Veronica First Love Veronica × media First Love = 'Alllove' (PBR)
ABOUT
Veronica 'First Love', commonly known as Speedwell 'First Love', is an attractive perennial plant that boasts a dense, bushy habit. Its foliage is lush and primarily consists of lance-shaped, glossy leaves that provide a striking green backdrop throughout the growing season. The most captivating feature of Speedwell 'First Love' is its abundant blooms. The flowers emerge in long, slim spikes that rise prominently above the foliage. These blossoms are a radiant pink color that can add a pop of vibrance to any garden space. Each individual flower is small and tubular, clustering tightly along each spike, giving the impression of a continuous flush of color when viewed from a distance. The overall appearance of Speedwell 'First Love' radiates health and vigor, and its flowering spikes offer a long-lasting display that can be a magnet for pollinators such as bees and butterflies. The combination of its green foliage and pink flower spikes makes it a popular choice for borders, rock gardens, and as a ground cover, where it contributes to a dynamic and colorful landscape. Its striking appearance and resilient nature make it a delightful addition to a variety of garden settings.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Plantaginaceae
Synonyms
Speedwell, Veronica First Love
Common names
Veronica × media First Love = 'Alllove' (PBR).
ToxicityTo humans
The Speedwell, specifically the Veronica × media First Love = 'Alllove' (PBR), is generally considered non-toxic to humans. There are no widespread reports of poisonous effects from ingesting parts of this plant. However, as with any plant, individual allergies or sensitivities can occur, so it is wise to err on the side of caution and avoid ingestion.
To pets
Speedwell, specifically the Veronica × media First Love = 'Alllove' (PBR), is generally not toxic to pets. There is no significant evidence to suggest that pets, such as dogs and cats, will experience poisoning from ingesting parts of this plant. Toxicity is usually low, and it should not cause any serious issues if consumed in small quantities. However, pet owners should always monitor their animals for any signs of distress after ingesting any type of plant material, as individual reactions can vary.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Pink
Height
1 foot 6 inches (45 cm)
Spread
1 foot 6 inches (45 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
4
Native area
Hybrid
Benefits
General Benefits- Attracts Pollinators: Veronica First Love attracts bees and butterflies, which are essential for pollination and healthy gardens.
- Easy Maintenance: This variety is known for being low-maintenance, requiring minimal care once established.
- Extended Blooming Season: It typically has a long flowering period, providing color and interest in the garden for an extended time.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, it has good resistance to drought, reducing the need for frequent watering.
- Compact Growth Habit: Its growth habit makes it suitable for small gardens, borders, and containers.
- Deer Resistance: It is generally resistant to deer, which helps to prevent damage to the garden.
- Colorful Foliage: Apart from flowers, some Veronica varieties have interesting foliage that adds to the garden's aesthetic even when not in bloom.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Veronica First Love can be used in educational settings like schools or botanical gardens for instructional purposes, demonstrating plant growth, pollination, and ecosystem interactions to students.
- The flowers of Veronica First Love can be pressed and used in crafts such as creating bookmarks, cards or other decorative art that requires dried flowers for embellishment.
- The plant can serve as a food source for various pollinators, such as bees and butterflies, which can help sustain local ecosystems.
- It can be planted in containers and used as patio or balcony decorations, adding a splash of color and enhancing outdoor aesthetics.
- Veronica First Love can be used as a ground cover in landscaping, effectively filling in spaces between larger plants and providing an unbroken expanse of foliage and flowers.
- They are suitable for creating a 'living mulch' which helps retain soil moisture and suppress weeds in garden beds.
- These plants can be used in cut flower arrangements, adding delicate structure and soft colors to bouquets and floral displays.
- Small scale farmers or hobbyists can propagate Veronica First Love to sell at farmers' markets or local garden shops as ornamental plants.
- Veronica First Love can be used in sensory gardens, where its texture and the softness of the flowers can be appreciated by visitors looking for a tactile experience.
