Speedwell Veronica longifolia 'Melanie White'
ABOUT
Veronica longifolia 'Melanie White', commonly known as the long-leaf speedwell 'Melanie White', presents an elegant and striking appearance in the garden. The most captivating aspect of this plant is its blooms. The flowers are a pristine white, creating a sense of purity and brightness wherever they're planted. They grow in dense, elongated clusters along upright spikes that rise gracefully above the foliage. This gives the plant a vertical aspect and makes it stand out in any floral display. The foliage of 'Melanie White' is also noteworthy—it consists of lance-shaped leaves that are lush and green. These leaves are arranged neatly along the stems, providing a textured backdrop to the stunning floral spikes. The combination of the verdant leaves and white flowers creates a classic and refreshing contrast that can easily complement a wide range of garden designs. Moreover, 'Melanie White' blooms over a long period, making it a generous contributor to the garden's visual appeal across the seasons. The plant maintains a tidy and compact form, and its blossoms are known to attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies, adding an extra layer of dynamic life to its presence. Overall, Veronica longifolia 'Melanie White' is characterized by its showy white flower spikes, rich green foliage, and its ability to infuse a bright and airy feel to gardens or containers without overwhelming them with its size. Its beauty lies in its simplicity and the harmony of its color and form which makes it a beloved choice among gardeners.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Plantaginaceae
Synonyms
Garden Speedwell, Long-Leaf Speedwell, Melanie White Speedwell
Common names
Veronica longifolia 'Melanie White'.
ToxicityTo humans
Speedwell, specifically Veronica longifolia 'Melanie White', is generally considered non-toxic to humans. There are no well-documented cases or significant reports of poisoning from ingesting this plant. Therefore, it is unlikely to cause harm if small accidental quantities are ingested. However, as with any plant, individual allergies or sensitivities can occur, and it is generally advised not to consume plants that are not explicitly grown for consumption.
To pets
Speedwell, specifically Veronica longifolia 'Melanie White', is also generally considered non-toxic to pets. It is not known to cause any significant toxic effect if ingested by common household pets such as dogs or cats. While it is always best to prevent pets from eating ornamental plants as a precautionary measure, the ingestion of small amounts of this plant is not expected to cause poisoning symptoms or severe consequences.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
White
Height
1-3 feet (30-91 cm)
Spread
1-2 feet (30-61 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
3-8
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Attracts pollinators: 'Melanie White' is known for its ability to attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects to the garden, helping to facilitate pollination.
- Easy to grow: This variety of Veronica, also known as Speedwell, is tolerant of various soil conditions and is generally low-maintenance, making it easy to cultivate for gardeners of all skill levels.
- Long blooming period: 'Melanie White' has a lengthy flowering season, providing white blooms from early to late summer, enhancing the garden's aesthetic for an extended period.
- Drought resistant: Once established, 'Melanie White' exhibits a degree of drought tolerance, making it suitable for gardens in drier climates or for reducing water consumption.
- Deer and rabbit resistant: The plant is not favored by deer and rabbits, reducing the risk of damage from these animals and making it a good choice for areas where they are prevalent.
- Landscape versatility: 'Melanie White' Speedwell can be used in various garden settings, such as borders, rock gardens, and as ground cover, thanks to its adaptable growth habit.
- Cut flowers: The blooms of 'Melanie White' can be used in floral arrangements, offering gardeners the opportunity to bring its beauty indoors.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Photography Prop: The Veronica 'Melanie White', with its delicate white flowers, can be used by photographers to create a serene and pure backdrop for macro photography.
- Educational Tool: The plant can be used in educational settings, such as schools or botanical workshops, to teach about plant growth, pollination, and the lifecycle of perennials.
- Habitat Enrichment: It can provide structural complexity in wildlife gardens, offering hiding places and microhabitats for beneficial insects.
- Artistic Inspiration: The graceful stems and flowers of Veronica 'Melanie White' can be used as a live model for drawing, painting, or other artistic endeavors.
- Crafting: Dried stems and flowers can be used for creating homemade wreaths, floral arrangements, or potpourri.
- Erosion Control: When planted en masse, the root system can help stabilize soil on slopes and banks, preventing erosion.
- Culinary Garnish: Although not for consumption, the flowers can be used temporarily to decorate dishes and add visual interest before serving.
- Aquarium Scaping: While not an aquatic plant, the Veronica 'Melanie White' can be simulated with aquarium-safe materials to decorate fish tanks.
- Event Décor: It can be used as natural, eco-friendly décor for events like weddings, providing a touch of elegance with its tall, white spikes of flowers.
