Veronica Blue Shades
$4.49
Veronica Spicata
- Seed Count 2000
- Bee Friendly
- Perennial
- Height 40 cm
In stock
Description
Veronica Blue Shades, with its slender spikes of vivid blue and purple blossoms, has secured its place in gardens worldwide.
Its drought tolerance, once established, makes it ideal for water-conscious landscapes as the plant’s deep root system allows it to access subsoil moisture, reducing reliance on frequent watering.
Coastal gardeners, too, benefit from Veronica’s salt tolerance, which enables it to flourish in sandy, windswept soils where other perennials might falter.
Its nectar-rich flowers attract a symphony of pollinators, including native bees, honeybees, and butterflies and its long blooming period ensures a reliable food source during seasonal gaps.
Veronica’s vertical flower spikes lend structure and contrast to garden designs. In cottage-style plantings, it harmonises with lavender, salvia, and daisies, whilst in more contemporary landscapes, its clean lines and vibrant hues provide striking accents in rockeries or minimalist border plantings.
| Method: Sow direct | Soil Temp: 21°C - 24°C |
| Cool Mountain: Sep - Dec | Position: Full sun |
| Arid: Aug, Oct - Mar. Apr | Row Spacing: 30cm apart |
| Temperate: Aug, Oct - Mar. Apr | Planting Depth: 1 mm |
| Sub Tropical: Aug, Oct - Mar. Apr | Harvest: 140 Days |
| Tropical: Apr - Jul | Plant Height: 40 cm |
Timing
Indoors:
- 8–10 weeks before the last frost.Â
Outdoors:
- Sow after frost danger passes.Â
Seed Preparation
Cold Stratification:
- Refrigerate seeds mixed with moist sand for 2–4 weeks.Â
- Or simply pop your packet seeds into the refrigerator for two weeks
- Tricks the seeds into thinking they have just gone through winter and improves germination.
Sowing Steps
Soil:
- Use a seed starting mix; pH 6.0–7.5.Â
Sowing:
- Surface sow seeds (light aids germination), lightly press into soil.Â
Water:
- Mist to keep moist; cover with plastic for humidity.Â
Soil Temperature:
- 18–24°C. Germination in 14–30 days.Â
Light:
- Ensure that they receive bright but indirect light during the germination process.
- Placing them near a south-facing window or using grow lights can be beneficial.
Transplanting:
- Harden off seedlings over 7–10 days.Â
- Space 30 cm apart in full sun.Â
Soil:
- Amend with compost for drainage.Â
Care Guide
Watering:
- Moderate until established, drought tolerant afterward.
- Avoid waterlogging.Â
Mulching:
- Apply mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds.Â
Fertilising:
- Balanced fertiliser in spring; avoid overfeeding.Â
Deadheading:
- Remove spent blooms to encourage reblooming.Â
Pruning:
- Cut back by half after first bloom to encourage more flowers.Â
Dividing:
- Every 3–4 years in spring or autumn to rejuvenate.Â
Companion Planting Guide
Top Companions:
- Echinacea: Contrasting daisy like flowers; similar sun/water needs.Â
- Salvia: Spikes complement Veronica; drought tolerant.Â
- Ornamental Grasses: Textural contrast; low maintenance.Â
- Lavender: Repels pests; thrives in dry, sunny spots.Â
- Yarrow: Attracts beneficial insects; drought resistant.Â
- Roses: Veronica’s low growth hides bare rose stems.Â
- Thyme: Ground cover; shares well drained soil preference.Â
Avoid:
- Moisture loving plants such as Hosta’s and Ferns.Â
Troubleshooting
Pests:
- Slugs/snails (use diatomaceous earth); aphids (spray with water or neem oil).Â
Diseases:
- Powdery mildew (ensure airflow; avoid overhead watering).Â
Leggy Growth:
- Insufficient sun; relocate to full sun.Â
Poor Flowering:
- Overfertilisation or nutrient deficiency; use balanced feed.Â
2 reviews for Veronica Blue Shades