Tried & Tested: Veronica
Veronica (or speedwell) is a pretty summer-flowering perennial with intense blue, white or pink spires. Popular in cottage gardens, the shorter varieties are best at the front of borders, while taller versions, such as 'White Jolanda' and 'Sunny Border Blue' suit a mid-position. Generally trouble-free, veronica is happiest in full sun and may produce a second flush if lightly deadheaded after the main flowers are over.
Gardening Which? planted 16 varieties of veronica in early spring at sites in Glasgow, Yorkshire, Leeds, London and Dorset and followed their progress over two years.
Two varieties, V. spicata subsp. incana 'Silver Carpet' and V. spicata 'Heidekind' started off well, but didn't overwinter at four sites, which led to the conclusion that they are better suited to a free-draining rockery than a border.
V.peduncularis 'Georgia Blue' was free-flowering and vigorous, with fantastic blooms in April and May, but unfortunately didn't overwinter in Glasgow. However, all the veronicas that did overwinter stood up well to late frosts and heavy rain.
With its vivid blue flowers and dark foliage, V. 'Shirley Blue' stood up well to the competition in Dorset, but in Leeds and Beverley it was felt that there was too much foliage and not enough flowers.
The three V. austriacas that were trialled had beautiful flowers, ranging from sky to intense blue, but went straggly as the blooms developed in May. Staking in April may be the best solution to this 'bird's nest' effect.
Of the May-flowering V. gentianoides, 'Tissington White' was the most popular, with its blue-tinged white spires really standing out on a dull day.
By June, V. longifolia 'Blue John' was in flower in Beverley and Dorset and, despite needing some staking, its strong blue flowers and tall stems were impressive, although it didn't do as well in Leeds.
From late June or July, deep-pink flowered V. spicata 'Rotfuchs' was in flower, and in Glasgow this was one of the best performers.
V. spicata, 'Royal Candles' was also flowering profusely, though some found the flowers 'too stiff and dumpy'. Of the white varieties, V. 'White Jolanda', with its wide, sturdy spires and long flowering time, was considered the most robust, especially in Glasgow.
For inspirational ideas coupled with reliable, research-based information subscribe to Gardening Which? For your free trial issue, visit www.gwfreetrial.co.uk. Payment details will be requested for use when your free trial ends.
Available from: Beeches Nursery, Village Centre, Ashdon, Saffron Walden, Essex CB10 2HB (01799 584362).
Available from: Ravensthorpe Nursery, 6 East Haddon Road, Ravensthorpe, Northamptonshire NN6 8ES (01604 770548).
Available from: Langthorns Plantery, Little Canfield, Dunmow, Essex CM6 1TD (01371 872611).
Two varieties, V. spicata subsp. incana 'Silver Carpet' and V. spicata 'Heidekind' started off well, but didn't overwinter at four sites, which led to the conclusion that they are better suited to a free-draining rockery than a border.
V.peduncularis 'Georgia Blue' was free-flowering and vigorous, with fantastic blooms in April and May, but unfortunately didn't overwinter in Glasgow. However, all the veronicas that did overwinter stood up well to late frosts and heavy rain.
With its vivid blue flowers and dark foliage, V. 'Shirley Blue' stood up well to the competition in Dorset, but in Leeds and Beverley it was felt that there was too much foliage and not enough flowers.
The three V. austriacas that were trialled had beautiful flowers, ranging from sky to intense blue, but went straggly as the blooms developed in May. Staking in April may be the best solution to this 'bird's nest' effect.
Of the May-flowering V. gentianoides, 'Tissington White' was the most popular, with its blue-tinged white spires really standing out on a dull day.
By June, V. longifolia 'Blue John' was in flower in Beverley and Dorset and, despite needing some staking, its strong blue flowers and tall stems were impressive, although it didn't do as well in Leeds.
From late June or July, deep-pink flowered V. spicata 'Rotfuchs' was in flower, and in Glasgow this was one of the best performers.
V. spicata, 'Royal Candles' was also flowering profusely, though some found the flowers 'too stiff and dumpy'. Of the white varieties, V. 'White Jolanda', with its wide, sturdy spires and long flowering time, was considered the most robust, especially in Glasgow.
For inspirational ideas coupled with reliable, research-based information subscribe to Gardening Which? For your free trial issue, visit www.gwfreetrial.co.uk. Payment details will be requested for use when your free trial ends.
V. gentianoides 'Tissington White'
White spikes with a pearly blue-grey flush from May to June. Height 30-50cm, spread 30-80cm.Available from: Beeches Nursery, Village Centre, Ashdon, Saffron Walden, Essex CB10 2HB (01799 584362).
V. spicata 'Rotfuchs'
Short spires of pinkish-red from July to September. Height 40-45cm, spread 30-50cm.Available from: Ravensthorpe Nursery, 6 East Haddon Road, Ravensthorpe, Northamptonshire NN6 8ES (01604 770548).
V. spicata 'Royal Candles'
Sturdy, dense spikes of deep purple-blue and compact clumps of deep green leaves. Flowers from June to August, followed by attractive seedheads. Height and spread 25-40cm.Available from: Langthorns Plantery, Little Canfield, Dunmow, Essex CM6 1TD (01371 872611).
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