Seaside Veronica

Size

Seaside Speedwell™ is a tough as nails workhorse that attracts pollinators in droves. It not only has the deepest blue flower spikes available in a Veronica, but also has amazing tolerance to heat, cold, and salty seaside breezes. The tall spikes of Seaside Speedwell™ attract native bees along with larger pollinators like hummingbirds, butterflies, and moths. Blooming begins early in the summer and will continue unaided until the first frosts of fall. Plant Seaside Speedwell™ in large groups for instant impact and masses of calming color. The mounded growth habit makes this plant a great option for planting on slopes and along walkways to give your garden a naturalized and informal look. Deer and rabbits rarely browse on the highly fragrant flowers or foliage. This cultivar is also disease resistant, making it a low-maintenance addition for most planting plans. Alternatively, Seaside Speedwell™ works wonderfully as a thriller element in a summer container filled with other colorful perennials and annuals. Seaside Speedwell™ Care Plant speedwell in full sun and in well-draining soil. Regular watering is necessary for the first season to promote a strong root system. Over time, the plants will become more drought tolerant, often only requiring supplemental watering during periods of heat or drought. Provide an annual layer of organic mulch to improve the soil, retain moisture, and suppress weeds throughout the growing season. Speedwell is not a hungry plant and requires only light fertilizing to support profuse blooming. Feed plants once in early spring with a balanced, slow-release formula. Pinch back plants one or two times early in the spring as new growth begins. Always pinch back to just above a set of leaves to keep plants tidy with no naked stems showing through the foliage. Deadheading is optional with Seaside Speedwell™. Veronica is extremely cold hardy and thrives in growing zones 3-8 with little winter protection needed. Place potted plants in a sheltered position out of the direct path of winds and winter storms. Seasonal clean-up of the spent top growth can be done either in the fall or early spring as the new growth emerges. Leaving the seed heads on speedwell provides nutrition for nonmigrating birds over the winter months. Seaside Speedwell™ Spacing Seaside Speedwell™ stays compact at 24 inches tall and 20 inches wide. Spacing plants 18 inches apart will allow plenty of air circulation to keep plants healthy and discourage mildew and fungal diseases. Pot individual plants in a container with at least a 12-inch diameter.