Speedwell (Veronica 'Novaverblu' DARK BLUE MOODY BLUES)
Discover Veronica 'Novaverblu' DARK BLUE MOODY BLUES Speedwell, offering deep purple-blue blooms from early summer to fall. Low maintenance and deer resistant.
Scroll down to discover growing tips, care requirements, companion plants, and more
Complete Plant Information
Overview
Veronica ‘Novaverblu’ DARK BLUE MOODY BLUES, a desirable cultivar of Speedwell, offers gardeners an excellent source of continuous mid-season color. This compact herbaceous perennial is valued for its upright spikes packed with rich, purple-blue flowers that persist through summer into early fall, providing consistent visual interest when many spring bloomers fade. Gardeners appreciate this variety for its tidy habit and low maintenance requirements, making it a reliable foundation plant.
This Speedwell variety thrives in full sun, though it tolerates light shade, provided it receives consistent moisture. Reaching only about 1 to 1.25 feet tall and wide, Veronica ‘Novaverblu’ DARK BLUE MOODY BLUES works perfectly in the front of borders or mass plantings. Beyond its aesthetic appeal to humans, the blooms are attractive to butterflies and other beneficial insect pollinators, adding an ecological layer to its landscape value.
The cultural needs of Veronica ‘Novaverblu’ DARK BLUE MOODY BLUES center around well-drained soil and consistent moisture regulation. By applying an organic mulch, gardeners can easily manage soil dampness and suppress weeds. With its resistance to common pests and relatively simple care regimen, this Speedwell is an outstanding choice for both novice and experienced gardeners looking for reliable, richly colored performance.
Fast Facts
- Plant Family: Plantaginaceae
- Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial
- Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 4-9
- Size at Maturity:
- Height: 1-1.25 ft
- Spread: 1-1.25 ft
- Bloom Time: June to September
- Bloom Description: Purple-blue
- Sun Exposure: Full sun
- Water Needs: Medium
- Maintenance Level: Low
How to Grow
Plant Veronica ‘Novaverblu’ DARK BLUE MOODY BLUES in average soil that is medium in moisture and drains sharply. While it tolerates light shade, best performance and prolific blooming occur when sited in a location receiving full sun. Proper drainage is crucial, especially during winter months, to prevent crown issues. Planting during spring or fall allows the roots to establish before the stress of summer heat or deep winter cold.
Watering should be consistent; this Speedwell prefers regular moisture, but never soggy conditions. Applying a layer of organic mulch around the base will help retain even soil moisture levels throughout the growing season, reducing the need for frequent irrigation. Fertilization is generally unnecessary if native soil quality is adequate.
Maintenance for this low-maintenance perennial is straightforward. For continuous display, promptly remove spent flower spikes—deadheading encourages subsequent blossoms. After the main flush of bloom has passed, you may cut the plants back to their basal foliage mound to tidy their appearance until the next season.
Landscape Uses
Veronica ‘Novaverblu’ DARK BLUE MOODY BLUES excels in structured settings where its compact, mounding shape can define edges. It is highly recommended for use as a good edging plant along walkways or defining the forefront of perennial borders, drawing the eye with its deep purple-blue spikes. Due to its reliable performance in full sun, it integrates beautifully into rock gardens, providing necessary color contrast among stone features.
Massing or grouping these plants creates a powerful visual impact, transforming broad foundation beds into swathes of dark blue color throughout the summer. Furthermore, their manageable size makes them ideal candidates for container gardening, either used as a thriller or a textural thriller accenting larger annuals or shrubs. They pair well with silver-leaved foliage plants or golden-hued perennials that appreciate similar sun and water needs.
Standout Features
Flower Qualities
- Showy
Noteworthy Characteristics
Veronica is a genus of about 250 species of annuals, perennials and some sub-shrubs mainly from Europe. The genus name honors Saint Veronica who reportedly gave a handkerchief to Jesus so he could wipe sweat from his face on the way to Calvary, with some genus plants having markings that resemble the markings on the sacred handkerchief. ‘Novaverblu’ DARK BLUE MOODY BLUES is a compact, freely flowering variety of speedwell with upright spikes of small, purple-blue flowers blooming from early summer through to fall above dense clumps of lance-shaped foliage.
Tolerances
- Rabbit
- Deer
Potential Problems
This Speedwell variety is generally robust, facing no serious insect or disease problems under proper care. The primary concern revolves around soil conditions. Root rot is a risk if the soil remains overly saturated or poorly drained, particularly heading into winter dormancy. Ensure sharp drainage in your planting location to mitigate this risk. Deer and rabbits tend to avoid browsing on Veronica ‘Novaverblu’ DARK BLUE MOODY BLUES.
Frequently Asked Questions
What hardiness zones is Speedwell suitable for?
Veronica ‘Novaverblu’ DARK BLUE MOODY BLUES is suitable for USDA Zones 4-9.
How large does Veronica ‘Novaverblu’ DARK BLUE MOODY BLUES grow?
This plant reaches mature heights generally between 1 and 1.25 feet tall, with an equal spread of 1 to 1.25 feet.
When does Speedwell bloom?
This variety typically blooms from June to September, featuring eye-catching purple-blue flowers.
What sun exposure does Veronica ‘Novaverblu’ DARK BLUE MOODY BLUES need?
For best results, Veronica ‘Novaverblu’ DARK BLUE MOODY BLUES requires full sun exposure, although it can tolerate light shade.
Conclusion
The compact size, vibrant purple-blue coloration, and extended bloom period make Veronica ‘Novaverblu’ DARK BLUE MOODY BLUES a standout choice for sunny borders and container arrangements. This low-maintenance Speedwell offers excellent resilience against browsing pests. Before planting, confirm your local USDA zone compatibility and ensure your soil offers the sharp drainage this perennial requires for long-term success.
Companion Planting
Selecting appropriate neighbors enhances the visual appeal and health of your Veronica ‘Novaverblu’ DARK BLUE MOODY BLUES plantings. Look for companions that require similar sun exposure—full to part sun—and medium, consistent moisture. Plants with contrasting texture or flower color work best, such as silvery Lamb’s Ears (Stachys byzantina) or plants with yellow blooms like Coreopsis or certain Sedums. These companions help fill in the space around the base of the Speedwell, maximizing root zone moisture retention.
Wildlife Benefits
While deer and rabbits avoid this variety, the flowers of Veronica ‘Novaverblu’ DARK BLUE MOODY BLUES are a significant draw for beneficial insects. The dense spikes of small, nectar-rich blooms are highly attractive to butterflies, providing a dependable refueling station during mid to late summer. Planting drifts of this Speedwell helps support local pollinator populations when many earlier spring flowers are finished, contributing positively to garden biodiversity.
