Spiked Speedwell: A Charming Perennial with European Flair
If you’re looking for a reliable perennial that produces cheerful spikes of colorful flowers all summer long, spiked speedwell (Veronica spicata) might just be the plant for you. This European native has found its way into North American gardens, where it’s appreciated for its easy-going nature and delightful blooms that seem to dance in the breeze.
What Is Spiked Speedwell?
Spiked speedwell is a hardy perennial forb – basically a non-woody flowering plant that comes back year after year. True to its name, this plant produces distinctive flower spikes that rise above neat clumps of lance-shaped leaves. The flowers can be blue, purple, pink, or white, depending on the variety you choose, and they bloom from early summer well into fall with proper care.
As a perennial, spiked speedwell establishes a permanent presence in your garden, growing from the same root system each year. It typically reaches 12-18 inches tall and spreads about 12-15 inches wide, making it perfect for filling in gaps in borders or creating colorful drifts in larger plantings.
Where Does It Come From?
Originally from Europe and Asia, spiked speedwell is not native to North America. However, it has been introduced and now grows wild in some areas, particularly in Ontario, Quebec, and New York. The plant reproduces on its own and persists without human intervention in these regions.
Why Gardeners Love (and Sometimes Question) This Plant
There’s a lot to appreciate about spiked speedwell. It’s incredibly reliable, blooming for months when many other perennials have called it quits for the season. The flower spikes are magnets for bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects, making your garden a buzzing hub of activity. Plus, it’s surprisingly drought-tolerant once established, which means less watering for you.
However, since it’s not native to North America, some gardeners prefer to choose indigenous alternatives that provide even better support for local wildlife. If you’re interested in native options, consider looking into native Veronica species or other spike-flowered natives like wild bergamot or blazing star.
Garden Roles and Design Ideas
Spiked speedwell is wonderfully versatile in the garden landscape. Here are some ways to put it to work:
- Front to middle of perennial borders for consistent color
- Rock gardens where its compact size shines
- Cottage-style gardens for that informal, charming look
- Wildflower meadows or naturalized areas
- Groundcover in larger plantings
- Cut flower gardens – those spikes last well in bouquets
Growing Conditions and Care
One of the best things about spiked speedwell is how easy it is to grow. This plant is quite forgiving and doesn’t demand much fuss once you get it established.
Light: Thrives in full sun but can tolerate partial shade, though you might get fewer flowers in shadier spots.
Soil: Prefers well-drained soil and actually performs better in average to poor soils than in overly rich conditions. Heavy, wet soils are its biggest enemy.
Water: Drought-tolerant once established, but appreciates regular watering during its first growing season and during particularly dry spells.
Climate: Hardy in USDA zones 3-8, making it suitable for most of North America except the hottest southern regions and the most extreme northern areas.
Planting and Care Tips
Getting spiked speedwell established in your garden is straightforward:
- Plant in spring after the last frost date
- Space plants 12-15 inches apart
- Water regularly the first year to help establish strong roots
- Deadhead spent flowers to encourage more blooms
- Divide clumps every 3-4 years in spring or fall to maintain vigor
- Cut back to ground level in late fall or early spring
The plant is generally pest and disease-free, though it can occasionally suffer from powdery mildew in humid conditions with poor air circulation.
Pollinator and Wildlife Benefits
While spiked speedwell isn’t native, it does provide some benefits to pollinators. The small, nectar-rich flowers attract various bees, butterflies, and beneficial insects throughout the long blooming season. However, native plants typically provide more comprehensive support for local ecosystems, including specialized relationships with native insects that non-native plants can’t replicate.
The Bottom Line
Spiked speedwell is a reliable, attractive perennial that can add months of color to your garden with minimal effort on your part. While it’s not native to North America, it’s not considered invasive either, making it a reasonable choice for gardeners who appreciate its long-blooming nature and easy care requirements. If you’re focused on supporting native ecosystems, consider researching native alternatives, but if you’re looking for a proven performer that pollinators will visit, spiked speedwell can certainly earn its place in your garden.
