Silver speedwell (Veronica spicata subsp. incana)
Achieve reliable summer color with Veronica spicata subsp. incana, the Silver speedwell, offering violet-blue spikes and silvery foliage.
Scroll down to discover growing tips, care requirements, companion plants, and more
Complete Plant Information
Overview
Veronica spicata subsp. incana, commonly known as Silver speedwell, is a standout herbaceous perennial prized for its dense spikes of violet-blue flowers that reliably appear from mid-summer through August. The visual appeal is significantly enhanced by its signature foliage; this subspecies presents a mound of densely hairy leaves distinguished by their silvery, white, or gray-green coloration, earning it the common name woolly speedwell as well. As a low-maintenance addition to the garden, Veronica spicata subsp. Incana provides vertical structure and vibrant color, attracting essential pollinators like bees and butterflies throughout its bloom period.
This species is native to Europe and Asia, offering gardeners a robust option hardy across significant temperature spans. It forms a tidy clump from which flowering spikes ascend, providing excellent contrast against coarser textures in perennial beds. Its relatively low maintenance needs and adaptability suit it well for sun-drenched locations where consistent summer performance is desired.
The structural upright habit of Veronica spicata subsp. incana makes it invaluable for defining borders or adding a vertical element to rock gardens. Gardeners appreciate this plant not just for the summer flower show, but also for the attractive, textural winter presence maintained by the silvery foliage mound.
Fast Facts
- Plant Family: Plantaginaceae
- Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial
- Native Range: Europe and Asia
- Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 3-8
- Size at Maturity:
- Height: 2-2.5 ft
- Spread: 2-2.5 ft
- Bloom Time: June to August
- Bloom Description: Violet-blue
- Sun Exposure: Full sun
- Water Needs: Medium
- Maintenance Level: Low
How to Grow
For optimal results with Veronica spicata subsp. incana, plant in the spring or fall in a location providing full sun exposure. The key to success for this Silver speedwell is soil health: it thrives in average, medium moisture soil, provided the drainage is sharp. While it needs consistent moisture during the growing season, plants are shallow-rooted and intolerant of prolonged dry spells, so regular watering is necessary.
Care should focus on ensuring soil drainage, particularly as winter approaches, since overly wet, poorly-drained conditions are the primary cause of root rot issues. Although it tolerates light shade, too much shade will reduce flowering performance. Deadheading spent flower spikes encourages repeat blooming throughout the summer months.
After the main flush of flowers fades, plants benefit from being cut back to the basal silver foliage mound to tidy their appearance. Be aware that Subsp. Incana plants struggle when summers are intensely hot and humid accompanied by heavy rainfall; in such climates, water carefully at the base to keep the highly visible foliage dry.
Landscape Uses
The strong vertical lines of Veronica spicata subsp. incana make it exceptionally versatile in sunny landscape designs. Its height, reaching up to 2.5 feet, positions it perfectly at the middle or back of mixed perennial borders, providing necessary height variation alongside shorter groundcovers or wider-leafed plants. It reads beautifully when massed along foundations, offering blocks of silver foliage punctuated by violet-blue spires.
Due to its upright, clumping nature, Silver speedwell is an excellent choice for creating formal lines or providing structure in rock gardens, where its silvery texture contrasts nicely with the rough texture of stone. The blooms are also highly valued for fresh cut arrangements, adding height and color to summer bouquets.
Consider pairing Veronica spicata subsp. incana with plants that share its full sun and medium water needs, such as lighter pink Coneflowers (Echinacea), Russian Sage (Perovskia), or ornamental grasses. The silvery foliage ensures it remains an attractive textural element even when not in flower.
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). Subsp. Incana is commonly called woolly speedwell or silver speedwell in recognition of its densely hairy leaves that are silver, white or gray-green. These spikes rise to as much as 28” tall, featuring flowers that are attractive to bees and butterflies.
Tolerances
- Rabbit
- Deer
Potential Problems
This reliable perennial generally suffers from no serious insect or disease problems when grown correctly. The most significant threat to Veronica spicata subsp. incana is disease related to improper moisture management. Root rot is a distinct possibility if the plant is situated in wet, poorly-drained soils, especially during the dormant winter months.
To prevent this, always ensure your planting site offers sharp drainage as recommended in the culture section. If root rot is suspected, improve soil texture immediately by incorporating grit or moving the plant to a drier location, as this Silver speedwell demands well-drained conditions to thrive long-term.
Frequently Asked Questions
What hardiness zones is Silver speedwell suitable for?
The Veronica spicata subsp. incana is highly adaptable, thriving in USDA Zones 3 through 8.
How large does Veronica spicata subsp. incana grow?
This plant typically matures to a height between 2 and 2.5 feet tall, with a spread of 2 to 2.5 feet wide.
When does Veronica spicata subsp. incana bloom?
Silver speedwell features its violet-blue bloom spikes primarily during the mid-summer months, typically from June to August.
What sun exposure does Silver speedwell need?
For the best flowering display, Veronica spicata subsp. incana requires full sun exposure in the garden.
Conclusion
The combination of striking silver foliage and vibrant, long-lasting violet-blue flower spikes makes Veronica spicata subsp. incana an essential component for summer perennial displays. This low-maintenance gardening workhorse, the Silver speedwell, offers reliable texture and color even through dry spells, provided its need for good soil drainage is respected. Check your local USDA zone compatibility before planning your purchase to ensure this beautiful perennial performs its best for years to come.
Companion Planting
Choosing companions that love full sun and well-drained soil will enhance the aesthetic appeal of Veronica spicata subsp. Incana. Consider planting it alongside silvery-leaved companions to double down on the cool-toned texture, such as Artemisia species or Lamb’s Ears (Stachys byzantina), creating a cohesive monochromatic planting scheme. Contrast is equally effective; pair the upright spires of the Silver speedwell with mounding, mounding plants like Daylilies (Hemerocallis) or the broad leaves of Hostas in areas that receive the light afternoon shade this plant can tolerate.
Wildlife Benefits
The dense, nectar-rich flower spikes of Veronica spicata subsp. incana provide a valuable late-season food source for numerous beneficial insects. Flowers are specifically attractive to both bees, who gather pollen and nectar, and butterflies, who use the upright spikes as waystations while traveling. Planting a group of these spires enhances visibility, acting as a strong beacon for pollinators looking for reliable blooms between early summer and late August.
