Blue Bouquet Veronica (Veronica spicata), commonly known as Spike Speedwell, is a striking perennial known for its tall, spiky flower spikes that bloom in a beautiful array of blue hues. This plant produces dense clusters of tubular flowers that are highly attractive to bees, butterflies, and other pollinators, making it a wonderful addition to pollinator gardens. Blue Bouquet Veronica is a hardy and low-maintenance plant, making it a favorite among gardeners seeking both beauty and functionality. With 200 seeds in this packet, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to grow these beautiful spiky flowers and enjoy their long blooming season.

Key Features:

• Vibrant Blue Spikes: Blue Bouquet Veronica features tall, spiky flower clusters in a stunning blue color, creating a striking visual display in the garden.
• Pollinator-Friendly: The flowers are particularly attractive to bees, butterflies, and other beneficial pollinators, making this plant an excellent choice for supporting local ecosystems.
• Long Blooming Season: The plant blooms from late spring to early summer, providing months of vibrant color in your garden.
• Drought Tolerant: Once established, Veronica spicata is quite drought-tolerant, making it an excellent choice for low-maintenance gardens.
• Hardy Perennial: As a hardy perennial, Blue Bouquet Veronica returns year after year, offering lasting beauty and enjoyment in your garden.

Growing Information:

• Light: Blue Bouquet Veronica thrives in full sun, requiring at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day to encourage healthy growth and abundant blooms.
• Soil: Prefers well-drained, moderately fertile soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH (6.0-7.5). Veronica can tolerate a range of soil types but does best with soil that has been enriched with organic matter.
• Planting Tips:
  • Start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last expected frost or sow them directly outdoors after all danger of frost has passed and the soil has warmed.
  • Sow seeds about 1/8 inch deep and lightly cover them with soil, as they need light to germinate. Gently press the soil to ensure good seed-to-soil contact.
  • Germination typically occurs in 14-21 days at temperatures of 65-75°F (18-24°C). Keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy during germination.
  • Once seedlings are large enough to handle, transplant them to a sunny spot in the garden, spacing them about 12-18 inches apart to allow for proper air circulation and growth.
  • Blue Bouquet Veronica is an easy-to-grow plant that benefits from deadheading spent blooms to encourage a longer blooming season.
• Watering: Water regularly, especially during dry spells, but be sure the soil drains well to avoid waterlogging. While Veronica is drought-tolerant once established, it will perform best with consistent moisture.

Benefits:

• Aesthetic Appeal: The tall, spiky blue flowers add vertical interest to flower beds and borders, providing a striking contrast to other plants with their spiky form and bold color.
• Pollinator Support: Blue Bouquet Veronica’s abundant blooms attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, supporting the pollinator population and contributing to a healthy garden ecosystem.
• Low Maintenance: This hardy plant is relatively easy to grow and care for, making it perfect for both novice and experienced gardeners. Once established, it requires minimal attention.
• Long-Lasting Blooms: With a long blooming season from late spring to early summer, Blue Bouquet Veronica provides months of color and interest in the garden.
• Drought Tolerance: Once established, Blue Bouquet Veronica is quite drought-tolerant, making it an excellent choice for xeriscaping or low-maintenance gardens.

Growing Zones:

• Suitable for USDA Zones 4-8. Blue Bouquet Veronica is hardy in a variety of climates, making it a versatile plant for gardens across much of the U.S.

How to Use in the Garden:

• Flower Beds & Borders: Use Blue Bouquet Veronica in flower beds or along borders to add height, color, and texture. Its tall spiky flowers can be positioned behind shorter plants for a dramatic effect.
• Pollinator Gardens: Include Blue Bouquet Veronica in pollinator-friendly gardens to attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects, supporting biodiversity in your garden.
• Cottage Gardens: The vertical form and blue flowers of Veronica spicata are perfect for informal, cottage-style gardens, where they can be combined with other perennials and annuals to create a natural, flowing look.
• Cut Flower Gardens: The sturdy flower spikes of Veronica make it an excellent choice for cut flower gardens. The blooms last for weeks in vases, adding color and texture to floral arrangements.
• Rock Gardens & Xeriscaping: Veronica spicata’s drought tolerance makes it well-suited for rock gardens or xeriscaping, where water conservation is a priority.

Conclusion: Blue Bouquet Veronica (Veronica spicata) is a stunning and versatile perennial that adds vibrant blue color and texture to any garden. With its long blooming season, low-maintenance care, and ability to attract pollinators, this plant is perfect for a wide range of garden styles, from cottage gardens to formal flower beds. The 200 seeds in this packet provide ample opportunity to grow this beautiful, hardy herb, and the striking spiky flowers will bring both beauty and ecological benefits to your garden. Whether you’re looking to attract pollinators, add vertical interest to flower beds, or enjoy long-lasting blooms, Blue Bouquet Veronica is a fantastic choice for your garden.