Silver speedwell (Veronica spicata subsp. incana 'Pure Silver')
Discover Veronica spicata subsp. incana 'Pure Silver', the Silver speedwell, prized for its silver foliage and sky blue summer flowers. Low maintenance perennial for sunny borders.
Scroll down to discover growing tips, care requirements, companion plants, and more
Complete Plant Information
Overview
The Silver speedwell, botanically known as Veronica spicata subsp. incana ‘Pure Silver’, offers exceptional ornamental appeal primarily through its distinctive, densely hairy, silver-gray foliage. This herbaceous perennial forms a neat mound, acting as a cool, illuminated anchor in sunny garden spaces throughout the growing season. Its aesthetic value is further enhanced by slender spikes of small, densely packed, deep sky-blue flowers that appear reliably from June into July.
Veronica spicata subsp. Incana ‘Pure Silver’ is celebrated for being highly adaptable and relatively low-maintenance once established in suitable conditions. While it performs best with consistent moisture, sharp drainage is crucial, especially during the winter months. Gardeners value this cultivar for the bright contrast its silvery leaves provide against deeper green plantings or vibrant summer blooms.
This variety of spiked speedwell attracts beneficial pollinators like bees and butterflies, adding ecological value to its strong structural and color contributions. Utilizing Veronica spicata subsp. incana ‘Pure Silver’ ensures reliable summer color and year-round foliage interest in rock gardens, borders, and foundation plantings, provided hot, overly humid summers are managed correctly.
Fast Facts
- Plant Family: Plantaginaceae
- Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial
- Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 4-8
- Size at Maturity:
- Height: 1-2 ft
- Spread: 0.75-1 ft
- Bloom Time: June to July
- Bloom Description: Sky blue
- Sun Exposure: Full sun
- Water Needs: Medium
- Maintenance Level: Low
How to Grow
Plant Silver speedwell in the spring or fall in a location that receives full sun. The soil preparation is key for this plant; aim for an average, medium-moisture, well-drained medium. Sharp soil drainage, particularly avoiding prolonged wetness around the crown in winter, is essential for the long-term health of Veronica spicata subsp. incana ‘Pure Silver’.
Care requires consistency: provide regular watering, especially during dry spells, as these plants have shallow roots and do not tolerate drought well. While they are not heavy feeders, general care involves removing spent flower spikes promptly to encourage a repeat flush of blooms. For a tidy appearance later in the season, the entire plant can be cut back to the basal foliage mound after the first major bloom period subsides.
A critical note for cultivation is that Subsp. Incana varieties, including ‘Pure Silver’, struggle in environments characterized by hot, humid summers coupled with heavy rainfall. When watering, always focus efforts at the base of the plant to keep the distinctive silver foliage dry, which helps prevent potential fungal issues.
Landscape Uses
The excellent texture and color contrast offered by Veronica spicata subsp. incana ‘Pure Silver’ make it indispensable for defined garden architecture. It excels when placed along the front edge of mixed perennial borders or in foundation plantings where its light foliage can break up the heavy visual weight of larger shrubs. Because it appreciates sharp drainage, it is perfectly suited for accent planting in rock gardens.
Consider pairing this cultivar with plants that share similar sun and drainage needs but offer contrasting textures or colors. Deep purple or dark-leaved companion plants will make the silver foliage pop, while plants with broader leaves will highlight the narrow, lance-shaped leaves of the Silver speedwell. The neat, spiky flower structure also works well when interplanted with mounding or spreading groundcovers.
The spikes of bloom are also highly effective when used as a fresh cut flower material, lending vertical interest to summer bouquets. Ensure that the chosen landscape spot allows the upright flowering stems, which can reach up to two feet tall, to stand cleanly above surrounding, shorter plantings.
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. The subspecies Incana is recognized for its densely hairy, silver-white or gray-green leaves, giving rise to the common name silver speedwell. The cultivar ‘Pure Silver’ is specifically noted for its narrow, toothed, silver-gray foliage forming a mound up to 12 inches high, from which erect spikes of deep sky blue flowers rise well above the mound in the summer months. Flowers on this speedwell are known to be attractive to bees and butterflies.
Tolerances
- Intolerant of dry soil conditions (when established, requires consistent moisture)
Potential Problems
Veronica spicata subsp. incana ‘Pure Silver’ generally exhibits good resistance to common garden pests and diseases. The most significant cultural challenge revolves around soil moisture management, as root rot is a genuine risk if the plant is situated in wet, poorly-drained soils. This concern is heightened during the winter months when soil saturation combined with cold temperatures can be fatal. Always ensure the planting site promotes rapid water runoff to keep the root zone healthy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What hardiness zones is Silver speedwell suitable for?
This perennial is hardy in USDA Zones 4 through 8.
How large does Veronica spicata subsp. incana ‘Pure Silver’ grow?
It typically reaches a height between 1 and 2 feet, with a spread of 0.75 to 1 foot, featuring a lower foliage mound.
What sun exposure does Silver speedwell need?
This plant requires full sun exposure for the best flowering and foliage color to develop.
When does Veronica spicata subsp. incana ‘Pure Silver’ bloom?
It blooms during the early summer period, specifically from June to July, producing lovely sky blue flowers.
Conclusion
The striking silver foliage combined with reliable spikes of deep blue flowers makes the Silver speedwell a fantastic asset in nearly any sunny border. The low maintenance requirements of this cultivar mean more time enjoying the sight of Veronica spicata subsp. incana ‘Pure Silver’ and less time tending to it. Before planting, always confirm your location falls within USDA Zones 4-8 and verify that your soil offers the sharp drainage this beauty demands.
Companion Planting
Integrating Silver speedwell with other sun-loving perennials that thrive in consistently moist but well-drained conditions creates a cohesive planting scheme. Plants with deep purple or dark magenta flowers provide excellent complementary contrast to the bright silver leaves and blue spikes. Consider pairing it with dark-leaved Sedums or deep violet Salvia nemorosa varieties for a classic hot-summer color combination.
Wildlife Benefits
The flowers of Veronica spicata subsp. Incana ‘Pure Silver’ are a magnet for essential pollinators. The dense, tapered racemes offer a rich source of nectar that is highly attractive to both bees and butterflies throughout the early summer window. Planting this speedwell ensures you are providing valuable forage when many other early summer bloomers may be slowing down.
