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Growth Rate
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– Moderate – reaches mature size in one growing season
– Forms a dense, compact clump that spreads slightly by root expansion |
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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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– Attracts bees, butterflies, and other pollinators
– Flowers are a valuable nectar source in early summer
– Not attractive to deer or rabbits |
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Self-pollinating
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Seasonality
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– Herbaceous perennial – dies back to the ground in winter
– Blooms late spring to mid-summer, with potential for repeat blooms
– Foliage remains tidy from spring through fall |
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Ideal For
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– Borders and edging
– Pollinator and cottage gardens
– Containers and small space landscapes
– Mass plantings for contrast or monochromatic schemes |
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Leaf Description
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– Narrow, lance-shaped medium green leaves
– Arranged in opposite pairs along the square stems
– Foliage remains neat and healthy through the growing season |
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Flower Description
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– Dense spikes of pure white, tubular flowers held above the foliage
– Flowering begins in early to mid-summer
– May rebloom lightly in late summer if deadheaded
– Flowers open bottom to top on each spike |
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Planting Instructions
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– Plant in spring or early fall to allow root establishment before extreme temperatures.
– Choose a location with full sun and well-drained soil.
– Space plants 10–12 inches apart to allow air circulation and prevent mildew.
– Dig a hole twice the width of the root ball and the same depth; backfill with compost-enriched soil.
– Water thoroughly after planting and mulch lightly to retain moisture and suppress weeds. |
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Pruning & Maintenance
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– Deadhead spent blooms to encourage rebloom and maintain a tidy appearance.
– Cut stems back to basal foliage after flowering finishes to promote new growth.
– In late fall or early spring, cut back all stems to ground level to refresh the plant. |
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Water Needs
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– Keep soil evenly moist after planting until established.
– Once mature, drought tolerant for short periods but prefers regular watering.
– Avoid overwatering or soggy soils. |
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Light Needs
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– Full sun (6+ hours daily) is ideal for compact growth and maximum flowering.
– Can tolerate light afternoon shade in hot climates but may result in fewer blooms. |
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Harvesting
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– Can be cut for fresh floral arrangements – harvest when half the flowers on a spike have opened
– Best cut in the morning, and stems can last up to a week in water
– Not typically used for dried flowers due to delicate petal structure |
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Fertilizing
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– Low to moderate feeder – too much nitrogen can reduce flower production.
– Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in spring as new growth begins.
– Optionally, supplement with compost or liquid feed during peak bloom. |
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Pollination
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– Insect-pollinated, primarily by bees and butterflies.
– Flowers are fertile and may produce seed, though most propagation is done vegetatively.
– Self-pollinating but not aggressively self-seeding. |
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Companion Plants
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– Salvia nemorosa – matching upright spires in contrasting colors
– Coreopsis – soft, mounded forms with bright yellow blooms
– Nepeta (Catmint) – lacy blue flowers and fragrance that complements Veronica’s clean form
– Lavandula (Lavender) – both drought-tolerant and sun-loving
– Achillea (Yarrow) – flat-topped blooms contrast nicely with vertical spikes
– Echinacea (Coneflower) – extended bloom season and pollinator-friendly pairing |
