Veronica longifolia Skyward™ Pink ('Balskywink') PP34890

– Attracts pollinators: bees, butterflies, and hummingbird moths

– Not favored by deer or rabbits

– Spring: basal foliage emerges and begins vertical growth

– Summer: peak blooming season with showy vertical spires

– Fall: foliage remains neat; cut back in late season

– Winter: dies back to ground in colder zones

– Vertical interest in borders

– Butterfly and bee gardens

– Container gardening

– Cut flower use

– Narrow, lance-shaped medium green leaves

– Arranged oppositely along strong upright stems

– Forms a neat clump with dense vertical structure

– Dense vertical spikes of medium pink flowers with darker centers

– Spikes bloom from bottom to top, creating long-lasting color

– Bloom time: mid to late summer (July–September)

– Ideal for cut flower arrangements and vertical garden interest

– Plant in spring or early fall to allow strong root development

– Space 16–20 inches apart for mature spread and airflow

– Grows best in well-drained, average to moderately fertile soil

– Avoid waterlogged soils or heavy clay—amend with compost or sand as needed

– Mulch lightly to conserve moisture and suppress weeds

– Deadhead spent flower spikes to prolong bloom period

– Shear back after initial bloom to encourage tidy regrowth and potential rebloom

– Cut back to the base in early spring before new growth emerges

– Prefers even moisture with well-drained soil

– Drought tolerant once established, but performs best with regular watering

– Avoid soggy soils or overhead irrigation that may promote foliar diseases

– Thrives in full sun (6+ hours/day)

– Can tolerate very light shade but may result in reduced flower production

– Excellent for cut flower use; harvest when lower florets are open

– Long-lasting in fresh arrangements

– Not typically used for dried arrangements

– Fertilize once in spring with balanced slow-release fertilizer or compost

– Avoid high-nitrogen feeding which may lead to floppy growth

– Excellent pollinator plant, attracting bees, butterflies, and hoverflies

– Offers abundant nectar in midsummer when other sources may be waning

– Echinacea purpurea – bold color contrast and similar bloom time

– Salvia nemorosa – complementary spiked form and pollinator appeal

– Achillea millefolium – flat blooms balance Veronica’s upright shape

– Rudbeckia fulgida – adds bright yellow tones and summer texture

– Pennisetum alopecuroides – ornamental grasses soften vertical form