- Memory Garden: Planting Veronica 'Melanie White' in a memory garden can serve as a living tribute to loved ones, symbolizing purity and remembrance.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Speedwell is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Speedwell is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Fidelity: Veronica, commonly known as speedwell, is often associated with fidelity and loyalty due to its enduring nature and the way it clings steadfastly to the earth.
- Healing: Historically, various Veronica species have had medicinal uses, which lends a symbolism of healing and nurturing to the plant.
- Endurance: Speedwell, with its hardy growth and ability to thrive in many conditions, symbolizes endurance and the capacity to persevere through challenges.
- Serenity: The soothing white color of 'Melanie White,' specifically, can signify peace, calm, and serenity, reflecting a tranquil state of mind.
WaterSpeedwell 'Melanie White' should be watered regularly to maintain evenly moist soil, especially during the growing season. Water this plant when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch, which typically means once every week, but this may vary depending on climate and soil conditions. When watering, provide enough water to soak the soil around the roots; for an average-sized plant, this equates to about 1 – 1.5 gallons every week during the active growing season. Reduce watering in the winter months when the plant is not actively growing, and always ensure good drainage to prevent root rot.
LightSpeedwell 'Melanie White' thrives best in full sun to partial shade. It prefers a location where it can receive at least six to eight hours of sunlight per day, but it can also tolerate some afternoon shade, especially in hotter climates. The ideal spot for this plant is one where morning sunlight is abundant, as it provides bright light without the intensity of the midday sun.
TemperatureSpeedwell 'Melanie White' is hardy and can tolerate a range of temperatures, generally surviving in zones 3 to 8. It prefers temperatures between 60°F and 75°F for optimal growth but can withstand temperatures as low as -40°F and as high as 85°F. To encourage vigorous growth, try to maintain it within its ideal temperature range, but rest assured that it is resilient and can adapt to varying conditions.
PruningTo encourage bushier growth and more blooms, regularly deadhead spent flowers on Speedwell 'Melanie White' throughout the blooming season. Pruning should also be done to remove any damaged or dead foliage and stems, which promotes healthy growth and prevents disease. Cut back the entire plant by one-third after the first flush of flowers has faded to encourage a second bloom. A more substantial pruning can be performed in late winter or early spring to tidy up the plant and prepare it for new growth.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe Speedwell 'Melanie White' thrives best in a well-drained soil mix, consisting of garden soil, peat moss or compost, and perlite or sand to ensure good drainage. The ideal pH for this plant is slightly acidic to neutral, ranging from 6.0 to 7.0.
RepottingSpeedwell 'Melanie White' typically does not require frequent repotting and can be done every 2-3 years or when the plant has outgrown its current container. It's important to refresh the soil and check the root health during repotting.
Humidity & MistingSpeedwell 'Melanie White' prefers average humidity levels and can typically tolerate the natural humidity found outdoors. Indoor humidity levels should mimic these conditions, avoiding extremes of too dry or too moist.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place Speedwell 'Melanie White' near bright light, avoiding direct intense sun.
Outdoor
Plant Speedwell 'Melanie White' in full sun to part shade, in moist soil.
Hardiness zone
3-8 USDA
Life cycleVeronica longifolia 'Melanie White', commonly known as long-leaf speedwell, begins its life cycle as a seed, which, when sown in fertile, well-drained soil and exposed to sunlight and warmth, germinates to give rise to a seedling. As the seedling establishes roots and grows in favorable conditions, it develops into a vegetative plant, producing a rosette of leaves at the base. During the growth phase, foliage expands, and the plant grows vertically, preparing for the flowering stage. In the flowering stage, typically in late spring to summer, 'Melanie White' produces tall spikes of white flowers that attract pollinators and subsequently may set seed if pollination is successful. After the blooming period, the plant enters a phase of senescence during the cooler months, whereby foliage may die back, especially in colder climates. The plant can then either go dormant, waiting to regenerate the next season from the existing root system, or it may perish, completing its life cycle, depending on the longevity of the particular cultivar and environmental conditions.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to Early Summer
The most popular method for propagating Veronica longifolia 'Melanie White', commonly known as long-leaf speedwell, is by division. The best time to divide this perennial is in early spring or early fall when the plant is not in peak bloom. To propagate by division, carefully dig up the entire plant, ensuring a good amount of soil is kept around the roots. Using a sharp knife or spade, separate the plant into smaller sections, each with a portion of the root system attached. Replant the divisions at the same soil depth they were originally growing. Water the new plantings thoroughly to help establish them, providing about an inch of water weekly (2.54 cm) or more during hot, dry periods. This method of propagation helps to rejuvenate older clumps and allows gardeners to easily increase their stock of the plant.
