial hardy in Zones 4-8.
Scroll down to discover growing tips, care requirements, companion plants, and more
Complete Plant Information
Overview
Veronica ‘Pink Damask’ Speedwell is a highly valued herbaceous perennial, known for adding vibrant, upright color to the mid to late summer garden. This cultivar of Veronica produces long, dense spikes covered in delightfully soft, pastel pink flowers, offering continuous interest for 6 to 8 weeks during the warmer months. Its vase-shaped, clump-forming habit makes it an excellent vertical accent where other summer blooms may begin to fade.
As a low-maintenance selection, Veronica ‘Pink Damask’ thrives when given consistent moisture and good drainage, establishing itself reliably within USDA Zones 4 through 8. Gardeners appreciate its robust nature, as it generally resists serious pest and disease issues, ensuring beautiful presentation with minimal fuss throughout the season. The delicate yet showy flower spikes also perform exceptionally well when harvested for fresh cut arrangements.
This particular Speedwell cultivar features lance-shaped, toothed leaves that provide a handsome green backdrop for its bloom display. Whether used for massing in borders or tucked into foundation plantings, Veronica ‘Pink Damask’ delivers dependable color, making it a staple for productive, sunny garden spots requiring dependable mid-summer performance.
Fast Facts
- Plant Family: Plantaginaceae
- Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial
- Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 4-8
- Size at Maturity:
- Height: 2-3 ft
- Spread: 1-2 ft
- Bloom Time: July to August
- Bloom Description: Pastel pink
- Sun Exposure: Full sun
- Water Needs: Medium
- Maintenance Level: Low
How to Grow
The ideal time to establish Veronica ‘Pink Damask’ is typically in spring or fall, ensuring the plant establishes a strong root system before intense weather hits. Best performance requires average, medium moisture, well-drained soil situated in full sun exposure. While it tolerates light shade, maximum flowering occurs when plants receive plenty of direct sunlight.
Consistent moisture is critical, especially following planting and during peak summer heat. Sharp soil drainage is paramount, particularly when overwintering, as wet feet can lead to root rot. Applying a layer of organic mulch will help regulate soil temperatures and conserve necessary moisture levels. Minimal fertilization is usually required if the soil is healthy.
For optimal reblooming, promptly remove spent flower spikes immediately after they fade—a practice known as deadheading. This encourages the plant to produce additional, smaller flushes of bloom throughout late summer. If the plant begins to look straggly after its main performance, don’t hesitate to cut the entire clump back to the basal foliage; this pruning revitalizes the appearance quickly.
Landscape Uses
Veronica ‘Pink Damask’ excels in sunny locations where structure and mid-height color are desired. Its upright habit and consistent height (2-3 feet) make it an outstanding choice for the front or middle of traditional perennial borders, creating clear lines against lower groundcovers or taller background shrubs. Because it performs best when grouped, mass planting several Veronica ‘Pink Damask’ ensures an impressive sweep of pastel pink color.
This cultivar also serves excellently as an edging plant along walkways or foundational plantings where constant maintenance is not feasible. Its reliability and deer/rabbit resistance make it a perfect functional feature in mixed foundation beds. Furthermore, container gardening is ideal for the patio; ensure containers have ample drainage to accommodate the Speedwell’s needs.
Pair this flower with companions that enjoy similar conditions, such as silvery foliage plants or late-season bloomers that contrast well with pink, such as dark purple Salvia or yellow Coreopsis. The strong vertical lines of the Speedwell spikes provide architectural interest throughout the season, balancing out mounding forms in the landscape design.
Standout Features
Flower Qualities
- Showy
- Good Cut
Noteworthy Characteristics
Veronica is a genus rich in history, with the name honoring Saint Veronica. ‘Pink Damask’ specifically offers a vase-shaped, clump-forming habit, topped with long, upright spikes of tiny, pastel pink flowers reaching up to 32 inches tall on their racemes. This variety is celebrated by florists for being an excellent and long-lasting fresh cut flower, providing 6-8 weeks of summer color.
Tolerances
- Rabbit
- Deer
Potential Problems
Veronica ‘Pink Damask’ is fortunate in that it rarely suffers from serious insect pest infestations or significant disease outbreaks under appropriate growing conditions. The primary cultural issue stems from poor soil management, specifically root rot, which can develop in heavy, poorly-drained soils, particularly during wet winters. Deer and rabbits typically leave this variety alone, making it a reliable choice in areas affected by browsing wildlife. Prevention focuses on site selection: always amend heavy clay soils with organic matter to ensure sharp drainage around the crown of the Speedwell.
Frequently Asked Questions
What hardiness zones is Speedwell suitable for?
Veronica ‘Pink Damask’ is reliably cold-hardy in USDA Zones 4 through 8.
How large does Veronica ‘Pink Damask’ grow?
This perennial typically achieves a mature height between 2 and 3 feet tall and spreads to a width of 1 to 2 feet.
What sun exposure does Speedwell need?
The best performance for Veronica ‘Pink Damask’ is achieved with full sun, though it can tolerate light afternoon shade, especially in warmer climates.
When does Veronica ‘Pink Damask’ bloom?
This variety produces its pastel pink blooms, held on upright spikes, from July into August.
Conclusion
The reliability, low maintenance needs, and extended summer bloom make Veronica ‘Pink Damask’ Speedwell an indispensable addition to sunny perennial borders. Its deer and rabbit resistance, combined with its excellent qualities as a cut flower, solidify its value in almost any garden setting. Before planting, ensure your chosen site offers full sun and medium, well-drained soil for years of dependable performance.
Companion Planting
When selecting companions for Veronica ‘Pink Damask’, consider plants that share its preference for full sun and medium moisture but offer contrasting habits to maximize visual impact. Contrast the upright spikes of the Speedwell with mounding plants like ornamental grasses, Nepeta (Catmint), or silver-leaved Artemisia. The cool pastel pink flowers also pair beautifully with warmer tones like deep oranges or yellows found in varieties of Daylilies or Rudbeckia, creating dynamic texture and color relationships in the border design.
Seasonal Care Calendar
Spring preparation for your Veronica ‘Pink Damask’ involves a light cleanup, removing any lingering winter debris once new shoots emerge. This is the time to apply a fresh layer of organic mulch, protecting roots and conserving moisture for the summer ahead. Throughout the growing season, monitor watering to ensure consistent, medium moisture without saturation; aggressive fertilization is rarely needed. After the July/August bloom climax, deadhead faded flower spikes immediately to encourage a lighter, secondary flush of bloom, keeping your Speedwell looking tidy until late fall cleanup.
