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Growth Rate
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- Growth Rate: Moderate; typically grows 12 to 18 inches per year.
- Final Size: 18 to 24 inches tall and 12 to 18 inches wide.
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Colorful leaves
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Flowering
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Yes |
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Bloom Color
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Disease resistant
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Yes |
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Cold Tolerant
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Yes |
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Heat Tolerant
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Yes |
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Drought Tolerant
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No |
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Deer Resistant
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Yes |
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Edible
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No |
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Wildlife Attraction
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- Pollinators: Bees and butterflies are drawn to the bright blue flowers, making it an excellent choice for pollinator gardens.
- Birds: The dense foliage provides shelter for nesting birds.
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Self-pollinating
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Seasonality
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- Growth Season: Spring to Fall
- Winter Interest: Foliage may die back, but the plant remains dormant and can be protected with mulch in colder climates.
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Ideal For
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– Perennial borders – pollinator gardens – cottage gardens – mass plantings – cut flower gardens – sunny beds – vertical color accents in compact spaces |
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Leaf Description
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The leaves are medium to dark green, lance-shaped, and create a lush backdrop for the striking flowers. The foliage remains healthy and vibrant throughout the growing season. |
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Flower Description
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- Bloom Time: Late Spring to Early Summer (typically May to June).
- Flower Details: Stunning spikes of small, vibrant blue flowers that attract attention and bring a refreshing look to the garden.
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Planting Instructions
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- How to Plant: Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and the same depth. Place the plant in the center, backfill with soil, and water thoroughly.
- Best Time to Plant: Spring or early fall for optimal establishment.
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Pruning & Maintenance
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- When to Prune: Deadhead spent flowers to encourage reblooming and maintain a tidy appearance.
- Pruning Tips: Cut back foliage in late fall or early spring to promote healthy growth.
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Water Needs
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- Water Requirements: Keep the soil consistently moist during the first growing season; once established, it is moderately drought-tolerant.
- Frequency: Water regularly, especially in dry spells.
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Light Needs
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Thrives in full sun to partial shade; ideally, 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily. |
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Harvesting
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Not applicable; primarily ornamental. |
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Fertilizing
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- When to Fertilize: Early spring with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer.
- Frequency: Once a year is generally sufficient.
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Additional Care Tips
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- Mulching: Apply a layer of mulch in spring to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
- Pests & Diseases: Generally pest-resistant; occasional monitoring for aphids or spider mites is recommended.
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Pollination
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Primarily insect-pollinated, attracting bees and butterflies |
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Companion Plants
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– Salvia nemorosa – similar vertical bloom structure and color harmony
– Echinacea purpurea (Coneflower) – contrasting bloom shape and strong summer presence
– Coreopsis – adds bright yellow blooms that contrast beautifully with Veronica’s blue
– Achillea millefolium (Yarrow) – flat flower heads and feathery foliage provide visual contrast
– Nepeta faassenii (Catmint) – soft, mounding growth complements Veronica’s upright spikes
– Rudbeckia fulgida (Black-Eyed Susan) – warm-toned daisy blooms balance Veronica’s cool hues
– Lavandula (Lavender) – drought-tolerant with a similar bloom season and pollinator value
– Gaillardia – bright, heat-tolerant companion for mixed sunny beds
– Allium – structural flower forms that enhance summer bloom layers |
