Spike Speedwell Veronica spicata 'Glory' (PBR)
ABOUT
Veronica spicata 'Glory', more commonly known as Spike Speedwell 'Glory', is characterized by its striking spire-like inflorescences. The plant bears numerous small, vivid blue or purplish flowers tightly clustered along upright spikes, providing a bold and vertical accent in the garden. These floral spikes rise above a mound of lush green foliage, which is composed of narrow, lance-shaped leaves with toothed margins. The leaves are typically deep green in color and provide a dense, textured backdrop for the eye-catching blooms. The flowers themselves are tubular, opening into small, four-petalled blooms that attract various pollinators, such as bees and butterflies. The contrast between the vibrant flowers and the verdant foliage creates a dramatic visual impact. Spike Speedwell 'Glory' has a neat and bushy habit, making it a popular choice for adding structure and color to borders, beds, and containers. Its flowering period typically occurs during the summer months, when the plant becomes a tapestry of color, texture, and form. As the season progresses, the floral spikes may fade in color, but the plant maintains its appeal with its robust foliage and overall form. The appearance of Spike Speedwell 'Glory' encapsulates the essence of cottage garden charm and perennial border grace, bringing a sense of order and beauty to any landscape design.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Spiked Speedwell, Spike Speedwell.
Common names
Veronica spicata 'Glory' (PBR)
ToxicityTo humans
The plant known as Speedwell has no known significant toxicity to humans. Generally, it is considered non-toxic and safe around humans. However, like with any plant, individuals may have varying sensitivities, so it's always prudent to avoid ingesting parts of ornamental plants to prevent any potential adverse reactions.
To pets
Speedwell is not known to be toxic to pets such as dogs and cats. It is generally considered safe for animals, and there are no common symptoms of poisoning associated with this plant. Although the plant is not toxic, pets should not be encouraged to eat ornamental plants as they can cause gastrointestinal upset or other issues if ingested in large quantities.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Blue
Height
2 feet [60 cm]
Spread
1 foot [30 cm]
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
3
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal: Produces attractive spiky flowers that can add color and visual interest to gardens and landscapes.
- Attracts Pollinators: Serves as a nectar source for bees, butterflies, and other beneficial pollinators, promoting biodiversity.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, it has good drought resistance, making it suitable for dry or xeriscape gardens.
- Low Maintenance: Requires minimal care and is relatively easy to grow, making it a good choice for novice gardeners.
- Cold Hardy: Can survive in colder climates, making it a versatile plant for various garden zones.
- Deer Resistance: Typically resistant to deer, which can help maintain its appearance and health in areas with deer populations.
- Long Blooming Period: Offers a prolonged blooming season, providing color and interest in the garden for an extended time.
- Soil Adaptability: Capable of thriving in a variety of soil types, as long as they are well-draining.
- Compact Growth: Grows in a neat, compact form, which is ideal for garden borders, rockeries, and container planting.
- Versatile Usage: Can be used in a range of landscape designs, from traditional cottage gardens to modern urban spaces.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Artistic Inspiration: Veronica 'Glory' can serve as a muse for artists and photographers due to its vibrant blue flowers, inspiring paintings, drawings, and photographic projects.
- Crafting Potpourri: Dried Veronica 'Glory' flowers can be mixed with other botanicals to create fragrant potpourri blends for scenting rooms naturally.
- Education: The plant can be used in botanical studies and gardening workshops due to its distinct spiky inflorescences, which can illustrate plant structure and pollinator attraction.
- Garden Borders: Veronica 'Glory' can be used to create visually appealing borders along sidewalks or between garden beds, contributing to garden design and landscaping.
- Eco-Friendly Confetti: Dried Veronica 'Glory' petals can be used as a biodegradable alternative to traditional confetti at celebrations like weddings or outdoor events.
- Floral Arrangements: Providing a spike of color and texture, it can be included in fresh or dried floral arrangements for interior decoration or special occasions.
- Dye Production: The blue pigments from the flowers of Veronica 'Glory' may be used to create natural dyes for textiles, crafts, or art projects.
- Culinary Garnish: While not commonly consumed, the flowers could potentially be used as an edible garnish for salads or desserts to add a touch of color.
