Veronicas are winter hardy to Zone 4 (northern Wisconsin). They are also very durable plants, able to thrive in less-than-ideal conditions. They will grow in a range of soil types and are quite drought tolerant once established. Their rich green foliage is also very resistant to damage from insects and disease.

Most upright forms of Veronica are extremely long blooming.  They produce relatively slender spires of flowers beginning in early to mid-summer and, if deadheaded, continuing through late summer. Older varieties produced single spires of flowers, but newer selections also produce numerous secondary flower spikes surrounding the main spike, significantly extending the bloom period. Gardeners can expect 8 to 10 weeks of bloom from modern Veronica cultivars.

While no plant can be deemed truly immune to damage by deer, Veronica is very seldom browsed by deer.

Veronica flower spikes are very popular with pollinators of all types. You will frequently see butterflies, bees and even hummingbirds busily harvested nectar and pollen from Veronica flowers throughout the summer months.

Veronicas range in habit from ground-hugging varieties reaching only an inch or two in height to tall specimens with flowering stems standing to 36”. Most of the varieties we will be offering are in the 14”-28” range. The spike blooming types are an excellent foil to other summer blooming perennials such as daisies, coneflowers, and daylilies.

While older varieties of Veronica were mostly blue, the current color range has been greatly expanded. We will have cultivars offering blue, violet, pink, and white flowers.

• Mature height:1”-36”, depending on variety. Most of our offerings will be in the 14”-28” range.
• Mature spread:18”-24”
• Growth form: While there are groundcover types, most that we will be carrying are very upright in habit, offering an excellent vertical contrast to other summer blooming perennials such as Daisies and Daylilies.
• USDA Hardiness Zone:4
• Flowers:Abundant slender flower spikes in a range of colors including shades of blue, lavender, pink and white.
• Foliage:Leathery green foliage is resistant to insect and disease damage.
• Light requirement:Full Sun to Light Shade
• Water Requirements: Drought tolerant once established.
• Maintenance: Very care-free. Resistant to deer browsing and insect and disease damage. Performs best in low nutrient soil so seldom requires fertilization. Drought tolerant once established.
• Especially valuable for:
  • Extremely long bloom period
  • Ease of care
  • Deer resistance
  • Pollinator appeal
  • Middle-of-the-perennial-border, cottage gardens, pollinator gardens

By Zannah Crowe