Plant potted veronica in spring, after your last frost (Almanac). Divide established clumps in early spring or from mid-August through September, every 3 to 5 years (Iowa State). Give it full sun and well-drained soil (NC State, Almanac, Iowa State), water weekly until it roots, then only in dry spells. Shear spikes back to the leafy base after the first bloom for a second flush (NC State).
Veronica, or speedwell, is a large genus in the plantain family: NC State counts about 250 species and Iowa State over 500. Garden kinds come in two habits (Iowa State, Almanac). Upright, spiky types such as spike speedwell (V. spicata) and longleaf speedwell (V. longifolia) carry 8- to 12-inch flower spikes (Iowa State), and NC State says V. spicata grows 2 to 3 feet tall in Zones 3 to 8 and blooms late spring to midsummer. Creeping types rarely top 6 inches but spread a foot or more, which suits rock gardens and paving cracks (Iowa State).
When to plant veronica
| Timing | What the sources say |
|---|---|
| Spring, after the last frost (potted plants) | The Almanac plants transplants out after the last frost date, hardening off greenhouse-grown plants first |
| Fall, in a cold frame (seed) | The Almanac says seed can be sown in containers in a cold frame in autumn, though most people start with nursery plants |
| Early spring, as growth begins (dividing) | Iowa State divides speedwell in spring, just as new growth appears |
| Mid-August through September (dividing) | Iowa State's other window for speedwell, giving divisions several weeks to root before winter |
| Every 3 to 5 years | Iowa State's interval for established clumps; the Almanac says every few years |
Use our planting calendar to find your last spring frost. For late-summer division, Iowa State mulches the new divisions with several inches of straw or pine needles in mid- to late November so freezing and thawing don't heave them out of the ground.
How to plant veronica
| What the sources say | |
|---|---|
| Hardiness | Zones 3 to 9 for the genus (NC State); 3 to 8 for V. spicata (NC State); most cultivars to Zone 4 (Iowa State, Almanac). Check the tag |
| Light | Full sun (NC State, Almanac, Iowa State); NC State lists part shade for the genus |
| Soil | Well drained with even moisture (NC State); upright types do better with compost worked in, creeping types tolerate rocky, lean soil (Almanac) |
| Hole and depth | Twice the pot's diameter, with the top of the root ball level with the soil (Almanac) |
| Size | 2 to 3 feet tall and about 2 feet wide for V. spicata (NC State); 'Royal Candles' 10 to 12 inches, 'Icicle' 18 to 24 inches (Iowa State); 'Red Fox' 12 to 16 inches (Almanac) |
| Spacing | None of our sources gives a figure; our reading is to allow the mature spread on the tag, about 1 to 2 feet for upright types (Iowa State's cultivar table) |
The Almanac mulches after planting and pinches unbranched young plants to make them bushier. Iowa State notes that spike speedwell is shorter and more drought tolerant than longleaf speedwell, so it suits a drier bed.
Watering, feeding and shearing
- Water weekly until rooted, then in the first summer whenever rain falls short of 1 inch a week (Almanac). Established plants are drought tolerant (Almanac, Iowa State).
- Feed with compost. The Almanac top-dresses with compost each spring.
- Deadhead or shear. Removing spent spikes encourages more blooms (Iowa State, Almanac); NC State shears V. spicata to its basal rosette for repeat fall flowers.
- Stake tall kinds in windy spots (Almanac).
- Divide every 3 to 5 years (Iowa State), taking pieces from the vigorous outer edge (our reading).
Veronica in containers
NC State lists veronica for containers and small spaces. Compact upright cultivars such as 'Royal Candles' (10 to 12 inches) or 'Baby Blues' (4 to 8 inches) fit pots best (Iowa State). Our reading is to use a pot with drainage holes and potting mix, water when the top inch dries and avoid a waterlogged saucer in winter, since NC State warns of root rot in overly wet winter soil.
Fall and winter
- Cut back after frost. The Almanac cuts stems to 1 to 2 inches after frost and mulches crowns in cold climates; Iowa State says stems die back and can be cleaned up in early spring before new growth.
- Finish fall division by September so roots establish (Iowa State).
- Watch drainage. Root rot is most likely in wet winter soil (NC State).
Pests and problems
NC State rates the genus resistant to deer, diseases, drought and insects, and V. spicata resistant to deer and rabbits. The Almanac lists scale, downy and powdery mildew, rust, leaf smut and root rot, and Iowa State notes 'White Wands' for its good mildew resistance. The Almanac also says some veronicas drop their lower leaves in summer; a trim after the first flush brings back fuller growth.
Veronica around the vegetable garden
Iowa State calls veronica flowers well-known magnets for a wide variety of pollinators, and NC State lists bees and butterflies. Its blue spikes make a long-blooming edge for a sunny vegetable bed (our reading); see flowers that attract beneficial insects. It pairs well with other summer perennials such as Shasta daisies, coreopsis, salvia and penstemon.
Frequently asked questions
When should I plant veronica?
In spring, after your last frost date (Almanac). Harden off greenhouse-grown plants first.
When can I divide veronica?
In early spring as growth begins, or from mid-August through September (Iowa State). Divide every 3 to 5 years.
Will veronica bloom again if I cut it back?
Often. NC State shears V. spicata to its basal rosette after flowering for repeat fall blooms, and says many veronicas rebloom after being cut back.
Can I grow veronica from seed?
Yes; the Almanac says it can be sown in containers in a cold frame in autumn, but most gardeners buy plants. Named cultivars are propagated by division or cuttings to stay true (NC State).
Is veronica drought tolerant?
Once established (Almanac, Iowa State). Water weekly until rooted and in the first summer when rain falls short of 1 inch a week (Almanac).
Is veronica the same as the speedwell weed in my lawn?
Same genus, different plants. NC State notes some speedwells are weedy; garden veronicas are named cultivars of upright or creeping species (Iowa State).
Enter your frost dates to time spring planting and late-summer division.
Open itSources
- Virginia Cooperative Extension, "Companion Planting in Gardening" (SPES-620P)
- University of Maryland Extension, "Vegetable Succession and Companion Planting"
- Oregon State University Extension, "Companion Planting"
- Penn State Extension, "Herbs Make Good Plant Partners and Companions"
- University of Minnesota Extension, "Planting the vegetable garden"
- USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map
- NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals (frost/freeze data)
- NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox, "Veronica"
- NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox, "Veronica spicata"
- The Old Farmer's Almanac, "Veronica (Speedwell)"
- Iowa State University Extension, "All About Veronicas or Speedwells"
- Iowa State University Extension, "How to Divide and Transplant Perennials"
- Iowa State University Extension, "Which perennials can be divided in late summer?"
Pairings are summarized in our own words from extension-service guidance. Research support for many companion effects is limited, so treat them as good habits, not guarantees.