- Wildlife Habitat: When planted in gardens, Veronica 'Glory' can provide a habitat and food source for beneficial insects like bees and butterflies.
- Soil Erosion Control: Due to its growth habit, Veronica 'Glory' can be used in landscapes to help stabilize soil and prevent erosion on slopes.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Spike Speedwell is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Spike Speedwell is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Fidelity: Veronica spicata 'Glory', commonly known as Spike Speedwell, has been associated with fidelity, representing the faithfulness and constancy in relationships.
- Healing: Historically, the genus Veronica is linked with healing due to its use in herbal medicine, and thus Spike Speedwell can symbolize a wish for health or recovery.
- Clarity: The clear, vibrant blue flowers of the Spike Speedwell may symbolize clarity and clear vision in one’s life.
WaterThe Speedwell 'Royal Candles' should be watered thoroughly when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch, typically once or twice a week depending on climate conditions. It’s essential to avoid waterlogged soil, so ensure the plant has adequate drainage. During the growing season, the soil should be kept consistently moist, but not soggy, and you might need to water more frequently during hot, dry spells. Approximately 1 gallon per plant should suffice per watering session, adjusting as necessary for weather changes.
LightSpeedwell 'Royal Candles' thrives in full sun but can tolerate some light shade. For optimal growth and flowering, place the plant in a location where it can receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day. The plant is versatile and can do well in a garden bed with bright sunlight or in a container that can be moved to catch the best rays.
TemperatureSpeedwell 'Royal Candles' is hardy and can withstand temperatures as low as 20°F and as high as 85°F, but it performs best in temperatures between 60°F and 70°F. It's a robust perennial that can survive winter in many climates, though in areas with harsh winters, a layer of mulch can provide additional insulation for the roots.
PruningPruning Speedwell 'Royal Candles' is important to encourage denser growth and more abundant blooms. Deadheading, or removing spent flowers, will prolong the blooming period. Prune back the stems by one-third after the first bloom to encourage a second flush of flowers. The best time to prune is in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe best soil mix for the Speedwell (Veronica spicata 'Glory') is well-draining soil with some organic matter and a pH ranging from slightly acidic to neutral (6.0 to 7.0). A mix of garden soil, compost, and perlite or sand in equal parts is ideal for facilitating drainage and providing sufficient nutrients.
RepottingThe Speedwell generally needs repotting every 2-3 years or when it outgrows its current container. It's best to repot in the spring before new growth starts.
Humidity & MistingSpeedwell prefers moderate to low humidity levels; high humidity can lead to fungal diseases. Ambient room humidity is usually adequate for this hardy perennial.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Use bright light, well-draining soil, and water when topsoil is dry.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun to partial shade, in well-draining soil.
Hardiness zone
4-8 USDA
Life cycleThe life of Veronica spicata 'Glory', commonly known as the Spike Speedwell, begins with seed germination, which takes place in early spring under optimal conditions of moisture and temperature. Following germination, the seedling stage occurs, during which the plant focuses on root and shoot development and gradually matures into a vegetative state, with distinctively narrow, lance-shaped leaves. As it enters the flowering stage in late spring to early summer, the plant develops tall, erect spikes adorned with small, vivid blue or violet flowers that attract a variety of pollinators. After pollination, seeds develop and are dispersed later in the season, thus completing the reproductive cycle. During the post-reproductive phase in late summer to autumn, the plant begins to senesce, with foliage dying back, especially in colder climates where it may die back to the ground level. However, with the arrival of the next spring, the plant regrows from overwintering rootstock or from self-sown seeds, beginning the life cycle anew.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The most popular method of propagation for Veronica spicata 'Glory', commonly known as Speedwell, is by division. This is ideally carried out in the spring or fall when the plant is not in active bloom. To propagate by division, carefully dig up the clump of Speedwell, ensuring a generous amount of root is attached to each section. Use a sharp knife or spade to separate the clump into smaller divisions, each with several shoots and a portion of the root system. Replant the divisions at the same depth they were previously growing, spacing them about 12 to 18 inches (30 to 45 centimeters) apart to allow enough room for growth. Water the new plants thoroughly after planting to help establish them. This method reliably produces new plants that are true to the parent, maintaining the ornamental qualities of the 'Glory' cultivar.
