Speedwell (Veronica spicata 'High Five')

Overview

Veronica spicata ‘High Five’, commonly known as Speedwell, is an outstanding herbaceous perennial valued for its impressive, long-lasting summer bloom display. This cultivar stands out with its unusually long flower spikes packed densely with vibrant violet-blue flowers, rising commandingly above the foliage mound. Its upright, clump-forming habit makes Veronica spicata ‘High Five’ an excellent structural element in perennial borders.

This Speedwell performs best when situated where it receives consistent moisture coupled with excellent drainage, thriving in full sun conditions. While generally low maintenance, providing the right soil and light ensures the dense flower spikes of this cultivar remain prominent throughout the season. The flowers are renowned for attracting essential pollinators like bees and butterflies.

Gardeners appreciate Veronica spicata ‘High Five’ for its reliability and the sheer vertical interest it brings to sunny spots. Whether used for mass impact or as a specimen accent, this Speedwell provides consistent color without demanding intensive care. Ensure you look for this specific cultivar if you desire that extra height and vigor from your spike speedwell.

Fast Facts

• Plant Family: Plantaginaceae
• Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial
• Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 4-8
• Size at Maturity:
  • Height: 1-3 ft
  • Spread: 1-1.5 ft
• Bloom Time: June to August
• Bloom Description: Violet blue
• Sun Exposure: Full sun
• Water Needs: Medium
• Maintenance Level: Low

How to Grow

Planting Veronica spicata ‘High Five’ is best done in spring or fall, establishing it in average, medium-moisture soil that must be well-drained. Sharp soil drainage is crucial, especially heading into winter, as this Speedwell has shallow roots sensitive to consistently soggy conditions. While it prefers full sun, it can tolerate light shade where blooms may be slightly less dense.

Care revolves around consistent moisture management. Water regularly, ensuring the soil stays moderately moist but never waterlogged. Avoid letting the plants dry out completely, as they are intolerant of dry soil conditions. Fertilization is usually unnecessary in fertile garden soils, as over-fertilizing can lead to floppier stems.

To maximize the bloom period, deadhead spent flower spikes promptly. This practice is highly effective at encouraging the plant to produce additional, sequential flowering. After the main flush of bloom is complete, plants may be cut back hard to their basal growth to maintain a tidy appearance for the remainder of the season.

Landscape Uses

The upright, spiky structure of Veronica spicata ‘High Five’ makes it indispensable for defining garden lines and providing vertical contrast. It excels when planted along the middle or back of mixed perennial borders where its violet-blue spires can stand above lower-growing companions. This Speedwell also works beautifully in foundation plantings, lending vertical interest near structures where sunlight is reliable.

Consider pairing Veronica spicata ‘High Five’ with plants that share a similar need for good drainage and sun exposure, such as silvery foliage plants or those with contrasting textures like ornamental grasses or coneflowers. Since the flowers are suitable as cut material, ensure you plant enough for both garden display and indoor enjoyment. Its moderate size makes it adaptable to rock gardens, provided the drainage meets its requirement for sharp, well-drained soil.

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 ‘High Five’ is specifically noted for producing unusually long flower spikes atop stems towering over its compact foliage mound of deep green leaves.

Tolerances

• Rabbit
• Deer

Potential Problems

Veronica spicata ‘High Five’ is generally resistant to serious insect infestations or common garden diseases, contributing to its low maintenance appeal. The primary concern involves water management; root rot is a significant risk if the plant is situated in wet, poorly-drained soils, especially during winter dormancy. To prevent this, amend heavy clay soils liberally with organic matter to improve aeration and drainage before planting this Speedwell.

Frequently Asked Questions

What hardiness zones is Speedwell suitable for?

Veronica spicata ‘High Five’ is generally suitable for USDA Hardiness Zones 4 through 8.

How large does Speedwell grow?

This herbaceous perennial typically reaches a height between 1 and 3 feet, with a spread of 1 to 1.5 feet at maturity.

What sun exposure does Veronica spicata ‘High Five’ need?

For best performance, Veronica spicata ‘High Five’ requires full sun exposure, though it can tolerate periods of light shade.

When does Speedwell bloom?

This variety of Speedwell produces its characteristic violet-blue flowers over a long period, typically blooming from June to August.

Conclusion

The reliable flowering time and striking violet-blue flower spikes ensure that Veronica spicata ‘High Five’ remains a staple in many sunny perennial gardens. Its low maintenance profile, combined with good drought tolerance once established (though it prefers consistent moisture), makes it a practical choice for gardeners seeking dependable summer color. Check your local USDA zone compatibility before planning your spring planting scheme for this fantastic Speedwell cultivar.

Companion Planting

Selecting suitable companions ensures that Veronica spicata ‘High Five’ thrives visually and culturally. Since this Speedwell demands full sun and good drainage, pair it with other classic sun-lovers that share similar moisture needs. Good textural contrasts include plants with rounded flower heads or fine, airy foliage, such as Russian Sage (Perovskia atriplicifolia) or Catmint (Nepeta species). Planting it alongside plants like Daylilies or ornamental grasses helps soften the vertical lines of the flower spikes.

Wildlife Benefits

The dense racemes of tiny flowers on the Veronica spicata ‘High Five’ are highly attractive magnets for beneficial insects throughout the summer months. This Speedwell serves as an excellent nectar source for foraging bees, supporting local pollinator health during peak season. Furthermore, the foliage is generally avoided by browsing animals like deer and rabbits, ensuring your display remains intact throughout the growing season.