First Glory Speedwell

Size

Attractive flowers in a deep shade of blue ensure the First Glory Speedwell stands out in a bed or container. Deep green foliage grows in a mound that surrounds tall flower spikes. On top of the tall stalks are tiny royal blue flowers that grow in cone-shaped clusters. Each stalk will have several flower clusters. The flowers begin to bloom at the bottom and slowly open in ascending order. The Veronica longifolia First Glory is an easy plant to maintain and is an excellent way to add color and height to a planting. Create a border or add height to a mixed bed with this perennial. Include in a rock garden as the lush, mounded greenery, and blue blooms will provide a striking contrast against the hardscape. Butterflies are drawn to the flowers, but foraging animals like deer and rabbits typically leave Speedwell alone. The hardy First Glory Speedwell is a perennial in USDA zones 4 through 10. First Glory Speedwell Care Speedwell requires full sun and rich, well-drained soil with a neutral pH. New plants need regular water, but established plants prefer more dry conditions. Give this plant one inch of water per week to promote more blooms. Speedwell does very well without fertilization, but a springtime application of balanced fertilizer will encourage abundant growth. Deadhead the plant to promote more branching and flower production. Cut back the growth to the foliage if the plant becomes leggy. Trim back all of the growth to a few inches after the first frost. First Glory Speedwell Spacing First Glory Speedwell is an upright mounded plant that will grow 14 to 18 inches tall and wide. Space plants 12 to 20 inches apart.