Speedwell (Veronica 'First Love')
Veronica 'First Love' Speedwell offers vibrant fluorescent pink flower spikes from June to August, thriving in full sun with low maintenance.
Scroll down to discover growing tips, care requirements, companion plants, and more
Complete Plant Information
Overview
Veronica ‘First Love’ is a spectacular herbaceous perennial that brings intense color to sunny borders. This cultivar of Speedwell is prized for its erect, clump-forming habit and the dense terminal spikes of vibrant, fluorescent pink flowers that bloom reliably throughout the summer. As a low-maintenance star, Veronica ‘First Love’ provides excellent texture and color contrast against typical summer garden schemes.
This Speedwell variety forms a neat mound of deep green, lance-shaped foliage, typically reaching 6 to 8 inches tall, with the flower spikes extending to 10 to 12 inches. Adaptable to a range of garden settings, its reliable performance and attractive structure make Veronica ‘First Love’ a staple for gardeners seeking long-lasting summer interest without demanding constant attention.
The reliability and beauty of Veronica ‘First Love’ ensure it remains a popular choice. It thrives when its cultural needs—full sun and consistent moisture—are met, rewarding the gardener with masses of pink blooms from early summer into midsummer. It is an excellent choice for providing consistent color near pathways or in mass plantings.
Fast Facts
- Plant Family: Plantaginaceae
- Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial
- Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 4-8
- Size at Maturity:
- Height: 0.75-1 ft
- Spread: 1-1.5 ft
- Bloom Time: June to August
- Bloom Description: Pink
- Sun Exposure: Full sun
- Water Needs: Medium
- Maintenance Level: Low
How to Grow
Plant Veronica ‘First Love’ in the spring or fall in average, medium moisture, well-drained soil. Full sun exposure is crucial for the best performance, although this Speedwell tolerates light shade. Ensure sharp soil drainage, especially heading into winter, as standing water can quickly lead to root rot issues.
Maintain regular moisture levels, especially during dry periods. Consistently watering deeply but infrequently encourages stronger root systems. Applying a thin layer of organic mulch annually will help regulate soil temperature and conserve the medium moisture these plants prefer. Fertilizing is rarely necessary if the soil is reasonably rich.
Keep the plant looking tidy by deadheading; remove spent flower spikes promptly to encourage a second flush of bloom. After the main flowering period concludes, the plants may be further cut back to their basal foliage growth to maintain a compact shape throughout the late season.
Landscape Uses
Veronica ‘First Love’ excels as an edging plant due to its manageable height (10-12 inches when blooming) and tidy habit. It performs beautifully when placed at the front of mixed borders, providing a bright burst of pink where it can be easily admired next to taller perennials. For the greatest visual impact, plant this Speedwell in groups or mass plantings where the continuous spires of color read as a single vibrant swath.
This cultivar is also an excellent addition to rock gardens, where its structure contrasts nicely with softer, trailing alpines. Furthermore, Veronica ‘First Love’ adapts well to containers, provided the drainage is impeccable, making it a versatile option for brightening patios and entryways.
Standout Features
Flower Qualities
- Showy
Noteworthy Characteristics
Veronica is a genus of about 250 species, with ‘First Love’ being a standout, erect, clump-forming Speedwell. It features a June-August bloom of intense fluorescent pink flowers packed into terminal spikes, rising above a mound of narrow, deep green leaves. This cultivar is currently under Plant Patent Applied For (PPAF) status.
Tolerances
- Rabbit
- Deer
Potential Problems
This variety of Speedwell generally suffers from no serious insect or disease problems, making it highly reliable. The primary threat comes from cultural mismanagement, specifically poor drainage. Root rot is a significant concern if the soil holds water, particularly through the winter months.
To mitigate potential issues, ensure your planting location has sharp drainage, amending heavy clay soils with grit or compost if necessary. Generally, both deer and rabbits tend to avoid feeding on Veronica ‘First Love’, which adds to its low-maintenance appeal in areas frequented by these common garden visitors.
Frequently Asked Questions
What hardiness zones is Speedwell (Veronica ‘First Love’) suitable for?
Veronica ‘First Love’ is suitable for USDA Zones 4 through 8, offering reliable perennial performance across a wide climatic band.
How large does Speedwell (Veronica ‘First Love’) grow?
This Speedwell grows to a height range of 0.75 to 1 foot, with a spread between 1 and 1.5 feet, including the blooming spikes.
What sun exposure does Speedwell (Veronica ‘First Love’) need?
For the best bloom display and shortest, most compact habit, Veronica ‘First Love’ requires full sun exposure, though it can tolerate lightly shaded areas.
When does Speedwell (Veronica ‘First Love’) bloom?
This Speedwell variety produces its attractive pink flowers primarily from June through August.
Conclusion
Veronica ‘First Love’ is an exceptional choice for gardeners seeking dependable, vibrant color with minimal fuss. Its characteristic spikes of fluorescent pink blooms during the summer months solidify its place as a garden favorite. Before planting, ensure your site provides full sun and excellent drainage, and then simply enjoy the low-maintenance beauty of this robust Speedwell.
Companion Planting
Selecting companions that share the sun and medium water needs of Veronica ‘First Love’ will ensure a harmonious border. Pair this Speedwell with silvery foliage plants or chartreuse accents to make the fluorescent pink truly pop. Good companions often include Lamb’s Ears (Stachys byzantina) for texture, or perhaps taller Salvia relatives that bloom later in the season, extending the color show.
Consider using lower-growing plants like creeping thyme or sedums near the front edge. These groundcovers help keep the soil cool around the roots of the Veronica and prevent summer soil temperatures from fluctuating too widely, supporting the plant’s need for consistent moisture.
Seasonal Care Calendar
Spring: After the danger of hard frost has passed, remove any winter mulch. Cut back any old, tattered foliage to basal growth to encourage fresh, healthy leaf development. This is the best time to side-dress with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer if desired, though it is often unnecessary.
Summer: Focus primarily on watering, ensuring the soil remains consistently moist, especially during dry spells. Deadheading spent flower spikes is critical during this period; prompt removal signals the plant to produce more blooms, maximizing the June to August display.
Fall: After the final bloom set, you can cut the stems back to about 3 inches above the ground. While not strictly required, tidiness helps prevent winter moisture stagnation around the crown. Ensure the area has good drainage before the winter freeze sets in.