- Gardeners can incorporate Veronica First Love in rock gardens, where its low-growing habit and tolerance for various soil types make it a fitting choice for such environments.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe plant Veronica is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe plant Veronica is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Fidelity - The plant's name, Veronica, historically has been associated with faithfulness due to Saint Veronica, who, according to Christian legend, gave her veil to Jesus to wipe his face on the way to his crucifixion. This gesture made the name and the plant symbolize trust and loyalty.
- First Love - The cultivar name 'First Love' suggests the freshness and innocence of young love, symbolizing the intense, pure emotions experienced during the initial stages of a romantic relationship.
- Healing - Veronica species have been used in traditional medicine for various ailments. It symbolizes the plant's perceived ability to heal physical wounds and soothe emotional pain.
- Innocence - The delicate flowers of the plant can represent innocence and chastity, highlighting the pure, untouched, and virtuous aspects of a person's character or relationships.
- Endurance - Being a hardy plant that persists through various challenges, it has become a symbol of endurance and the ability to withstand hardships while maintaining beauty.
WaterSpeedwell 'First Love' prefers consistent moisture, particularly during the growing season. It should be watered thoroughly when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch, approximately once or twice a week depending on weather conditions. When watering, avoid overhead watering to reduce the risk of foliar diseases; instead, water at the base of the plant. Ensure the plant receives about 1 gallon of water each time to saturate the root zone. During hot, dry spells, watering frequency may increase, and during cooler, wetter periods, it may decrease.
LightSpeedwell 'First Love' thrives best in full sun to partial shade. The ideal spot for this plant is an area that receives at least 6 hours of sunlight daily, preferably morning sun with some afternoon shade in hotter climates. Avoid deep shade as it can lead to poor flowering and weaker growth.
TemperatureSpeedwell 'First Love' can tolerate a wide range of temperatures but will perform best in temperatures between 60°F and 70°F. It can survive winter temperatures down to around 20°F, making it suitable for many temperate regions. During the summer months, ensure that the plant does not suffer from excessive heat stress, especially if temperatures rise above 85°F.
PruningPruning Speedwell 'First Love' helps to maintain its shape, encourage bushier growth, and stimulate a second bloom. Trim the flower spikes back after the initial bloom, which is often in late spring or early summer, to promote a second flowering period. Cut back the foliage in late autumn or early spring to clean up the plant and prepare it for new growth.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe Veronica First Love thrives best in a well-draining soil rich in organic matter with a slightly acidic to neutral pH of 5.8 to 7.0. An ideal soil mix would be composed of garden soil, compost, and perlite or sand to enhance drainage.
RepottingVeronica First Love should generally be repotted every 2-3 years or when it outgrows its current container to ensure continued growth and health.
Humidity & MistingVeronica First Love prefers moderate humidity levels, although it is quite adaptable and doesn't require specific humidity conditions to thrive.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Ensure bright indirect light, well-draining soil, and moderate watering.
Outdoor
Full sun to partial shade, well-drained soil, and water when the topsoil dries.
Hardiness zone
4-8 USDA
Life cycleVeronica × media First Love, commonly known as Veronica First Love, begins its life cycle as a seed, which germinates in favorable conditions of warmth and moisture. Upon germination, seedlings emerge and establish a root system while beginning to develop foliage. As the plant matures, it enters a vegetative stage, forming dense clumps of foliage and elongating stems. The flowering phase follows, characterized by spikes of small, closely-grouped flowers which can be pink, blue, or white, attracting pollinators and aiding in reproduction. After pollination, the plant produces seeds, completing the reproductive cycle. Finally, as an herbaceous perennial, Veronica First Love will die back to the ground in winter before re-emerging in the spring to start the cycle anew.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to summer
Veronica x media First Love, commonly known as Speedwell 'First Love', is typically propagated through division, which is the most popular method. Division is best performed in the early spring or autumn when the plant is not in active growth. To propagate by division, carefully dig up an established clump and gently separate the plant into smaller sections, ensuring each section has a good amount of roots. Replant the divisions immediately at the same soil depth they were originally growing, spacing them about 12-18 inches (30-45 centimeters) apart to allow for proper growth. Thoroughly water the new plantings to help establish them. This method is preferred for its simplicity and effectiveness in producing new plants that are true to the parent in terms of growth and bloom characteristics.
